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Researchers Receive NSF Grant for Nano-Biosensor Development

Nick Wu is the lead researcher in an NSF-funded project aimed at developing a nanoscale biosensor for the detection of toxic metals in the environment.

The National Science Foundation recently awarded WVU researchers $300,000 to develop a nanoscale biosensor for detection of toxic metals in drinking water, rivers, oceans, soils and sea food.

Nianqiang (Nick) Wu, assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, is the principal investigator for the project. Larry Hornak, professor of computer science and electrical engineering, and Xiaodong (Mike) Shi, assistant professor of chemistry, are co-investigators.

Due to pollution, heavy metals such as mercury, lead, copper, cadmium and zinc, which are highly toxic contaminants, can infiltrate water sources and cause serious environmental pollution as well as human health problems. Therefore, researchers are searching for ways to develop a reliable, convenient and cost-effective way to identify heavy metals in water sources and to monitor concentration levels.

"This grant will provide funding for WVU researchers to develop a nano-biosensor system capable of simultaneously detecting multiple heavy metals with high sensitivity, selectivity and reliability," said Wu. "Our goal is to combine nanotechnology with biotechnology to develop a sensor that will reduce the risk of environmental and human exposure to heavy metal toxins, and to increase the ease and convenience of analysis."

Currently, said Wu, detecting toxic metals requires large-scale analytical instruments that are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and laboratory-based, and that require large sample volumes. They can not be used for on-site detection of toxic metals in real time.

In contrast, Dr. Wu and his fellow researchers are working on developing a sensor that will be portable so it can be carried on-site, and that will be able to detect heavy metal pollutants in a water source in real time. Also, this new sensor will periodically monitor the quality of water for drinking, as well as for use by industrial and agricultural applications.

All of the researchers involved in the project are part of the WVNano Initiative, WVUÃ¢??s focal point for discovery and innovation in nanoscale science, engineering and education. Elevated to a statewide initiative in 2006 through a National Science Foundation EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement grant, the WVNano Initiative continues its leadership role in partnership with other state institutions. For more information, visit wvnano.wvu.edu.

CONTACT: Susan Case, College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, WVU, 304-293-4821 ext. 2213, susan.case@mail.wvu.edu.

08/06/2008