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Dream : Faculty : Biomaterials : Caroline Schauer
Caroline Schauer
Assistant Professor of Materials Science and Engineering
Faculty web page
Thin, Colored Biofilms for Specific Analyte Detection
Heavy metal detection remains a priority in America, as high levels of metals have been isolated in residential areas; however, a rapid, on-site means of detection of multiple metals in one simple platform remains elusive. Currently, Dr. Schauer is developing a rapid and cost effective screen for toxic metal ions, which is user-friendly, requires little-to-no calibration, and is disposable. The optical sensor, used to identify multiple metal ions, is based on the change of index of refraction and/or thickness of a series of thin biopolymer films, such as cross-linked chitosan.
Example REU Project: The REU participants will work with Dr. Schauer and her graduate students in creating thin biopolymer films of different thickness and color similar to the cross-linked chitosan films. Different modified chitosans will be investigated for their film’s properties as well as their sensitivity to aqueous metal ions. Through these interactions REU participants will gain experience in some enabling technologies in biomaterials research and nanotechnology.
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