ENVR 153 |
| Recent demands for on-line monitoring in membrane systems aim to provide a timely indication of membrane performance and potential threats to human health. This research involves the development of an in situ bacterial monitoring system attached to a membrane surface. In this work, temperature responsive polymer brushes on a cellulose acetate membrane surface act as a support medium for biorecognition molecules, specifically antibodies, targeting microorganisms. The nanostructured smart membrane was created to target a common membrane biofoulant, mycobacteria. The smart membrane sensor is highly specific, provides rapid results (several minutes) and has high recovery efficiency (up to 25%) for the target. Recovery efficiency and sensitivity will be directly impacted by the biorecognition molecule dose and environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, concentration of organic matter). Although this research addresses detection of biological contaminants in membrane systems, the sensor developed from this work can be adapted to address a range of environmental detection concerns. |
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Sensors for Detection and Quantification of Contaminants in Drinking Water and the Environment
8:30 AM-12:10 PM, Wednesday, April 9, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Rm. 235, Oral
Division of Environmental Chemistry |