Capabilities:

Chemical and Biological Sensor Research and Development

Current activities in this group include work on bioagent detection for biodefense and both unmodified and modified nanoparticles (MNP) for various  sensing and probing applications. The first research activity involves the development of paramagnetic bead-based immunoassays and their integration into a micro-fluidic-based analytical platform. Ultimately an analytical system for drinking water protection will be developed. This work is being funded by the DOD Defense Threat Reduction Agency and is a collaboration involving YSI, Inc., The University of Cincinnati and New Mexico State University.
 
A second area of research involves a novel sensing/probing concept that utilizes modified titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles and their ability to be photoactivated. Photoactivation allows specific chemical modifications to be performed either within the chemical modifier attached to the surface or between the chemical modifier and soluble chemical species. The first application of this concept currently being explored includes the development of aTiO2- MNP that can be taken up by cells, inhibit a specific enzyme involved in cell signal transduction and, upon photoactivation, reverse the inhibition and allow the return of the affected enzyme to full activity. This process can be followed in real-time in living cells using fluorescence imaging. The second application involves a different TiO2 –MNP that can also be taken up by cells and, upon photoactivation, interacts with various redox species and senses changes in the intracellular redox environment when cells are exposed to various stimulants and toxins.
 
A third area of research involves the evaluation of various novel carbon-based nanoparticles as electrochemical sensors. This involves both the characterization of the fundamental electrochemical properties of these materials and exploring various modifications for specific chemical sensing applications. We are also exploring the use of various polymer composites incorporating these carbon nanoparticles for spectroelectrochemical-based sensing applications.

For more information about our research, please contact Elena Guliants.