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Published on 08/28/03

Researchers to use $1 million grant for biosensing study

By Alan Flurry
University of Georgia

A research team at the University of Georgia will use a $1 million National Science Foundation grant to study and develop three-dimensional nanoscale structures (measured in billionths of a meter) to address problems in biosensing.

The rising interest in using implantable glucose sensors in treating diabetes has led to notable progress in the field. The UGA team plans to refine key issues of long-term calibration and other aging effects on the sensors.

Science and engineering

The team's work is the result of the creative approach of new initiatives by UGA Faculty of Engineering and the Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center. These entities are designed to anticipate research and funding developments. They allow faculty to combine their talents in important ways.

"This mechanism says you've got to incorporate science and engineering working together. Both nanotechnology and bioengineering are critical elements to our success," said physics and astronomy professor Yiping Zhao.

William Kisaalita and Guigen Zhang, both professors in biological and agricultural engineering, complete the team. All three will serve as principal investigators.

"The research conducted by the Faculty of Engineering at UGA is important to the state of Georgia," said President Michael F. Adams. "In particular, this award from the NSF demonstrates that our approach to engineering is well suited for developing new technologies and meeting future needs."

Meeting biosensing needs

The researchers will expand on their newly developed nanofabrication technique, called glancing angle deposition, to fabricate nanoscale 3-D pillars. This will provide some unique features to suit biosensing needs.

"With such a joint effort, we ... get the opportunity to help people by developing biosensors to solve health-related problems," Zhang said.

The project aims to make biosensors more sensitive and stable. It's part of the NSF Nanoscale Interdisciplinary Research Team, a program that encourages interdisciplinary research and cooperation to solve pressing problems in this emerging field.

The UGA team relies on expertise from physics, engineering and nanotechnology. The four-year award became effective Aug. 15.

Alan Flurry is a computer services specialist with the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering.

Experts/Sources:
Guigen Zhang
Yiping Zhao
William S. Kisaalita
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