Abstract:
The NIH supports a wide range of nanotechnology-related approaches to solving key problems in understanding biology and developing advanced diagnostics and therapeutics. Seeking a novel niche with respect to nanotechnology in biology and medicine, The Nanomedicine Roadmap Initiative focuses initially on developing a deep understanding of a fundamental biological nanoscale molecular complex or system and, then on applying that knowledge to studying and solving a specific medical problem. More precisely, we define nanomedicine as the characterization of nanoscale molecular complexes, components, and pathways inside living cells at such a high level of precision that researchers can manipulate and re-engineer the complexes for diagnosis and treatment of disease or damaged tissue. We expect this level of understanding and control to yield highly specific treatments with minimal side effects. Further program information is available at http://nihroadmap.nih.gov/nanomedicine/index.asp and http://nanomedcenter.org/.

Bio:
Dr. Jeffery A. Schloss is Program Director for Technology Development Coordination in the Division of Extramural Research at the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). At NHGRI, he manages a grants program in technology development for DNA sequencing including the institute’s program to develop technologies with which to sequence entire human genomes for $1000. Dr. Schloss represents NHGRI on the NIH Bioengineering Consortium, BECON, established in 1997 to foster support for bioengineering research (served as BECON chair from 2001-2004). He represents the NIH on the National Science and Technology Council’s (NSTC) subcommittee on Nanoscale Science, Engineering and Technology (NSET), planning for the National Nanotechnology Initiative. He also co-chairs the Trans-NIH Nano Task Force and the NIH Nanomedicine Roadmap Initiative working group.

Links:
National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Bio:
On July 24, 2007, the Director of National Intelligence appointed Mr. Steven Nixon as Director of Science and Technology for the Office of Director of National Intelligence (ODNI DS&T). The ODNI DS&T is one of eight legislated positions in ODNI and has oversight responsibilities for the Science & Technology activities of the 16 agencies of the US Intelligence Community, including CIA, NSA, NRO, NGA, DIA, and FBI. Mr. Nixon has worked for the ODNI since November 2005, and previously served as Deputy Director of Science and Technology and acting Director of the newly established Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA). The ODNI DS&T reports to the DNI through the Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Acquisition.

Prior to working in the ODNI, Mr. Nixon served ten years with the US Congress as a Professional Staff Member on the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. There he was responsible for review of a wide variety of military and intelligence research, development, and acquisition programs. In 2005, the National Journal named him to the "Hill 100" list under the category of Defense Transformation. Also in 2005, he was designated by Space News as one of the top 10 "making a difference" in space. This list also included the Directors of NASA and the European Space Agency and included commercial, military, and civilian government space sectors.

Prior to his work with the US Congress, Mr. Nixon was a senior civilian analyst working for the Department of Navy at the Pentagon.

He graduated with B.S. degrees in Electrical Engineering and Mathematics (Highest Distinction and Honors) from the University of Kansas. He later earned a M.A. degree in National Security Studies from Georgetown University.

Mr. Nixon lives with his wife and two children in the Washington, DC area.

Links:
Office of Director of National Intelligence

Abstract:
• TessArae’s Resequencing Pathogen Microarray (RPM) simultaneously detects and identifies hundreds of strains of pathogens.
• RPM results are gene sequences of detected pathogen(s) that distinguish between known and previously unknown variants.
• A clinical study in 2005 demonstrated superior clinical sensitivity and specificity, with zero false positives, compared to benchmark microbial cultures and (RT)PCR tests.
• Within three months thirteen novel H3N2 influenza strains were identified.
• TessArray™ RPM is only platform that unequivocally detects and identifies any avian influenza isolate in 100% concordance with de novo gene sequencing analysis.
• RPM provides single-specimen, single-test, same-day results for real-time global epidemiology.

