MRI: Acquisition of an AFM/Raman Integrated System for Bio/Nano Functional Materials and Devices Research and Education

这项合同将使阿克伦大学能够获得原子力显微镜/拉曼(原子力显微镜/拉曼光谱)集成系统，这是支持当前校园研究和教育活动的关键。拟议的跨学科团队在生物/纳米材料研究的分子界面上共享他们的研究计划的共同愿景。原子力显微镜/拉曼集成系统将直接推动正在进行的研究项目，包括：1)模仿壁虎的干胶；2)支持静电旋转的异质结构；3)高速仿生微流控生物传感器；4)多功能成像探针；5)生物植入物、组织支架和生物传感器；6)燃料电池的高性能电极。利用该仪器的独特能力，该团队试图揭示生物/纳米材料界面上分子相互作用的基本原理，并加强本科生和研究生的教育任务。拟议的活动涵盖了工程、化学、生物和医学等广泛的项目。原子力显微镜/拉曼集成系统将为研究生、本科生和高中生创造实践研究培训和教育机会，并激励他们追求科学和技术职业。与该工具相关的概念、理论和成果将用于加强现有的和新的本科和研究生课程。原子力显微镜/拉曼系统可以通过共享主要仪器的使用而使产业合作伙伴受益，并将作为大学和产业之间合作的催化和协同平台。研究和教育工作也将通过会议报告进行传播，以接触到更广泛的受众。

This award will enable the University of Akron to acquire an AFM/Raman (atomic force microscopy/Raman spectroscopy) integrated system which is critically needed to support current research and education activities on campus. The proposed interdisciplinary team shares a common vision for their research programs in the molecular interface of the bio/nano materials research. The AFM/Raman integrated system will directly advance the ongoing research projects, including: 1) gecko-mimetic dry adhesives, 2) electrospinning-enabled heterogeneous structures, 3) high-speed biomimetic microfluidic biosensors, 4) multifunctional imaging probes, 5) bioimplants, tissue scaffolds and biosensors, and 6) high-performance electrodes for fuel cells. Taking advantage of the unique capabilities of the instrument, the team seeks to uncover the fundamental principles of molecular interactions at the interfaces of the bio/nano materials, and enhance undergraduate and graduate education missions. The proposed activities cover a wide spectrum of programs in engineering, chemistry, biology and medicine. The AFM/Raman integrated system will create hands-on research training and education opportunities to graduate and undergraduate students and high school students, and inspire them to pursue careers in science and technology. The concept, theory, and results associated with this instrument will be used in strengthening existing and new undergraduate and graduate courses. The AFM/Raman system can benefit industrial partners by sharing the usage of the workhorse instrument and will serve as a catalytic and synergetic platform for the collaboration between the university and industry. Research and education efforts will also be disseminated via conference presentations to reach a broader audience.