Novel Nanofluidics-Based Sensor System

We propose to develop a novel nanofluidic-based biosensor system that precisely detects and quantifies the biological threat agent. This handheld portable device will consume little power, be ruggedly constructed, use tiny sample volumes, and be UAV-mountable. No commercially available system uses the proposed technology. The proposed system will separate the genomic contents from a population of a few tens of lysed microbes and detect for exact quantitation. Extremely fast separation and isolation, increased resolution, and favorable signal-to-noise ratio will be realized through use of nanoelectrokinetics. The program objectives will be accomplished via several innovations: (a) nanofluidics-based architecture for ability to separate and concentrate picomolar concentrations of sample, (b) A carbon nanotube-based sensor for very high sensitivity, and (c) simulation-based design for optimal performance. During Phase I, we will demonstrate two critical component of the system and prepare a Preliminary Design Review document based on detailed analysis of sensing requirements. In Phase II, nanofluidic components will be integrated and optimized with the sensor and other components, currently under development in our laboratory, to form a handheld biological threat agent detector. A multidisciplinary team with proven expertise in nanofluidics, nanofabrication, and device development has been assembled.