0804464_Stanciu

1. BiomagneticGlasses:Synthesis, Characterization and Biosensors ApplicationsLia A. Stanciu, Purdue University, DMR 0804464 Biomagnetic glasses consisting of a Fe3O4nanoparticle core and a mesoporous silica shell (Fe3O4/m-silica) were used as a matrix for immobilization of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) enzyme and subsequent design of an amperometric hydrogen peroxide biosensor. This set up was used as a biosensor to detect hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has practical applications in various fields such as food, clinical, pharmaceutical, industrial, biological, or environmental. High concentrations of H2O2 can have a negative effect on human health, provoking eyes and skin irritations. Our hydrogen peroxide biosensor showed a detection limit of 4.3X10-7M H2O2. After four weeks of storage, measurements of the current response of the biosensor showed that the sensor is still active.

2. BiomagneticGlasses:Synthesis, Characterization and Biosensors Applications Lia A. Stanciu, Purdue University, DMR 0804464 In the current year, we included research results in a dual level course with a high enrolment of undergraduate students, titled “Biomaterials”. Following this, two undergraduate students were trained and performed research in the P.I.s laboratory on the subject of the grant. A collaboration with a minority school (CUNY) was started and one African American female undergraduate student performed research in the P.I.s lab. Undergradute students were trained in the methods used in this grant and subsequently given the opportunity for international research experiences in France. Two female graduate students were the primary researchers performing the experiments on the grant.