Biothreat analysis

The development of microscale biosensors for the fast and specific detection of proteins and other biological agents using novel labels for detection that offer enhanced sensitivity. Optical and electromagnetic methods of detection are employed. Current work involves the development of a sensor that is based on a heterogeneous, sandwich immunoassay and uses bio-functionalized magnetic particles as labels.     

Nanoparticles find application in the field of biosensors, both as a label and as a solid support phase for the immunoaffinity reaction. In our group, we synthesize, characterize and tailor the physical-chemical properties of nanoparticles to render them suitable for various biosensing applications.

Microfabrication techniques are employed to build the actual analytical devices. A variety of techniques including, replica molding, thermal embossing, photolithography, nanoimprint lithography are used to fabricate our devices. Our sensors are fabricated using materials like elastomeric PDMS (Poly (dimethylsiloxane)) as well as hard, transparent polymers like PMMA (Poly (methyl methacrylate)).