Abstract:
The Maryland Pathogen Research Institute (MPRI) brings an unprecedented, broad-based, multi-disciplinary approach to the research of pathogenic microorganisms. Centered at the University of Maryland, the Institute brings together leaders in Engineering, Nanosciences, Computer Sciences, and the Life Sciences. These collaborations within MPRI work toward a goal of developing a comprehensive program to diagnose, treat and prevent the spread of pathogens in the environment. Nanosciences have been applied to a variety of projects pertaining to pathogen research that span several disciplines across campus. The diagnosis and detection of pathogenic Neisseria gonorrhoeae with glycoconjugate-specific nanobeads is being developed in a collaboration between scientists in Cell Biology and Chemistry. New ways to deliver immunosuppressive molecules to inflammed tissue are being developed by conjugating them to nanobeads. These studies have been initiated in a collaboration between Bioengineering and Cell Biology. A new nanoscience-based method to detect and delete tumor-associated macrophages is being developed in a collaboration between Chemistry and Cell Biology. The goal of MPRI is to unite researchers across the campus of the University of Maryland and across the State of Maryland.

Bio:
Dr. David M. Mosser is a Professor of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, and the founding Director of The Maryland Pathogen Research Institute (MPRI). He received his Ph.D. from North Carolina State University and did his postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School. Prior to coming to The University of Maryland in 2000, he was on the faculty of Cornell and Temple University Medical Schools. He has studied macrophages and their products for more than 20 years, and is considered a leader in this field. He is the Past-President of the Society for Leukocyte Biology, and an organizer of the last two Keystone Meetings on Macrophage Activation. He is member of the NIH, NIAID Board of Scientific Counselors, and an Editorial Board Member of four prestigious journals dedicated to the study of leukocytes, cytokines and inflammation. Dr. Mosser has published more than 100 manuscripts on leukocytes and their products.

Links:
Maryland Pathogen Research Institute

Abstract:
Mass spectrometry provides the advantages of speed, sensitivity, broad band detection and high specificity for characterization of pathogens and biomolecules from air, water, surfaces, and more dense matrices. Success is dependent on efficient sample collection and preparation. Antibodies have been shown to be effective with milk and some foodstuffs, and opportunities exist for incorporation of microfluidics and nanotechnology. Proteomics-based spectral interpretation allows for analysis of mixtures and contaminated samples.

Bio:
Catherine Fenselau is Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Maryland. For a decade she has worked on teams funded by DARPA, DHS and the USDA, to evaluate and develop fieldable mass spectrometry-based systems for rapid detection of microorganisms. She is an associate editor of the journal Analytical Chemistry, past president of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry, founding President of the United States Human Proteome Organization, and the 2008 recipient of the Field and Franklin award for Excellence in Mass Spectrometry from the American Chemical Society.

Abstract:
Feedback flow control allows precise manipulation of particles in micro-fluidic devices, and can be miniaturized into hand-held integrated systems. This talk will describe how we steer and trap one and multiple particles to micro-meter resolution in our cheap PDMS devices (experiments) and in electrowetting systems created by CJ Kim at UCLA (still in simulations). Applications include steering cells into chambers to then monitor them for bio-detection, extracting cells from dirty samples, and steering apart dividing stem cells. Results will also be shown for combining our flow-control capabilities with on-chip cameras to enable cell manipulation in a hand-held system.

Bio:
Dr. Benjamin Shapiro received his bachelors degree from the Aerospace Engineering department at Georgia Tech, and his PhD from the Control and Dynamical Systems option at Caltech. He has been at the university of Maryland for 6 years. His research is focused on modeling, design, and control of micro-scale systems for chemical, biological, and now clinical applications. His primary appointment is in the Aerospace Engineering department, he has a joint appointment with the Bio-Engineering department, the Institute for Systems Research, the Nano-center, and is affiliated with the Applied Math and Scientific Computation program. He is the recipient of a 2003 NSF CAREER award, has filed 9 patents (two of which were awarded 1st and 3rd places as inventions of the year at Maryland), and was recently voted into the Council of Outstanding Young Engineering Alumni for Georgia Tech. He was born in Jerusalem, Israel in 1973.

