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This proposal aims to develop a novel method which uses a Nickel-functionalized amphiphilic block copolymer sensor array pattern to separate and collect plant viruses. The proposed research addresses NRI issues in Food Safety as well as in Agricultural and Food Security, specifically the development of methods for detecting and controlling food borne pathogens, and the early detection of pathogen pests and other threats to homeland security.
The proposed work is divided into two specific objectives: The first deals with synthesizing and processing functionalized block copolymers, the second will apply these materials to biomimetic virus sensing.
The need to identify and remove viruses is widespread in diverse sectors, including homeland security, crop protection, and biologics production. The proposed research relates to a polymer nanoscale device system which would apply in the identification, classification, and removal of viruses.
Nickel functionalized block copolymers will be synthesized and processed into thin films. 2. Plant virus binding of different sizes and shapes (TMV, TNV,PVX, CGMMV) will be carried out, and their specificity on the block copolymer nanoscale pattern will be evaluated in aqueous and physiological media.