Picowatt Calorimetry for Single Biological Cell Studies

[33542] sangi reddy本研究的目的是开发一种能够进行皮瓦分辨率、室温量热测量的微型装置。这种技术可以使人们对单个生物细胞的系统级生物学特性有新的认识。这项工作涉及微纳米制造、微尺度传热和超灵敏仪器组件。智力优势：虽然长期目标是应用皮瓦量热法来测量生物细胞中的能量转导，但本研究将重点放在设计、制造和演示能够以皮瓦分辨率测量稳定（直流）功率输出的微型设备上。与目前可用的最精确的室温量热装置相比，这种分辨率水平代表了大约三个数量级的改进。为了达到如此精确的功率分辨率，将使用由细长梁悬挂的微岛组成的装置，因为这种方法可以实现测试部分的热隔离。附加功能包括用于光学传感器件悬浮区域温度变化的高灵敏度双材料悬臂和能够调制微器件热传导的微流体通道的结合。更广泛的影响和意义：本研究将为研究生物细胞的维持和控制机制奠定基础。更广泛地说，皮瓦量热法将为生物学、材料科学和电化学提供新的见解。该项目通过提供各种教育和研究经验，涉及K-12和本科生的教育和培训，包括来自代表性不足群体的学生。

1033542Sangi ReddyThe objective of this research is to develop a micro-device that is capable of picowatt-resolution, room temperature calorimetric measurements. Such technology could enable new understanding of systems-level biological properties of single biological cells. The work involves micro- and nanofabrication, micro-scale heat transfer, and ultra-sensitive instrumentation components.Intellectual Merit: Although the long-term objective is to apply picowatt calorimetry to measure energy transduction in biological cells, this research will focus on the design, fabrication and demonstration of a micro-device capable of measuring steady (DC) power outputs with picowatt resolution. This level of resolution represents an improvement of approximately three orders of magnitude compared to the most precise room temperature calorimetric devices available today. To achieve such precise power resolution a device consisting of a micro-island suspended by thin and long beams will be used as this approach enables thermal isolation of the test section. Additional features include the incorporation of a high-sensitivity bimaterial cantilever for optically sensing temperature changes in the suspended region of the device and a microfluidic channel that enables the modulation of the thermal conductance of the micro-device. Broader Impact and Significance: This research will lay a foundation for studying the mechanisms that maintain and control biological cells. More broadly, picowatt calorimetry will provide new insight into biology, materials science and electrochemistry. The project involves education and training of K-12 and undergraduate students, including students from underrepresented groups, by providing a variety of educational and research experiences.