Center for Applied Nanobioscience

Employing the best scientific and engineering practices, the Center for Applied NanoBioscience hopes to develop novel molecular-based diagnostic tests that can be used by individuals and public health systems to facilitate personalized medicine. Personalized medicine is one of four core research themes for the institute.

To create new ways to diagnose disease, monitor health, and build enabling polymer electronics, we merge new technologies from nanoscience, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), polymer and ambient intelligence with genomics and molecular biology. This fusion allows for the creation of novel sensor systems with a broad range of commercial applications. These sensors have applications in drug and vaccine delivery systems and in clinical and biological reaction-control devices for diverse industrial settings.

We strive to foster the vast potential of nanobioscience through the integration of interdisciplinary research developments in biologics and technological devices.

Our researchers apply their knowledge to the development of integrated microfluidic “lab-on-a-chip” platforms and advanced optical and electronic sensor arrays for the detection and analysis of biomolecules. This has application in the pharmaceutical, personal care and biodefense industries. A major goal for the center is for rapid commercialization of its research through productive interactions with the industrial and life sciences communities.

Much of the center’s research focuses on improving systems to diagnose disease. Faster diagnosis of disease means earlier intervention that can save lives. More specific diagnosis that can differentiate similar conditions or subtypes of diseases could translate into more targeted treatments that reduce side-effects. The ability to quickly identify certain types of illness also could be critical in the event of a bioterrorist attack. Our work on devices could provide greater intelligence, health monitoring and, ultimately, safety to the armed forces. Many of the projects under way have multiple applications that have a primary health or safety use, and secondary commercial use, such as improved battery power for cell phones and computers.