CAREER: Bioresponsive Hydrogel Nanoparticles

Georgia Tech Research Corporation, Atlanta GA

Investigators

Abstract

This CAREER award to Professor Louis Lyon of the Georgia Institute of Technology is supported by the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program in the Chemistry Division. The primary research objective is to develop a new class of bioresponsive materials that undergo large and rapid volume-phase transitions in response to specific biological stimuli. The long range goal of this project is to develop new biosensor platforms based on colloidal or thin film hydrogels. Such platforms will be of interest in the study of the fundamental chemistry and physics of macromolecule systems and has the potential for use as sensors and diagnostic tools. The educational aspect of this program will develop a new curriculum that will include macromolecule topics in a variety of classes. This project focuses on developing a new class of biosensors based of the swelling of certain bioresponsive materials when contacted with specific biological stimuli. The resulting sensors could potentially be used as biological diagnostic tools.