Akron, Ohio, May 2, 2007: The National Science Foundation has awarded The University of Akron a $128,848 grant for exploratory research on nanotechnology.

Smart field-effect nano structures spawned by the research will be used in a variety of applications in public health and homeland security. For example, microfluidic devices to be developed could be used as a low cost, high-speed tool deployable that can both identify and quantify pathogenic microparticles in air, water, and at surfaces of food.

The objective of this research is to develop dynamic modulation of microfluidic and nanofluidic channel modified by electrical-field-effect polymer brushes. The research would be particularly important for high speed bioassays of bioactive micro and nano particles.

Dr. Jiang Zhe, UA assistant professor of mechanical engineering, will be the principle investigator on the project, assisted by the co-investigator, Dr. Ju Hu, associate professor in of chemistry. "The research, which will invlove UA students, will develop smart soft nanomachines in fluidic channels that responds to environmental stimuli dynamically. This science based technology, if successful, will hold the key to revolutionize a variety of nanotechnologies inspired by biological transporting systems," Zhe says.

"It is expected that the field-effect polymer brush modified micro/nano fluidic channels will lead to high-throughput micro biosensors for rapid bioassay of micro/nano scale bioparticles. It will also facilitate the development of active nano devices that require flow control in smart nanochannels, such as molecular syringes for controlled drug delivery", he says.