The Analytical and Surface Chemistry (ASC) program of the Division of Chemistry will support the CAREER development plan of Heather D. Maynard of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of California, Los Angeles. Prof. Maynard and her students will develop methods to pattern proteins on surfaces at the micron and nanometer scale using advanced lithographic techniques. These techniques will be used to chemically transform self assembled monolayers (SAMs) into micro and nano-patterns of reactive aldehydes. Proteins will be conjugated to these surfaces by first patterning streptavidin and then attaching biotinylated proteins to the surface. The resulting materials will be suitable in a wide variety of applications including diagnostics for human diseases. The project will provide excellent educational training opportunities to students in the biological aspects of nanotechnology and will to address growing workforce needs. Particular emphasis will be placed on recruiting underrepresented minorities into this new field.
