NIRT: Nanoengineered Responsive Polymer Surfaces for Micro/Nanofluidic Bioanalytical Systems
Abstract: We propose to explore nanoengineered stimulus-responsive polymer nanolayers as an innovative platform for surface modification of micro/nanofluidics-based bioanalytical systems. Surface-grafted polymers that exhibit large changes in swelling and wettability properties in response to external stimuli (e.g. temperature) will be synthesized and characterized. Microfabrication techniques for generation of patterned responsive polymer nanolayers will be developed to enable functional micro/nanofluidic bioanalytical devices. The utility and impact of this responsive polymer-based surface modification technique will be demonstrated by its application to micro/nanofluidic manipulation and control. Specifically, we will explore thermally responsive polymer nanolayers for generation, splitting, merging, mixing, and transport of femtoliter-volume droplets. Thermally responsive polymers will also be used for microchip chromatography, where sequence-specific separation of DNA oligomers will be achieved using specialized surfactants. The proposed NIRT will be integrated with graduate and undergraduate education, and will be actively involved in outreach events in the Pittsburgh area.
