Nanoscale sensors for the detection of cancer biomarkers. Advances in genomic and proteomic methods now allow classification of disease based on molecular profiling. The detection of a molecular analytes and use of this type of information for disease diagnosis requires methods with superior sensitivity and specificity, along with high-throughput. We are developing new analytical methods with these properties that will permit the direct readout of nucleic acid sequences and protein biomarkers. Novel technologies for ultrasensitive DNA and RNA sensing have been developed in our laboratories that use electrochemical methods for readout. Nanomaterials play an important role in this effort, as detection sensitivity is greatly enhanced when measurements are performed at the nanoscale. Our aim is to generate sensors applicable to the diagnosis of cancer and other disease states. Members of this project team fabricate devices, develop reporter assays and work with biological and clinical samples to validate new technologies. Substantial collaboration with engineers and clinical researchers is an important part of this project.
Nucleic acids biosensor based on gold nanowires
Representative publications
"Direct Electrocatalytic mRNA Detection Using PNA-Nanowire Sensors." Anal. Chem., 2008, in press.
"Ultrasensitive Detection of Enzymatic Activity with Nanowire Electrodes." M.A. Roberts, S.O. Kelley, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2007, 129, 11356.
"An Intercalator Film as a DNA-Electrode Interface." B.J. Taft, M.A. Lapierre-Devlin, B.J. Taft, S.O. Kelley, Chem. Comm., 2006, 9, 962.
"Amplified Electrocatalysis at DNA-Modified Nanowires." M.A. Lapierre-Devlin, C. Asher, B.J. Taft, R. Gasparac, M.W. Roberts, S.O. Kelley, Nano Letters, 2005, 5, 1051.
"Ultrasensitive Electrocatalytic DNA Detection at 2D and 3D Nanoelectrodes." R. Gasparac, B.J. Taft, M. Lapierre-Devlin, A.D. Lazareck, J.M. Xu, S.O. Kelley, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2004, 126, 12270.
"Electrocatalytic Detection of Pathogenic DNA Sequences and Antibiotic Resistance Markers." M.A. Lapierre, M.M. O'Keefe, B.J. Taft, S.O. Kelley, Analytical Chemistry, 2003, 75, 6327.
Additional projects currently underway in the Kelley group:
