Chemistry Colloquium: Dr. Silvana Andreescu

The Department of Chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences is pleased to welcome Dr. Silvana Andreescu, Professor and Egon Matijević Endowed Chair in Chemistry at Clarkson University.

Title: Pushing the Boundaries of Bimolecular Sensing: Concept, Design and Applications

Abstract

Nanotechnology-enabled sensors provide critical capabilities to achieve rapid measurements with the required detection sensitivity, enabling us to probe biochemical processes in real time and allowing accurate detection and quantification of biomarkers and mediators of injury. A key requirement for the development of biosensing devices is creating a suitable surface chemistry with recognition capabilities for the selective binding of target analytes and ensuring efficient translation of biological and chemical information at surfaces into real time quantifiable signals. This presentation will discuss the use of advanced functional materials and smart receptor interfaces for the development of electrochemical biosensing systems for investigating physiological and biochemical mechanisms in vivo and in vitro, particularly those associated with ischemia and reperfusion injury. Examples of nanoscale materials and devices that have a built-in detection mechanism and can be easily used for real time measurements in biological systems will be described, in addition to new developments for achieving ultrasensitive detection at single organ level. Such systems can improve our measurement capabilities, enabling ultrasensitive analysis in biomedical settings and incorporating sensors-based information systems to reveal details about health, food or the environment. Our results demonstrate the potential of electrochemical sensors to generate information about biomarkers and obtain fundamental biochemical-relevant information on physiology, metabolism and disease states in living systems. Advantages and limitations of these systems for measurements in real biological environments will be discussed. New sensing technologies accessible to a broad range of users can substantially improve our measurement capabilities and generate scientific and technological advances for early disease diagnostics, clinical treatment, biomedical and healthcare.