Utilizing the electronic properties of metal nanostructures for medical diagnostics through breath analysis and antigen detection

IBAÑEZ, FRANCISCO J. AND ZAMBORINI, FRANCIS P.

Brown Cancer Center (University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky)

Jornada; Seminar Series Brown Cancer Center; 2008

University of Louisville

Utilizing the Electronic Properties of Metal Nanostructures for Medical Diagnostics through Breath Analysis and Antigen Detection Francis P. Zamborini Associate Professor Department of Chemistry University of Louisville ABSTRACT: There is currently a great deal of interest in utilizing nanostructures for applications in the fields of biotechnology and medicine.  For example, nanostructures are used for drug delivery, cellular imaging, bioseparations, tagging, therapeutics, and diagnostics.  In the area of diagnostics, the fascinating optical and electronic properties of nanostructures allow the detection of very small quantities (zeptomole) of DNA and antigens that may aid in the identification of viruses, bacteria, or disease markers in the body.  The detection of these species is useful for early diagnosis of diseases, such as cancer, or for detecting harmful biological hazards, such as anthrax.  Our research focuses on the synthesis and electronic properties of metal nanostructures of controlled shape (spheres, wires, tubes) and functionality.  We utilize the electronic properties of films of spherical metal nanoparticles coated with organic monolayers to sense organic vapors and gas molecules with low ppm sensitivity.  The detection of organic vapors in the breath may potentially signal certain diseases in the body.  For example, diabetes is associated with high levels of acetone in the breath.  We also synthesize metallic nanowires electrochemically and functionalize them with anti-IgG in order to detect IgG through a change in the resistance of the nanowire upon IgG binding.  Preliminary data shows a large change in the nanowire resistance when exposed to the complementary IgG antigen, but not to other antigens.  In this presentation, I will describe the use of organic-functionalized metal nanoparticles for vapor sensing and metallic nanowires for antigen sensing that may have potential applications in diagnosing diseases such as cancer at an early stage.