Grantee Research Project Results
2024 Progress Report: Sensor on Wheels (SOW): A Field-Deployable Environmental Pathogen Detection Tool
EPA Grant Number: SU840682Title: Sensor on Wheels (SOW): A Field-Deployable Environmental Pathogen Detection Tool
Investigators: Guo, Huiyuan , McKenney, Peter
Institution: The State University of New York at Binghamton
EPA Project Officer: Cunniff, Sydney
Phase: I
Project Period: January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025
Project Period Covered by this Report: January 1, 2024 through December 31,2024
Project Amount: $75,000
RFA: 20th Annual P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet Request for Applications (RFA) (2023) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: P3 Awards , P3 Challenge Area - Safe and Sustainable Water Resources
Objective:
The objectives of the project include: 1) design and set up the SOW system with a portable Raman spectrometer and microfluidic chip, 2) validate the performance with pathogen standards and spiked environmental samples, and 3) optimize the performance for field-testing.
Progress Summary:
- We were able to benchmark/validate the CRISPR-based signal changes as a function of pathogen concentration using a fluorescent probe.
- We synthesized magnetic SERS nanoprobes and demonstrated its signal enhancement induced by plasmonic particles.
- We demonstrated the feasibility of SERS detection after integrating with CRISPR assay in standard samples and spiked samples.
Future Activities:
1. Probe Development and Optimization:
- Tailor substrate properties (e.g., plasmonic nanoparticles) to enhance signal for new targets.
- Ensure broad-spectrum plasmonic enhancement to cover a range of Raman-active vibrations.
2. RPA Protocol Development:
- Develop RPA (isothermal amplification) protocols for target pathogen gene sequences. o Optimize primers and reaction conditions for rapid amplification.
3. Microfluidic Design:
- Design a microfluidic chip with compartments for sample preparation, RPA reaction, and SERS detection.
- Incorporate features like mixing, separation, and on-chip reagent storage.
4. Integration with SERS:
- Develop protocols to transfer amplified products to the SERS detection area.
- Functionalize SERS substrates within the microfluidic channel for seamless detection.
5. Optimization:
- Minimize reaction volumes and optimize flow rates for efficient amplification and detection.
- Reduce non-specific amplification or binding to maintain sensor specificity.
6. System Validation:
- Test the integrated device with spiked samples and real-world samples.
- Assess detection limits and time-to-result improvements.
Journal Articles:
No journal articles submitted with this report: View all 1 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
CRISPR, pathogen detection, SERS, water contaminationThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.