Imprinted Polymer Nanoparticles for Explosives

This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project consists of fundamental research into molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) nanoparticles to act as sensing points in novel detection system for explosives. The system is based upon MIP nanoparticles deposited upon a MEMS-based chemicapacitive sensor array. As the MIP nanoparticle binds the explosive, the polarizability of the material changes thus affecting the measured capacitance on the sensor chip. The monomer, cross-linker, and template of the MIP nanoparticle will be systematically varied to optimize the detection of explosives. The MIP nanoparticles will be synthesized by Dr. David Spivak. Similar materials have been developed and investigated in his laboratory in the Chemistry Department at the Louisiana State University (LSU). Sensors coated with these materials will be tested using Seacoast Science`s test systems under varied environmental conditions. Tasks include: design, synthesis, and characterization of MIP nanoparticles; inkjet deposition of MIP nanoparticles; and testing of the coated sensors against one explosive simulant and environmental interferrents. The overall goal of this program is the development and demonstration of an inventive biologically-inspired sensing motif for the sensitive and selective detection of not only explosives but eventually a wide range of chemicals relevant to the mission of DHS.