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Nanomaterials Based Chemical-Biological Sensors and Detectors for Security and Environmental Safety

Ashok Vaseashta 

Institute of Advanced Sciences Convergence (IASC), Northfield, VT 05663, United States
Nanomaterials Processing and Characterization Laboratories, Huntington, WV 25755, United States

Abstract

The study of nanoscale systems promises to be a catalyst for scientific and technological advances requiring a fundamental understanding and exploration of new physical, chemical, and biological properties of systems in nanoscale dimensions. In recent years, newly developed architectures in nanostructures and nanosystems show improved functionalities. The objective of this presentation is to provide a comprehensive overview of our current research activities and future applications of nanostructured materials for chem.-bio sensors, for potential applications in security and environment safety.

The potential and risk for inadvertent or deliberate contamination of the environment, food and agricultural products has increased due to global threats of terrorism making decentralized sensing an important issue for several federal agencies. A nanotechnology based sensor platform enables direct electrical detection of biological and chemical agents in a label-free, highly multiplexed format over a broad dynamic range during clinical testing. Nucleic acid layers combined with nanomaterials-based electrochemical or optical transducers produce affinity biosensors such as the “DNA Biosensor” or “Genosensor” that are attractive devices for converting the hybridization event into an analytical signal for obtaining sequence-specific information in connection with clinical, environmental, or forensic investigations.

We will present preliminary results of our joint investigations to monitor and mitigate environmental pollution, a leading contributor to chronic and deadly health disorders and diseases affecting millions of people. Using nanotechnology based portable, wireless and web-based gas sensors; pollution is monitored at several ground stations.

 

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Presentation: Invited oral at E-MRS Fall Meeting 2009, Symposium F, by Ashok Vaseashta
See On-line Journal of E-MRS Fall Meeting 2009

Submitted: 2009-05-19 23:28
Revised:   2009-06-30 20:43