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.
