Problem Statement & Background
Waterways may contain environmental contaminants such as chemicals, toxins, and viruses that affect ecosystems and human health. Pairing Raman spectroscopy with a novel strain of algae, Scenedesmus A6, provides a method of monitoring and analyzing components present in environmental samples; the cells can change their phenotype based on environmental conditions. Our team will design and build a portable biosensor consisting of algae reporter cells, a syringe and filter system, and other physical components to detect toxin contents in water samples in the field.
Goal:
Develop and validate phenotypic measuring device that is able to quickly provide the user with information regarding contaminants in water samples.
Objectives:
Design a portable biosensor that utilizes microbial reporter cells and is compatible with a handheld Raman device.
Build a reporter cell holder device using 3D modelling, printing, and machining.
Create spectral library that provides accurate molecular thumbprints, which are able to be used for model building.
Use mathematical modeling to assess quality and accuracy of Raman spectral data.
Develop economic analysis associated with the biosensor creation on a small and large scale.