Design, Fabrication, and Characterization of Addressable Biomembrane Arrays for Nanomedicine.

University

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

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.

Tools and Methods

Model biomembrane preparation

Biommebrane self-assembly in microfluidic devices

Incorporating of peptides and proteins in bimembranes

Optical spectroscopy

Optical microscopy

Protein binding assays

Elecrochemical characterization

Desired Majors

Chemical engineering

Electrical engineering

Biochemistry

Chemistry

Physics

Prep

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.