Magnesium (Mg2+) is an essential element found in all cells and is intimately involved in a myriad of biochemical processes and physiological functions. Improper regulation of Mg2+ in humans has been linked to diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and immunodeficiency. Therefore, monitoring Mg2+ levels could aid in diagnosis and treatment of these disease states; however, current technologies for measurement of Mg2+ are not amenable to rapid, point-of-care analysis, and are limited by a need for extensive sample preparation or a lack of selectivity for Mg2+ over other cations. This proposal describes a hybrid carbon nanotube-molecularly imprinted polymer (CNT-MIP) chemiresistive sensor designed to selectively detect Mg2+. The proposed system consists of a CNT network modified with a functional enediyne that triggers the formation of a diradical upon binding Mg2+. In the presence of alkene- containing monomers, the diradical initiates a polymerization that propagates around the Mg2+-complexed template molecule. Removal of the Mg2+ template affords a polymer-coated CNT network with binding cavities that are expected to be highly selective for the recognition of Mg2+, and the binding event will be detected using conductometric measurements. Because the functional enediyne acts as both an initiator and an Mg2+-binding group, precise spatial control of the binding sites near the CNT network can be achieved while maintaining a direct connection from the binding site to the CNT. The MIP portion of the sensor is expected to provide the CNT network with structural robustness and resistance to deleterious bulk current leakage, which is normally problematic in aqueous CNT-based sensors.

Public Health Relevance

Magnesium is an essential element to all living organisms and serves numerous important physiological functions. Imbalance of magnesium levels in humans has been linked to diabetes, hypertension, immunodeficiency, and cancer, and can act as an important indicator of these disease states. The goal of this proposal is to develop a selective magnesium sensor based on electrical detection that will ultimately aid in diagnosis and improved understanding of the role of magnesium in disease.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
1F32GM126643-01A1
Application #
9611269
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1)
Program Officer
Sakalian, Michael
Project Start
2018-09-30
Project End
2020-09-29
Budget Start
2018-09-30
Budget End
2019-09-29
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2018
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Department
Chemistry
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
001425594
City
Cambridge
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02142