The goal of this research is to design, fabricate, and conduct pilot studies on microfluidic systems with integrated mitochondria-based biosensors. To realize a working device based on the release and electrochemical detection of adsorbed cytochrome c (cyt. c) secreted by mitochondria. Three aspects will be explored. 1-Self-assembled monolayer surface (SAM) chemistries for binding mitochondria and cyt. c will be identified. 2-Electrochemical studies will be carried out on the redox properties of cyt. c adsorbed onto SAMs. 3-Microfluidic channels incorporating patterned SAMs for binding mitochondria and cyt. c, and patterned microelectrodes, will be fabricated. With a working microfluidic device in-hand, mitochondria induced apoptosis will be studied using known inducers and inhibitors of apoptosis. The misregulation of apoptosis by mitochondria has been implicated in a number of human diseases: immunodeficiencies, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and carcinogenesis. The proposed research will not only provide a sensitive analytical tool for studying events in mitochondria induced cellular apoptosis, but will also produce a device for the high-throughput screening of small molecules that initiate and inhibit apoptotic signals secreted by mitochondria.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
1F32GM067445-01
Application #
6584929
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F04 (20))
Program Officer
Marino, Pamela
Project Start
2003-09-29
Project End
2005-09-28
Budget Start
2003-09-29
Budget End
2004-09-28
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2003
Total Cost
$41,608
Indirect Cost
Name
Harvard University
Department
Chemistry
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
082359691
City
Cambridge
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02138
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