Reagentless Immunosensors Based on Biofunctionalized Nanotubes

描述(申请人提供)：我们的目标是开发一种廉价和便携的基于纳米技术的免疫传感器和仪器平台，通过鉴定蛋白质毒素和微生物，快速检测空气、水、受污染的表面、法医样本、食物和体液中是否存在或接触到生物恐怖物质。所提出的方法使用单个或多个圆锥形的金纳米管嵌入到机械和化学坚固的聚合物膜中。传感测量需要通过纳米管的离子电解液电流。电解液中的分析物(例如蛋白质或病毒)与生化分子识别剂结合，例如固定在锥形纳米管小直径开口(或嘴)处的抗体，从而阻断离子电流。该方法在技术上能够记录单个分子/粒子事件，因此可以导致极低水平的高特异性检测。该方法对微流控平台具有很强的适应性，可适用于微升样品量。第一阶段计划将把佛罗里达大学已经完成的可行性研究扩展到开发操作参数和评估仪器性能，以检测饮用水中的模型毒素。这样的仪器被设想为建筑物、地铁等的实时监控

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Our aim is to develop an inexpensive and portable nanotechnology-based immunosensor and instrument platform for rapid detection of presence or exposure to bioterror agents in air, water, contaminated surfaces, forensic samples, food and body fluids through identification of protein toxins and microorganisms. The proposed approach employs single or multiple conically shaped gold nanotubes embedded within a mechanical and chemically robust polymeric membrane. The sensing measurement entails passing an ionic electrolyte current through the nanotube. Analyte in the electrolyte (e.g., a protein or virus) binds to a biochemical molecular-recognition agent such as an antibody immobilized at the small-diameter opening (or mouth) of the conical nanotube, which blocks the ion current. The approach is technically capable of registering single molecule/particle events and as such can lead to extremely low levels of detection with high specificity. The method is highly adaptable to microfluidic platforms and can be adapted to microliter sample volumes. The Phase I program will extend feasibility studies already completed at the University of Florida to developing operational parameters and assessing instrument performance for detecting model toxins in drinking water. Such instruments are envisioned as real-time monitors in buildings, subways, etc