Design, Fabrication, and Characterization of Addressable Biomembrane Arrays for Nanomedicine.
Goals
The goal of this project is to self-assemble biomembrane arrays mimicking cellular membranes on microfluidic devices and micro-structured polymeric composites with unique addresses by the incorporation of specific peptides and proteins suitable for simultaneous binding to variety of targets such as viruses, bacteria, bacteriophages, DNA etc.
Issues Involved or Addressed
Optical (absorption and fluorescence) and electrochemical detection will be employed to detect and quantitate the target species. These arrays with their ability for multiplexed measurements will be invaluable tools in nanomedicine focused on precision and personal medicine for detection of multiple disease biomarkers and drug metabolites. Students involved in this project will learn the principles and instrumental methods in biophysics, biochemistry, engineering, spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and electronics.
Methods and Technologies
Academic Majors of Interest
Preferred Interests and Preparation
Students interested in designing and characterizing specific molecular recptors for targets such as viruses and DNA. Basic knowledge of molecular biology, biochemical techniques, transport phenomena, spectroscopy and microscopy principles.
