Biomimetic Nanosensor Arrays for Selective Small Molecule Detection
Abstract
Molecular biomimetics is an emerging field in which the tools of molecular biology and nanotechnology are synergized. One area of vital relevance is chemical and biological sensing, which if implemented on biocompatible substrates, could yield breakthroughs in implantable or wearable monitoring systems. Biomimicking smart materials which integrate chemical recognition moieties with sensitive transducers could provide a general platform for highly specific analyte sensors. Nanomaterials are particularly sensitive chemical sensors because of their high surface-to-volume ratios. Our research has focused on the bio-functionalization of nanoscale materials to yield sensors which mimic the olfactory system.1-5 Likewise, oligopeptides are robust substrates for the selective recognition of a variety of chemical and biological species. Our current research is focused on bio-inspired approaches to mimicking olfaction by linking peptides to nanosensors for the selective detection of biological species ranging from small molecules to pathogens. The peptide/nanowire sensors are designed, via combinatorial peptide engineering, to exhibit highly selective responses to a range of target analytes, and to detect traces of these gases from chemically camouflaged mixtures. We anticipate that this program will reveal fundamental understandings of the relative contributions of inter-molecular reactivity and structural identification in the function of olfactory protein receptors. Furthermore, the unique capability to tailor odorant sensing should enable transformational opportunities in environmental and medical applications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 21, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA563970
Entities
People
- Michael McAlpine
Organizations
- Princeton University