SIR Chemistry Investigation Abstract
FUNCTIONALIZED BIOMOLECULAR VALVES FOR NANOCHANNELS ON A LEAD ZIRCONIUM TITANATE SURFACE
Presenter:
Michael Kuo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 W. Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506
William C. Pan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 W. Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506
Mentor:
Dr. Leonidas Ocola, Argonne National Laboratory
Abstract:
The purpose of this research was to determine the feasibility of functionalizing biomolecules to create an electrically-actuated valve capable of controlling nanofluidic flow in nanochannels patterned on a ferroelectric material. The nanochannels, which are 100 nm in width, are patterned on a ferroelectric lead zirconium titanate (PZT) substrate. The channel design is fabricated using a bilayer resist method with a 100kV e-beam lithography tool in order to create a ceiling for the channels. The biomolecules used are bacteriophages that express a specific heptapeptide. The heptapeptides are chosen, using an evolutionary technique called phage display, for demonstrating selective binding to PZT. After attaching the biomolecules in specific locations along the channels, an electric charge can be applied to the PZT, actuating the valve.
The research has progressed to the point where the materials involved in the fabrication of the channel have been tested to check their interactions with the PZT-binding biomolecules. A final design for the nanochannel array is being finalized, and a prototype is on schedule for fabrication. If constructed, this valve would prove useful in many applications, including the lab on a chip concept and in controlling medical drug delivery.