BioMatNet Item: QLK3-2001-00278 - Sensing and controlling single molecules by novel electrical, mechanical and optical methods with applications to nanobiotechnology (NANOCELL)

[BioMatNet Database - FP5 Quality of Life Programme]

QLK3-2001-00278
Sensing and controlling single molecules by novel electrical, mechanical and optical methods with applications to nanobiotechnology (NANOCELL)

Contacts

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Type of Project	Shared Cost Research
Contract No	QLK3-2001-00278
Total Cost
EC Contribution	1,853,271 EUR
Start Date	01-01-2002
Duration	36 Months

Abstract

Sensing and controlling single molecules by novel electrical, mechanical and optical methods with applications to nanobiotechnology (NANOCELL)

This project concerns controlling and sensing single biomolecules by means of nanoelectrodes and laser spectroscopy. First, the molecular position and orientation between a system of nanoelectrodes, will be sensed and controlled. The nanoelectrodes will also act as antennae in order to enhance the spectroscopy and compare SERS. Second, biomolecular functions, such as enzymatic reactions on single molecules, will be controlled and sensed. This research will create a knowledge base for a novel kind of hypersensitive single molecule biosensor with applications to nanobiotechnology.

Objectives

The objective of this project is to develop the combination of an electrical and optical interface to single bio-molecules. The purpose of such interfaces is to be able to simultaneously sense and control single bio-molecules in liquid solution at room temperature. The first aim is to sense and control the position and orientation.

Bio-molecules, such as enzymes, perform certain actions, for example catalysing specified reactions. The second aim is to sense and control these actions on a single molecule level, for example, sensing an enzymatic reaction and controlling whether it is switched on or off. The last aim is to show that this technology is useful for creating hypersensitive biosensors for new diagnostics and that it can be interfaced to a lab on a chip.

Activities

The component technologies will be developed or refined by the different groups, and put together by one of the groups, where the final development of the method of controlling and sensing single molecules by nano-electrodes and laser spectroscopy will be assembled. One component technology is sensing molecular orientation on a surface by spectroscopic methods. Another is trapping single molecules by nanostructures where the problem of Brownian motion has to be taken into account. The surfaces in question have to be treated in such a way that molecular stiction is prevented, which is a component technology. The assembled technology of controlling and sensing single molecules will be refined and demonstrated, first on positional control and second on bio-molecular function control. This will create a knowledge base for a novel kind of ultrasensitive single molecule biosensor. If possible, simple designs of such biosensors and diagnostics will be shown, and an interface to a lab on a chip will be outlined.

Milestones and Expected Results

demonstrate sensing molecular orientation on a surface, down to the single molecule level.
demonstrate attraction of single molecules to nanostructures by electric fields.
demonstrate the ability to treat surfaces to prevent molecular attraction.
demonstrate the ability to sense and control single bio-molecule functions.

Contacts

Coordinator

Magnus WILLANDER / Chalmers University of Technology Department of Physics / SWEDEN

Participant