Abstract:
Sensor size, shape, and array density are all critical in determining the sensitivity of biodetection systems. For example, sensor microarrays enable multiplexing, but target capture on the surface of each array element will ultimately be diffusion-limited. At the diffusion limit, it takes hours-to-days for fM targets to accumulate on a nanosensor, but only seconds-to-minutes on a microsensor. In contrast, homogeneous assays offer very efficient target capture in solution, but typically require multiple label types and complex instrumentation to multiplex. I will describe how we blend microscale fluidics and labels with the nanobiophysics of diffusion and molecular recognition to overcome many of the limitations of solid-phase microarrays. As implemented in our microbead-based fluidic force discrimination assays, in minutes we can detect aM concentrations (fg/ml) of proteins in complex matrices.

Links:
NRL

Abstract:
Nanopore arrays and nanotube devices: a pathway to nano and nanobio applications Professor Lee's resesearch centers around the synthesis and application of highly controlled nanostructures and nanostructure systems fabricated through chemical techniques. Its starting point is the realization of regular arrays of closely spaced nanopores, created by anodization of aluminum to form anodic aluminum oxide (AAO), which produces very narrow nanopores 15-300nm in diameter and micrometers deep, providing ultrahigh aspect ratios. He has also demonstrated shape-differentiated structures where the diameter changes abruptly with depth into the nanopore. Chemical functionalization, electrodeposition, and atomic layer deposition then enable the creation of nanostructure systems. Applications emerge in two different directions. By sequencing material deposition and AAO processing in different ways, device structures are achieved which exploit the short distances which ions or charges must travel in the devices. This has led to fast electrochromic displays which operate at video rates, while related structures have high potential for energy applications as energy capture and storage devices. The technology is compatible with flexible electronics. In contrast, nanostructures formed in the nanopore templates can be released by etching away the AAO material. Using chemical functionalization and deposition, this leads to nanoparticle systems for targeted, image-guided drug delivery, relying on the nanotube to carry the drug, the functionalization to isolate the system at disease sites, and the nanotube material to provide a radiological signature for diagnosis.

Bio:
Dr. Sang Bok Lee is an assistant professor at the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Maryland Nanocenter, University of Maryland (UMD), College Park, MD. He received his B.S. in Chemistry and M.S. in physical chemistry and PhD (1997) in organic chemistry from Seoul National University, Korea. After finishing his PhD, he worked at a DRAM maker, LG Semicon (Hynix), for two years as senior research engineer and held a postdoctoral position at the University of Florida, before joining UMD in 2002.

Dr. Lee’s research focuses on the synthesis and control of nanotube structures with various materials and the applications of the nanotubes from biomedicine to electronic devices.

His research on the biomedical and electronic device applications of the nanotubes have been highlighted in many public media such as Nature, Nature Methods, NanoBiotech News, Maryland Magazine, Scientific America, and UPI.

In recognition of his research achievement, Dr. Lee was recently awarded ‘KIChE-US (Korean Institute of Chemical Engineering-United States) Outstanding Young Investigator Award’ at 2006 AIChE (American Institute of Chemical Engineering) National meeting and ‘the College of Life Sciences Junior Faculty Award’ of the University of Maryland. With his research interest in bionanotechnology, he is serving as Guest Editor of Nanomedicine for a special focus issue, “Nanoparticles for cancer diagnosis and therapeutics”. He has more than 40 peer-reviewed publications.

Abstract:
Advances in nanotechnology offer significant improvements in a range of applications including, light weight materials with greater strength, increased energy efficiency from electronic devices, and better sensors for a range of medical and environmental uses. Furthermore, since size constraints often produce qualitative changes in the characteristics of matter, it is anticipated that the exploitation of nanotechnology will result in the identification of new phenomena and functionalities derived from the physics, chemistry, and biology of matter at the nanoscale level. However, these advances require the development of systems for the design, modeling, and synthesis of nanoscale materials. Interestingly, many biological molecules function on this scale and possess unique properties that impart the ability to assume defined conformations and assemblies, as well as interact with specific chemical or biological substrates. Studies in our laboratory utilize RNA plant viruses as templates for the self-assembly and patterning of novel nanomaterials. Such viruses represent very simple macromolecular assemblies, consisting of a single molecule of nucleic acid packaged by many copies of an identical coat protein. These properties make them ideal models for understanding fundamental mechanisms that underlie the abilities of molecules to self-associate and assemble into ordered structures. Utilizing molecular genetic and chemical methods we have investigated strategies to functionalize and pattern these viruses with dyes, peptides and metals to produce assembled virus arrays with applications in energy production, sensor development and drug delivery.

