SENSORS: Detection of toxic chemical agents by molecular imprinting with nanoparticles and dendrimers in ultrathin films

本文研究了有毒有机磷化学制剂的分子印迹（MI）化学识别元素。MI技术将被用来检测有毒的有机磷化学试剂，使用半导体纳米粒子（CdS，CdSe，和ZnS），树枝状聚合物的聚苄基苯基醚，和电活性单体在一个三组分交联方法。这些材料将被印刻成薄膜和单片，并使用电化学、倏逝波、声学和光纤传感器格式评估传感效率。量子点将具有对化学试剂的结合敏感的光学、电化学和发光性质。树枝状聚合物将通过形成高表面积和多孔腔作为化学识别元件来增强印迹方法。电活性聚合物将允许这些材料中的受控交联、选择性疏水性和电化学传输控制。它也会影响量子点的光化学和电化学性质。组合方法将用于控制组成和目标，提高传感器的特异性、灵敏度、检测限和可靠性。将进行定量特异性和非特异性结合研究，以确定动力学、质量传递、预浓缩效应和平衡，从而正确解决传感器的品质因数。就更广泛的影响而言，社会效益应来自保护免受化学制剂威胁、改善安全和污染监测。学生的培训和与学术，军事和工业合作者的互动也将产生。

AbstractCTS-0330127Rigoberto Advincula, University of HoustonMolecularly imprinted (MI) chemical recognition elements of toxic organophosphorous chemical agents will be investigated. MI techniques will be employed to detect toxic organophosphorous chemical agents using semiconductor nanoparticles (CdS, CdSe, and ZnS), dendrimers of polybenzylphenyl ethers, and electroactive monomers in a three component cross-linking methodology. These materials will be imprinted as films and monoliths and the sensing efficiency evaluated using electrochemical, evanescent wave, acoustic, and fiber optic sensor formats. Quantum dots will have optical, electrochemical, and luminescent properties sensitive to the binding of chemical agents. The dendrimers will enhance the imprinting methodology by forming high surface area and porous cavities as chemical recognition elements. Electroactive polymers will allow controlled cross-linking, selective hydrophobicity, and electrochemical transport control in these materials. It will also influence the photochemical and electrochemical properties of the quantum dots. Combinatorial methods will be used to control composition and target increased specificity, sensitivity, detection limits, and reliability for sensors. Quantitative specific and non-specific binding studies will be made to determine kinetics, mass transport, pre-concentration effects, and equilibration to properly address sensor figures of merit. In terms of the broader impacts, societal benefits should result from protection from chemical agent threats, improved security, and pollution monitoring. The training of students and interaction with academic, military, and industrial collaborators will also result.