NER: Nanofluidics for Advanced Separation and Detection of Biomolecules

University Of New Mexico, Albuquerque NM

Investigators

Abstract

Proposal Title: NER: Nanofluidics for Advanced Separation and Detection of Biomolecules Proposal Number: CTS-0304237 Principal Investigator: Sang Han Institution: University of New Mexico The objective of the project is to fabricate versatile, hybrid microfluidic systems for high throughput bioanalysis. An experimental study of biomolecular transport in nanoscale structures, including the effects of electrophoretic and entropic forces in nanostructures will be performed. The envisioned analytical system consists of nanochannels for bioseparation, peripheral microchannels for analyte delivery and recovery, and an integrated optical detection system. The detection system includes fluorescence spectroscopy, surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy, and multiple internal reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In terms of the broader impacts, the PIs will help develop courses in optics, spectroscopic imaging, and biosensing. Outreach to high schools and underrepresented groups is planned. The nanomachined waveguides may provide exceptional sensitivity to detect biomolecules for numerous biotechnology applications. This project is co-funded by the Thermal Transport and Thermal Processing Program.