Significant advances have recently been made to develop optically interrogated microsensor based chemical sensors with specific application to hydrogen vapor sensing and leak detection in the hydrogen economy. We have developed functionalized polymer-film and palladium/silver alloy coated microcantilever arrays with nanomechanical sensing for this application. The uniqueness of this approach is in the use of independent component analysis (ICA) and the classification techniques of neural networks to analyze the signals produced by an array of microcantilever sensors. This analysis identifies and quantifies the amount of hydrogen and other trace gases physisorbed on the arrays. Selectivity is achieved by using arrays of functionalized sensors with a moderate distribution of specificity among the sensing elements. The device consists of an array of beam-shaped transducers with molecular recognition phases (MRPs) applied to one surface of the transducers. Bending moments on the individual transducers can be detected by illuminating them with a laser or an LED and then reading the reflected light with an optical position sensitive detector (PSD) such as a CCD. Judicious selection of MRPs for the array provides multiple isolated interaction surfaces for sensing the environment. When a particular chemical agent binds to a transducer, the effective surface stresses of its modified and uncoated sides change unequally and the
transducer begins to bend. The extent of bending depends upon the specific interactions between the microcantilever's MRP and the analyte. Thus, the readout of a multi-MRP array is a complex multidimensional signal that can be analyzed to deconvolve a multicomponent gas mixture. The use of this sensing and analysis technique in unattended networked arrays of sensors for various monitoring and surveillance applications is discussed.
Microfluidics offer the advantages of multiplexed analysis on small, inexpensive platforms. We describe herein two
distinct optical detection techniques that have the common point of sequestering and measuring analyte signals in highly
localized EM fields. The first technique mates a microfluidic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) platform with colloidal-based
surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) in order to perform parallel, high throughput vibrational
spectroscopy. Spectra are acquired for analytes localized in surface plasmon fields associated with conventional and
uniquely synthesized cubic silver colloids. SERS studies such as pH of the colloidal solution, and the type of colloid
are used to demonstrate the efficiency and applicability of the method. In addition, a facile passive pumping method is
used to deliver Ag colloids and analytes into the channels where all SERS measurements were completed under nondestructive
flowing conditions. With this approach, SERS signal reproducibility was found to be better than 7%. A
calibration curve for the drug mitoxantrone (resonance enhanced) was generated. The second technique seeks to
integrate a passively-pumped, microfluidic, PDMS platform and planar waveguide technology, utilizing magnetic beads
as solid supports for fluoro-assays with direct detection of bound analyte within the sample mixture accomplished by
selectively driving functionalized beads to a localized evanescent field. Because analyte binding occurs in free solution,
the reaction is not diffusion limited and, once magnetically delivered to the evanescent wave, the analyte can be
detected with fewer complications arising from non-optically homogeneous, biological matrices. Additionally, the
evanescent sensing surface can be easily regenerated by simply removing the bead-retaining magnetic field. Initial
testing, optimization and calibration were performed using a model sandwich immunoassay system for the detection of
rabbit IgG, with which we demonstrate a linear dynamic range of 3 orders of magnitude and physiologically relevant
detection limits of nanograms per milliliter.
The present work extends the concept of microcantilever (MC) based transducers to hybrid MEMS that integrate actuation and multiple sensing modes. Theoretical models predict significant limitations for the mechanical energy produced due to molecular interactions of conventional MCs with the environment. In order to overcome these limitations, we focus on cantilever designs and technologies of nanostructured coatings that are more compatible with fluidic MEMS and provide highly efficient molecular-driven actuation as well as additional modes of selectivity. In particular, co-evaporated Au:Ag films were used to prepare nanostructured interfaces that strongly enhance both chemi-mechanical transduction and Raman scattering. Acquisition of surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) signals generated on the cantilevers with nanostructured gold coatings provided highly specific molecular information. Additionally, highly efficient, environmentally-responsive sensor-actuator hybrids were created using MCs made of epoxy based photoresist SU-8 that were modified with hydrogel. Immobilization of colloidal silver particles in the acrylate based hydrogels provides multi-modal functionality for these MCs. Using several alternative technologies, we have created MC transducers that exhibit micrometer scale deflections in response to changes in molecular microenvironment and provide vibrational signatures of constituents in that environment. It is anticipated that these molecular-actuated MC transducers will constitute a novel platform for future biomedical devices.
This work centers around developing methodologies to isolate the PAI-1 coding sequence of the DNA plasmid pET3a-PAI-1. Size Selective Capillary Electrophoresis (SSCE), using entangled polymer filled small i.d. capillaries, is used to develop digestion conditions (time and enzyme concentration) that provide single cuts (at variable positions) of the plasmid using BstYI restriction enzyme. After obtaining optimum partial digest conditions for this enzyme, digestion with Ndel will produce a mixture of fragments that includes the fragment (1354 bp) which contains the intact region of interest. Sensitive detection is achieved via laser induced fluorescence using running buffers containing intercalating dye. Using small i.d. capillary conditions as a starting point, the SSCE system is increased to the micro-preparative scale using various larger i.d. capillaries. The effects of capillary diameter, applied voltage, injection amount, and sample buffer concentration on separation performance are studied. Subsequently, single or limited numbers of injections of the single cut sample using a relatively large i.d. capillary should prove adequate material for digestion with Ndel prior to PCR amplification of the 1354 bp fragment.
A novel separations-based fiberoptic sensor (SBFOS) is described for remote analysis that incorporates capillary electrophoresis (CE). High sensitivity is possible with laser induced fluorescence detection and a unique and powerful element of selectivity is afforded by the exceptional separation power of CE. Speed of analysis and the possibility of remote control are further attributes which render the system useful for sensing applications. Details are given in this report for a SBFOS that employs a single-fiber optical configuration and a single buffer reservoir CE arrangement. The fiberoptic probes the outlet of a short separation capillary in a simple frontal mode of operation. Design considerations and the results of preliminary evaluations of the separation and detection characteristics of the SBFOS are presented.
This paper provides a brief overview of the development and application of fiber-optic antibody-based fluoroimmunosensors (FIS) for measuring environmental pollutants and related biomarkers of human exposure and health effects. The FIS combines the excellent specificity of the antigen/antibody reaction, the high sensitivity of laser excitation, and the versatility of fiber-optics technology. Various types of FIS devices were also used to detect toxic chemicals (such as benzo-a-pyrene) and related DNA adducts (e.g., benzo(a)pyrene tetrol).
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