Intelectual merit

1. a b c Biomagnetic glasses: preparation, characterization and biosensor applicationsEmanuela S. Andreescu, Clarkson University, DMR 0804506 • Intelectual merit • The goal of this project is to create a generic approach for the fabrication of biofunctionalized materials with magnetic capabilities to be used in the design of highly stable, magnetically separable enzyme-based systems. • We have demonstrated the feasibility of constructing biomagnetic systems by encapsulating enzymes and magnetic nanoparticles in a core-shell structure, in which biocatalytic and chemical processes are combined with magnetic capabilities for easy manipulation and handling (Figure 1). • We have demonstrated that, in addition to the conventionally used iron oxides, nickel nanoparticles can be used as magnetic materials for the design of biomagnetic systems and of enzyme sensors with magnetically reloadable surface. The nickel based enzyme biosensors performed similarly or better than those with Fe3O4 and Au nanoparticles (Figure 2). Figure 1. Concept of biomagnetic capsules with biocatalytic and sensing functions. A Figure 2. A: SEM images of bare and nanoparticle (NP) modified electrode: a-blank, b-modified with 10 nm Ni NPs and c- modified with Fe3O4 NPs. B: Comparison of biosensor responses for: Au, Fe3O4and Ni NPs with immobilized enzyme for the detection of bisphenol a. Ni B Fe3O4 Au

2. Biomagnetic glasses: preparation, characterization and biosensor applicationsEmanuela S. Andreescu, Clarkson University, DMR 0804506 • Broader Impact • Dissemination of research: 10 peer-reviewed papers published with graduate and undergraduate co-authors, ~20 presentations at national and international meetings. • Student mentoring: 3 graduate and 4 undergraduate students (3 females, two minority) have been involved in this research (2 PhD and 1 MS completed). Students presented their research at regional and national ACS meetings. • Integration of research in the classroom: concepts of biofuntionalized materials have been introduced into the Biochemistry/Biotechnology laboratory at Clarkson. • Educational activities, K12 outreach: performed a demonstration on a modern biosensor at a K12 workshop and developed a hands-on nanotechnology module. The educational module was incorporated at: 2 local high-schools, 1 four-year college and 1 community college. • The K12 activities have been highlighted on: • http://clarkson.edu/news/view.php?id=2344 (Oct 2009) • http://nanotechwire.com/news.asp?nid=8872 (Oct 2009) • http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=13295.php; (Oct 2009) • http://www.science.gold.org/news/2009/11/03/story/13334/students_given_taste_of_gold_nanotechnology/ (Nov 2009) • http://www.goldbulletin.org/news/2009/11/03/story/13334/students_given_taste_of_gold_nanotechnology/ • http://www.nanomagazine.com/taxonomy/term/1107 K12 activities Graduate student, John Njagi demonstrating an operational biosensor to a local high-school Graduate student, Matt Ravalli, working with high-school students in a hands-on experiment on the use of magnetic nanoparticles for environmental remediation