Bio:
Dr. Culver's research interests are multidisciplinary with efforts directed at understanding virus biology and its role in disease as well as studies aimed at engineering viruses and other biological components for application in nano-based systems and devices. Dr. Culver received B.S. and M.S. degrees in Microbiology and Plant Pathology from Oklahoma State University and in 1991 a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from the University of California, Riverside. In 1992, Dr. Culver joined the faculty in the Center for Biosystems Research at the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute (UMBI).

Links:
Center for Biosystems Research

Abstract:
With the recent developments of nanoscale engineering in physical sciences and the advances in molecular biology, we are combining genetic tools with synthetic nanoscale constructs and generate a hybrid methodology, molecular biomimetics. In this approach, we use biology as a guide and adapt bioschemes including combinatorial biology, post-selection engineering, bioinformatics, and modeling to select and tailor short peptides (7-60 amino acids) with specific binding to and assembly on functional solid materials. Based on the fundamental principles of genome-based design, molecular recognition, and self-assembly, we can now engineer peptides for solids and synthetic functional molecules as nucleators, catalyzers, growth modifiers, molecular linkers and erector sets, simply as fundamental utilities for nano- and bionano-technology. We will review the latest developments from our collaborative research groups in this rapidly developing polydisciplinary field, focusing on i. Fundamental issues in genetic design, molecular recognition, and assembly of peptides, ii. Bioenabled nano-photonics, and ii. Practical implementation in inorganic biosynthesis and fabrication towards molecular and nano-imaging, sensing (diagnostics), and tissue regeneration.

Bio:
Mehmet Sarikaya is interested in Mother Nature's molecular footsteps in utilizing peptides and protein constructs as building blocks to synthesize inorganic materials, assemble and organize functional nanostructures, and exploit them in technology and medicine. He is a Professor in the Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) and Chemical Engineering Departments and the Director of the Genetically Engineered Materials Science and Engineering Center, a National Science Foundation supported MRSEC Center, at the University of Washington (UW). Sarikaya received his BS, in Turkey, and PhD degree in MSE at the University of California, Berkeley in 1982. He was a visiting professor both at Princeton and Nagoya (Japan) Universities during the 90s and is now an Institute Professor at Ecotopia Science Institute at Nagoya and Long-term Visiting Professor sat Istanbul Technical University, Turkey. Professor Sarikaya is leading a fledging new field of Molecular Biomimetics comprising polydisciplinary research at the intersections of biology, medicine, engineering, and physical sciences, combining commonly known fields of nano-biotechnology, synthetic biology, and medical material science and engineering. Sarikaya has published over 200 articles, edited 7 books/proceedings, and presented more than 300 invited, keynote, and plenary lectures in international meetings, universities, and academic, scientific, and industrial establishments in the fields of biomimetics, nanotechnology, metallurgy, ceramic science and technology, and molecular and nanoscale phenomena using light, x-ray, electron microscopy, diffraction, and spectroscopy and scanned probe techniques. He has served in the editorial boards of many journals, has been a member of large federal review and policy panels, including National Academy of Sciences, NSF, NIH, DOE, ARO, DARPA, and AFOSR; has been a reviewer of many scientific journals and publications; and is a member of diverse professional societies including MRS, ACS, APS, ACerS, MSA, and AAAS.

Links:
Genetically Engineered Materials Science and Engineering Center (GEMSEC)
DURINT Biomimetics Project

Abstract:
Materials technology and process integration are the key enabling tools for novel advances in MEMS/NEMS for future self-sustaining integrated microsystems with applications in biological and chemical detection. In this talk, I present an overview of the various building block materials and process technologies developed in our group to address this exciting and diverse goal. First, the use of Indium Phosphide as an attractive monolithic integrative material for all-optical switching applications is described through micro and nano actuators for sensing gas molecules. Next, the challenges involved in developing a robust multi-modal (opto-electro-mechanical) platform for biosensing and biomolecular reactions are shown through a microfluidic platform that utilizes biofabrication technologies. We are also developing small-scale portable energy modules such as microgenerators based on micro-ball bearing technology and microbatteries using a nanostructured biological material, the Tobacco Mosaic Virus, for the realization of self sustaining Microsystems.

