The goal of this project is to explore the possibility of a hybrid biological/artificial system to effectively detect trace level of Trinitrotoluene (TNT). The hybrid system is fabricated from MEMS devices and non-pathogenic, genetically engineered flagellar motors. The operational principle is based on detecting the rotational characteristics of the flagellar filament in the presence of TNT. The detection system is expected to have superior sensitivity, very short response time, and is compact, portable, and highly scalable. Based on preliminary calculations and studies, the system is at least 100 times lighter and would be much cheaper than commercially available TNT detection systems of similar sensitivity levels.
The detection system will be fabricated based on the core flagellar motor assembly technologies developed by the PIs' research groups. These technologies will be further advanced by completing the three complementary objectives identified for the proposed project: 1) Develop methodologies for tethering cell body to substrate surfaces, 2) Develop biological protocols for specific bead attachment, 3) Integrate detection system and evaluate performance.
