Abstract
The objective of this cross-disciplinary research program is to develop a highly sensitive frequency domain spectrometer instrument for high-throughput tracking of
bacteria to quantify and identify bacteria in floodwater in real time, which significantly reduces labor, time, and cost. This cross-disciplinary research project includes researchers in the areas of integrated circuit design, optical materials, microbiology, and aquatic ecology. The project focuses on the spectral and temporal characteristics of intrinsic fluorescence and the material, device, and circuit innovations needed to detect pathogenic bacteria. Significant technical barriers must be overcome including optical sensitivity, wavelength selectivity, environmental robustness, interference, low-noise signal amplification, and power consumption. The proposed instrument is built on enhancements from the synergistic properties of new nanocomposites that comprise an ultrasensitive device while remaining compatible with largescale, silicon fabrication processes. The proposed research work will benefit studies of pathogenic bacteria in floodwaters. The research is funded by the National Science Foundation through the Early-concepts Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER) program in
the Biological Sciences Directorate.
Report
Final report will be posted upon the end of the project.