Ultrasensitive Biosensors for Molecular Recognition and Manipulation

摘要

Our objective is to develop novel biomolecule recognition mechanisms and ultrasensitive biosensors for direct, real-time biochemical imaging and sensing. These biosensors will provide a novel tool which permits major advances in the investigation and control of fundamental molecular and cellular physiological processes. There are three aspects of our approach: 1. Using nanotechnology and existing sensing mechanisms for nanometer level biosensor development; 2. Using molecular beacon DNA molecules for development of new biomolecule recognition mechanisms; 3. Using single molecule microscopy techniques for molecular interaction studies. Over the three years of this grant, we have published 20 papers and filed two patents (one granted and one pending). The grant also has helped us to train six graduate students, three postdoctoral researchers, five undergraduate students. Among all the students, there are two African American graduate students, one Hispanic graduate student and three minority undergraduate students. The grant has also enabled us to build a world class research laboratory in the area of biomolecular interaction and recognition studies.