EXP-SA: Collaborative Research: Ultratrace Detection of Explosives Enabled by an Integrated Microfluidic Nanosensing System

这一合作研究方案的重点是开发一种小型化的分析系统，旨在实现快速检测超微量爆炸物，并将误警率降至最低。在该系统中，被炸药吸收或爆炸的颗粒将被收集并利用基于液滴的微流体技术进行处理。然后，爆炸目标将使用两种不同的免疫传感器进行检测，这两种传感器分别基于Au和量子点纳米颗粒。将以三硝基甲苯(TNT)的检测为模型，对所提出的系统进行验证。智能优点建议的系统包括前所未有的高灵敏度、最小的错误报警率和近乎实时的响应。该系统是自动的和可重复使用的，允许以较低的维护水平进行连续检测。更广泛的影响该项目对国土安全和教育有很高的影响。该检测系统可以部署为一个成本相对较低的对峙检测平台，用于监测机场、安全建筑和其他基础设施中的痕量爆炸物。该小型化系统可以作为便携式系统来实施，用于追踪移动爆炸源。此外，高中生和本科生将被邀请参加拟议的研究，并将创建一个关于微/纳米技术的跨学科研讨会。

This collaborative research proposal focuses on developing a miniaturized analytical system, aiming to achieve rapid detection of ultratrace explosives with minimal false alarm rates. In this system, the explosive-absorbed or explosive particles will be collected and processed utilizing droplet-based microfluidic technologies. The explosive targets will then detected using two different immuno-sensors that are developed based on Au and quantum dot nanoparticles respectively. Validation of the proposed system will be carried out using detection of trinitrotoluene (TNT) as a model assay. Intellectual merit The proposed system includes an unprecedented level of high sensitivity, minimal false alarm rates, and near real-time response. This system is automatic and re-usable, allowing continuous sensing with a low level of maintenance. Broader ImpactsThe project has high impact on homeland security and education. The detection system can be deployed as a standoff detection platform with a relatively low cost for monitoring of trace explosives in airports, security buildings and other infrastructures. The miniaturized system can be implemented as a portable system for tracing mobile explosive sources. Besides, high school and undergraduate students will be invited to participate in proposed research and a cross-disciplinary seminar in micro/nanotechnology will be created.