Bio:
Reza Ghodssi is an Associate Professor and the Director of the MEMS Sensors and Actuators Lab (MSAL) in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) and the Institute for Systems Research (ISR) at the University of Maryland (UMD). He is also affiliated with the Fischell Department of Bioengineering, the Maryland NanoCenter, the University of Maryland Energy Research Center, and the Materials Science and Engineering Department at UMD. Dr. Ghodssi received his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Wisconsin at Madison, in 1990, 1992 and 1996, respectively. He was a Postdoctoral Associate and a Research Scientist in the Microsystems Technology Laboratories and the Gas Turbine Laboratory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) from 1997 until 1999. Dr. Ghodssi's research interests are in the design and development of microfabrication technologies and their applications to micro/nano devices and systems for chemical and biological sensing, small-scale energy conversion and harvesting. Dr. Ghodssi has over 55 scholarly publications and is the editor of the "Handbook of MEMS Materials and Processes" to be published in 2009. He has received the 2001 UMD George Corcoran Award, the 2002 National Science Foundation CAREER Award, and the 2003 UMD Outstanding Systems Engineering Faculty Award. He was among 83 of the nation's outstanding engineers (aged 30-45) invited to attend the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) 2007 U.S. Frontiers of Engineering Symposium in Redmond, WA, in September 2007. Dr. Ghodssi is the co-founder of MEMS Alliance in the greater Washington area and a member of the IEEE, AVS, MRS, ASEE and AAAS societies.

Abstract:
Multiplexed detection systems interrogating arrays of immobilized capture molecules make it possible to analyze multiple samples simultaneously for multiple targets. Three very different types of array biosensors have been explored at NRL. Each has different capabilities and different challenges for system automation. Clark Tibbetts from Tessarae has already described one of these systems that uses high density DNA microarrays to identify pathogens by genetic resequencing and bioinformatics. The other two systems are the NRL Array Biosensor and a microfluidic flow cytometer.

The NRL Array Biosensor is a fully automated system that captures targets from complex samples onto a glass waveguide. The biosensor takes advantage of a wide variety of biological capture molecules including antibodies, combinatorial peptides, carbohydrates, and antibiotics, along with small optics including a diode laser and CCD camera, to measure detection events. The entire biosensor system is integrated into a portable tackle box (<6 kg). Complex food, environmental or clinical samples can be analyzed with minimal, if any, sample preparation.

Not all arrays of immobilized capture molecules are immobilized on a planar surface. Optically coded beads provide an alternative type of array in which the code on the bead reveals the identity of the capture molecule and any bound target. We have developed a flow cytometer on a chip that can interrogate arrays of coded beads for target binding—one at a time. This device has the potential to be either a continuous monitoring system or a hand-held detector for point-of-care and other on-site operations.

Abstract:
Getting samples into and out of sensors at the micrometer size range presents a set of challenges to minimize resources and maximize lifetime. The use of vapor introduction of both chemical and biological samples into miniature mass spectrometers fabricated using micromachining will be used to discuss the progress in the field. MEMS vacuum pump for a miniature mass spectrograph challenges current modeling techniques compared to other microfluidic devices that utilize incompressible fluids. This device development also adds in the need for dynamic analysis over a broad pressure range. Results for actuator and pump performance measurements as well as results on the expected reliability of the thin films used in the pump's mechanical operation will be presented, along with discussion of results for nanofluidic electrospray introduction of biological samples. The paper will discuss the integration challenges and empirical results we have achieved to date.

