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

这项合作研究建议的重点是开发一个小型化的分析系统，旨在实现快速检测超痕量爆炸物，并将误报率降至最低。在该系统中，爆炸物吸收或爆炸物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，使用分别基于Au和量子点纳米颗粒的两种不同的免疫传感器来检测爆炸目标。 将使用检测三硝基甲苯（TNT）作为模型试验对拟定系统进行验证。该系统具有前所未有的高灵敏度、最低误报率和接近实时的响应能力。该系统是自动的，可重复使用，允许连续感测，维护水平低。更广泛的影响该项目对国土安全和教育有很大的影响。该探测系统可以作为一个远距离探测平台，以相对较低的成本用于监测机场、安全建筑物和其他基础设施中的痕量爆炸物。该小型化系统可作为追踪移动的爆炸源的便携式系统来实现。此外，还将邀请高中生和本科生参与拟议的研究，并举办微/纳米技术跨学科研讨会。

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.