Research Supplements to Promote Diversity

Illinois Institute Of Technology, Chicago IL

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

On-chip multiplex detection of periodontal pathogens by Raman imaging at single cell level Project Summary: Periodontitis is initiated by complex bacterial interaction in tissues surrounding the teeth. Periodontal pathogens accumulate in periodontal pockets and induce periodontal destruction in a cooperative manner, leading to gingival inflammation, soft tissue destruction, and bone destruction. These pathogens can serve as biomarkers to inform periodontal status. Surface- enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has emerged as a powerful label-free detection tool to discriminate bacterial phenotypes due to the Raman signatures of their unique molecular composition. To facilitate SERS utility in clinical applications, it is imperative to develop a platform that warrants simple and universal sample preparation method with minimal technical demand. We address this critical need in this study by pre-loading Ag nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) on all bacterial cells in a sample in a one-pot reaction. The reaction is quick and no species-specific label is needed. Following the parent grant's microbial compartmentalization concept, the pathogens will be disseminated to microchambers that are interconnected by parallel microchannels. By design, each microchamber accommodates one cell. Ag-NP enables the collection of well-resolved Raman spectrum at a single-cell level (Aim 1). Machine learning in combination with the snap-shot hyperspectral imaging approach will enable confident identification and enumeration of pathogen species with spatial resolution to facilitate on-chip multiplex detection (Aim 2). This is a versatile detection method that can be integrated on a portable sensor device as proposed in the parent grant. Integrating with other components of the parent grant, this research contributes to the development of a prototype salivary sensor that will offer detailed medical data from frequent and progressive monitoring, and it will be an effective tool for future personalized medicine and is expected to dramatically improve the patient's overall health. In addition to technical training, the predoctoral student will gain experience through engaging in interdisciplinary collaborations, providing him with insights into the intricacies of workflow within an interdisciplinary project and the pivotal role that each specialty subject would play in supporting research in diverse fields, preparing him to become capable of tackling multifaceted challenges in his future career.