Detection of nanoparticles using molecular assays

Chan Lab at the University of Toronto is focused on the development and translation of nanotechnology for biological and medical applications. In comparison to many research fields, nanotechnology is relatively young and many basic principles of nanotechnology research is under heavy investigation, such as the understanding of how the biophysicochemical properties (e.g., size, shape, and surface chemistries) of nanoparticles relate to biological response. As the field continues to expand, novel tools to quantify nanoparticle concentration of different surface chemistries is needed. Currently, many studies on the nano-bio interface are qualitative. This research proposal is a continuation of the Discovery grant applied in 2006, which focuses on the use of phage-display screening to identify targeting agents to nanoparticles of different surface chemistries and use either the target agent or the phage in a biological assay to measure unknown concentrations of nanoparticles of different surface chemistries in various biological environment. In this proposed project, we will continue to identify and validate the target agents for metallic nanoparticle. Furthermore, we will analyze their use in immunoassay-type experiments. Finally we will develop a portable dipstick version of the assay.