Achievement

One of the areas that nanotechnology has had tremendous success is in the field of sensors. Towards this end, two of our trainees in the IGERT Nanomedicine Science and Technology Program at NEU have developed novel nanosensors using nanoparticles to sense a variety of biomolecules. IGERT trainee Matthew Dubach is using fluorescently-labeled nanobeads as a sensor for sodium ion detection. These nanosensors are more robust than the currently available conventional systems. Development of nanosensors to detect glucose is the nanosensor project of IGERT trainee Kate Balaconis. In this project, the goal is to develop a glucose-sensitive nanosensor that can be implanted subcutaneously and used as an in vivo glucose monitor for diabetic care. This non-invasive and continuous monitoring approach will dramatically change diabetic monitoring and vastly improve the quality of care and lifestyle of the patient.