The Analytical and Surface Chemistry (ASC) program of the Division of Chemistry will support the research program of Prof. Albena Ivanisevic of Purdue University. Prof. Ivanisevic research program focuses on the development of microfabricated patterned devices with biosensing capabilities. Prof. Ivanisevic and her students will develop surface chemistry strategies to immobilize unique peptides to the surface of semiconductor materials. The work will involve using unconventional lithographic approaches to precisely place the peptides on the surface of the semiconductor materials and a variety of surface spectroscopic techniques to understand the chemical composition, molecular conformation and mechanical properties of peptide features on the patterned surface. The fundamental knowledge gained will be later used to fabricate much improved microfabricated sensors for diagnostic purposes and improved platform for tissue engineering applications. The research of Prof. Ivanisevic will integrate measurement science with problems that are currently at the frontier of biological research and will serve as an ideal platform for inter-disciplinary education. It will provide an excellent educational opportunity for trainees desiring work at the interface of chemistry, material science and biology.
