An optical waveguide lightmode spectroscopy instrument for research and teaching

CBET-1066994 Van Tassel智能优点：化学、材料、生物医学科学和工程中的许多问题都涉及到大分子在固液界面上的吸附。光波导光模谱(OWLS)是一种能够实时检测大分子在固液界面上吸附的重要技术。PIS小组广泛使用OWLS技术来建立一个专注于生物界面工程的研究计划。然而，在最初的两个OWLS仪器中，一个不再起作用，另一个严重受到过时的计算机接口系统的影响。OWLS技术的商业制造商MicroVacuum向PI提供了一种全新的仪器，折扣很大，因此购买新仪器既经济又科学，而不是维修/升级任何一台旧仪器。该项目提供了从MicroVacuum获得新的OWLS 210系统的资金。新仪器将用于：i)完成目前由美国国家科学基金会资助的项目碳纳米管作为抗菌剂(CBET-0756323)，ii)开始四个新项目的工作，iii)作为PI实验室本科生研究人员的主要实验工具，以及iv)作为耶鲁大学本科生化学工程实验室课程的教学工具。更广泛的影响：PI实验室的一种新的猫头鹰仪器将在几个方面产生广泛的影响。科学影响将来自目前资助的项目和四个新项目。特别是，新的纳米级聚电解质膜将出现，这将对分离、能量存储/传输、基于细胞的诊断和组织工程等领域产生影响。事实证明，OWLS对于本科生研究人员来说是一种简单的技术；他们参与这些新项目将带来巨大的教育影响。最后，建议将新仪器用于2011年春季在耶鲁大学本科生化学工程实验室进行的吸附动力学实验。

CBET-1066994Van TasselIntellectual Merit: Many problems in the chemical, materials, and biomedical sciences and engineering involve adsorption of large molecules at the solid-liquid interface. Optical waveguide lightmode spectroscopy (OWLS) is a premier technique allowing for the real-time detection of macromolecular adsorption at the solid liquid interface. The PIs group has used the OWLS technique extensively to build a research program focusing on bio-interfacial engineering. However, of the two original OWLS instruments, one no longer functions and the other suffers severely from an antiquated computer interface system. MicroVacuum, the commercial manufacturer of OWLS technology, has offered the PI a completely new instrument with a heavy discount making it economically as well as scientifically advantageous to purchase a new instrument rather than repair/ upgrade either of the old instruments. This project provides the funds to acquire a new OWLS 210 system from MicroVacuum. The new instrument will be used i) to complete the current NSF funded project Carbon nanotubes as antimicrobial agents (CBET-0756323), ii) to begin work on four new projects, iii) as the primary experimental tool for undergraduate researchers in the PI's lab, and iv) as a teaching tool in the Yale Undergraduate Chemical Engineering Laboratory course. Broader Impact: A new OWLS instrument in the PI's lab will have a broad impact in several ways. Scientific impact will come from the currently funded project and four new projects. In particular, new nanoscale polyelectrolyte films will emerge that will impact areas such as separations, energy storage/delivery, cell-based diagnostics, and tissue engineering. OWLS has proven to be a straightforward technique for undergraduate researchers; their involvement in these new projects will bring forth a large educational impact. Finally, use of the new instrument is proposed for an experiment in adsorption kinetics in Yale's Undergraduate Chemical Engineering Laboratory beginning in Spring 2011.