Nanotechnology and Biosensors

Non-Technical Summary: Food, agricultural and biological systems are important for our society and citizens. Nanotechnology will play a major role in addressing various problems within these systems. For example; development of intelligent sensors/sensing systems could help detect the incidences of pathogen in food systems and would help protect our food system. This project focuses on developing, adapting the advances of sensor and nanotechnology in developing cost-effective, rapid and accurate solutions associated with agricultural, food and biological applications. <P> Approach: Research will be conducted to develop intelligent sensors for detecting metabolites and pathogens associated with food and health. We will focus on understanding how different sensors or sensing mechanisms work for different animals, mammalian creatures and plants. Emphasis will be provided to understand the associated physiological and biological phenomena, we will able to develop appropriate bio-inspired nano-structured sensing materials and/or mechanisms. Investigations will be conducted to develop and/or adapt inorganic (metal oxides, semi-conducting materials, porphyrins, conducting polymer etc.) or organic materials (cells or tissues or other materials of biological origin) to be used for novel sensing applications. Systematic experiments will be conducted to evaluate if the developed sensor/sensing systems can be used for detection of different compounds associated with pathogen activities in food matrix or diagnosis of air/water quality. Additional focus will be provided for developing appropriate nano-structured materials to be used for novel sensing applications. Micro or nanosized silver particles will be evaluated to obtain SERS (Surface enhanced Raman Spectroscopic) signal for detection of gaseous and liquid compounds associated with food pathogens. Use of conducting polymers deposited on piezo-electric substrate with a micro-cantilever design for developing cost-effective gas sensors will be evaluated. Integrated approach for developing sensing system will also be emphasized which will include the development of intelligent algorithm and software for developing intelligent nano-scale sensors/devices. As a part of the objective for developing educational and outreach programs on the use and impacts of nanotechnology in food, agricultural and biological systems, it is planned to contribute to the development of educational and outreach materials on intelligent sensors, nano-technology and biosensors.