Bio:
C.B. Freidhoff, Senior Technical Fellow

Northrop Grumman Corporation, Modeling, Simulation and Analysis Department

Education:
B.S. in chemistry from the University of Miami, FL and a M.A./Ph.D. in chemical physics from the Johns Hopkins University

Dr. Freidhoff has been involved in ion beam spectroscopy,semiconductor processing, micromachining, modeling and design of sensor systems, plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition of thin films, optical film design/deposition and application of vacuum science to vacuum interrupters. In addition, he has become involved in the miniaturization of instruments through the application of microelectromechanical systems technology. In MEMS, Dr. Freidhoff is the co-inventor of the mass imaging spectrograph on a chip, including MEMS based pumps with piezoelectric actuators. In the MEMS area, he has lead programs on miniaturization of chemical and biological sensors, a electrostatically acutated switched phase shifted reflectarrays and filters; and an X-Band time delay unit development program, both technically and administratively. Through these efforts, he has a background in test and data acquisition experimental setups, modeling and simulation of sensors and sensor systems, ion generation, plasmas, spectroscopy, thin film piezoelectric actuation, optical design, MEMS design/fabrication, microsensors, microfluidics and vacuum science.

Abstract:
Biological materials offer unique properties that facilitate fabrication. Well-known are the self-assembly properties of biological materials that enable the bottom-up self-fabrication of nano-scale structures. Yet, biological materials offer additional properties. They can be acted upon by enzymes enabling highly selective biocatalysts to be enlisted for enzymatic-assembly. And, biological materials often possess stimuli-responsive properties that enable a range of external stimuli to be enlisted for directed-assembly. In our research, we are studying the stimuli-responsive amino-polysaccharide chitosan as a versatile interface material. Chitosan's pH-responsive film-forming properties allow its directed assembly (i.e. electrodeposition) in response to localized electrical signals that can be imposed from electrodes. Chitosan's directed-assembly can be controlled by controlling deposition conditions, and high lateral resolutions have been observed when the electrical signals are imposed from micropatterned electrodes. Once neutralized, the chitosan deposit is stable (chitosan is insoluble under neutral and basic conditions) although it can be re-solubilized by washing with mild acid. In addition to its stimuli-responsive film-forming properties, chitosan also offers chemical properties that permit the facile conjugation of proteins and nucleic acids to previously-deposited chitosan. These chitosan-bound proteins and nucleic acids can confer important functional properties (e.g. recognition, catalysis and binding). Together, the results demonstrate that chitosan's unique properties enable the integration of biological materials for biofabrication at the micro- and nano-scale.

Bio:
Gregory F. Payne received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University in 1979 and 1981, respectively. He received his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from The University of Michigan in 1984. After completing his Ph.D., he returned to Cornell to do post-doctoral work with Michael Shuler in biochemical engineering. In 1986 Dr. Payne joined the faculty with joint appointments in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) and in the Center for Agricultural Biotechnology (now the Center for Biosystems Research) at the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute (UMBI). Currently he is a Professor and the Director of the Center for Biosystems Research. His research is focused on biofabrication - the use of biological or biomimetic materials and processes for construction. Specifically, his group biofabricates using enzymes and biologically-derived polymers such as chitosan.

Abstract:
We have developed high sensitivity ac magnetic field sensors based on the magnetoelectric (ME) effect. Recent advances in multiferroic materials systems have led to ME devices with unparalleled field sensitivity for room temperature operation. In some instances, sensitivities better than pico tesla have been reported. Such devices can open up possibilities for a variety of applications including magnetocardiogram and detection, classification and localization of landmines and unexploded mortar shells. The added advantage of the ME devices is that they are very inexpensive to make. We have demonstrated a simple scanning magnetic probe microscope using one such device. To date, most ME devices are made of bulk laminate materials with relatively large device dimensions. We are working toward all thin film microfabricated devices, so that we can pursue sensor array geometries as well as integration with other circuits on a chip. Preliminary results of thin film magnetometer devices on Si cantilevers will be presented. This work is performed in collaboration with Manfred Wuttig. This project is funded by NSF MRSEC at UMD, ARO, ONR, and NIH.

Bio:
Ichiro Takeuchi is Associate Professor in the Materials Science and Engineering Department a the University of Maryland. He got his Ph.D. in physics from the University of Maryland in 1996. He then spent 3 years as a postdoctoral fellow at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. He heads the Combinatorial Materials Synthesis Laboratory at the University of Maryland.