SGER: Aptamer-based Nanogels: Chemosensory Transducers and Sensors for Homeland Security

Somasundaran，PonisserilColumbia大学“SGER：基于适体的纳米凝胶：用于国土安全的化学传感器和传感器“最近的事件使得开发用于快速检测毒素和微生物的先进传感器成为必要。主要研究者的目标是开发基于智能适体（中等大小的寡核苷酸）的聚合物纳米凝胶平台，该平台将感测外部扰动并适当地响应。研究人员将DNA酶（自切割适体）掺入纳米凝胶中，以便它们在结合毒素时释放预先加载的解毒剂或产生可检测的信号。合成的纳米凝胶的界面和胶体性质将使用荧光光谱法，光散射研究和超离心，而他们的交付过程中的纳米凝胶和配体之间的界面将使用表面等离子体共振光谱研究在真实的时间。更广泛的影响：这个纳米级的研究项目已经被设想和设想为一个强烈的互动和合作计划之间的参与PI的不同学科-化学工程，生物学和化学。它在微电子电路、传感器、纳米计算机、化妆品和仿生器件等不同领域都有潜在的应用。来自不同机构的本科生将有机会通过哥伦比亚目前的教育计划和重点推广活动参与这项前沿技术。

Somasundaran, PonisserilColumbia University "SGER: Aptamer-based Nanogels: Chemosensory Transducers and Sensors for Homeland Security"Recent events have necessitated development of advanced sensors for rapid detection of toxins and microbes. It is the principal investigator's aim to develop smart aptamer (oligonucleotides of modest size) based polymeric nanogel platforms that would sense external perturbations, and respond appropriately. The investigator will incorporate DNAzymes (self cleaving aptamers) into nanogels so that they will release a pre-loaded antidote or produce a detectable signal upon binding of a toxin. The interfacial and colloidal properties of the synthesized nanogels will be studied using fluorescence spectroscopy, light scattering studies and ultra centrifugation while their delivery processes at the interface between nanogel and ligands will be studied using surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy in real time. Broader Impact: This nano-scale research project has been envisioned and conceived as a strongly interactive and collaborative program between the participating PI's in different disciplines---chemical engineering, biology and chemistry. It has potential applications in as diverse areas as microelectric circuits, sensors, nano-computers, cosmetics and bio-mimetic devices. Undergraduate students from a diverse body will have an opportunity to participate in this on-the-horizon technology through Columbia's current educational programs and focused outreach activities.