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Vision
Plan: Letter of Intent Project Title:
Phosphate sensor for environmental studies: Biotechnological and Nanotechnological
approach. Abstract:
Recent agricultural practices have resulted in significant elevations
of phosphorous in soil and water bodies downstream of agriculturally-intensive
areas. The elevated phosphorous content has caused accelerated eutrophication
of water bodies and has become a major environmental concern. Current
methods to measure phosphate are laborious, insensitive and cannot be
conducted in the field. We propose to develop a phosphate sensor
that is sensitive and convenient to use in both laboratory and field.
We propose to combine the sensitivity of fluorescent techniques with the
specificity of enzymes and/or nucleic acid interactions. We will
anchor the sensor to polymer nanoparticles for convenient reuse.
Thus, this project involves synergistic collaborations of a number of
research areas identified in the MTU strategic plan, biotechnology, environmental
science and nanotechnology/material science.
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