Principal Investigator: Junseok Chae
Sponsor: Arizona State University
Start/End Date: May 1, 2009 – April 30, 2014
Amount: $400,000
Title: A Probe-less Large-array Protein Sensor via MEMS Technology

According to the investigator, while existing micro-electro-mechanical systems-based biosensors are extremely sensitive, to achieve high selectivity, they use molecular probes such as nucleic acids and antibodies and need to be attached to transducer surfaces to capture specific target molecules, a setup that imposes many limitations such as expensive reagents. It is also impossible to find probes for all target molecules, according to the abstract. Proposed is a probe-less biosensor based on the Vroman effect. “By having a large array of different surfaces that are covered by proteins of known size, it is possible to have a miniaturized protein sensor without using molecular probes,” according to the abstract.

Principal Investigator: Samir Iqbal
Sponsor: University of Texas, Arlington
Start/End Date: Feb. 1, 2009 – Jan. 31, 2014
Amount: $400,000
Title: Nanoelectronic Microfluidic Biochip for Ultrasensitive Detection of Selective Protein Biomarkers

The researchers aim to develop new modalities to isolate and detect protein biomarkers by using aptamer-protein interactions in nano- or microfluidic chambers or channels with multiplexed nanoscale electrodes and on-chip data processing. Functional membranes for the isolation of low-abundant disease biomarkers will be developed, as will biochips with “individually addressable nano-electrodes, made with high-throughput nano-imprint lithography and functionalized with aptamers for multiplexed detection of biomarkers,” according to the abstract. Novel nano- and microfluidic channels will be developed and rapidly fabricated, and the electronic properties of biomarker-aptamer interactions measured between nano-electrodes will be modeled, analyzed, and characterized. Also developed will be a real-time, low power noise-free read-out circuit “with sequential addressing, actuation, measurement, and data analysis of the recognition sites,” according to the abstract.

Principal Investigator: Kevin Bennett
Sponsor: Hood College
Start/End Date: Feb. 1, 2009 – Jan. 31, 2012
Amount: $137,000
Title: Increasing Student Understanding of Separation Science Through Addition of LC/MS into the Chemistry Curriculum

Hood College wants to incorporate LC-MS instrumentation into its chemistry and biochemistry curriculum, starting from a student’s freshman year, according to the abstract.

Principal Investigator: Haris Vikalo
Sponsor: University of Texas, Austin
Start/End Date: Jan. 1, 2009 – Dec. 31, 2010
Amount: $150,955
Title: Modeling, Estimation and Coding for Biosensor Arrays

The investigator aims to develop stochastic models and solve the estimation problems in real-time biosensor array, and determine limits of performance of estimation algorithms in such arrays, according to the abstract. Finally, he plans to develop coding strategies to improve biosensor array performance and study signal recovery techniques.