(Invited) Smartphone-Based Nanosensors for Environmental, Food Safety, and Health Monitoring

Abstract

: Biosensors are a modern engineering marvel with widespread applications across diverse areas, including healthcare, environmental monitoring, microbiology, and food safety and security. The integration of nanotechnology with biosensor technology has led to novel sensing mechanisms, significantly enhancing performance and sensing capabilities beyond the constraints of traditional methods. In our laboratory, several nanotechnology-enabled biosensors have been developed to overcome the limitations of current bioanalytical methods, particularly in terms of sensitivity, throughput, ease-of-use, and miniaturization. We have synthesized various innovative nanomaterials, such as protein cages, single-atom nanozymes, and mesoporous bimetal nanoparticles. These materials have been crucial in the fabrication of 3D printed nano-immunosensors, which are effective in detecting pesticides, food pathogens, and exposure biomarkers.My research specifically focuses on the development of nanotechnology-enhanced biosensors that leverage these novel nanomaterials. This endeavor aims to revolutionize biosensor fabrication, with a particular emphasis on creating new, handheld devices. These devices are designed for rapid, on-site detection of molecules, offering immense potential for point-of-care diagnostics. The integration of these biosensors with smartphone technology has further opened avenues for real-time data analysis and sharing, making them invaluable tools for environmental, food safety, and health monitoring. This talk will delve into the specifics of these developments, highlighting the innovative approaches and potential impacts of smartphone-based nanosensors in various sectors.