The objective of this research is to develop signal processing algorithms for processing data from silicon ion-channel sensors to identify the presence of particular chemicals. Silicon ion-channel sensors are artificial cell membranes containing pore proteins, embedded in a silicon chip that measures current through the pores as the pores interact with target chemicals. This work will apply advanced signal processing techniques such as Hidden Markov, spectral subtraction and adaptive estimation of noise in the engineering of ion channels for explosive detection. The study leverages some existing prototypes to capture experimental data to build signal response databases. The PIs have a strong history of recruiting and mentoring minority and women students. The ion-channel efforts are to be included in undergraduate courses and in distance learning efforts.
