The MRSEC Seminar 2012 Series welcomes Dr. Shreekumar Pillai from the Center for NanoBiotechnology Research, Alabama State University, on April 3, 2012 at 3:00pm in the Marcus Nanotechnology Building conference rooms located on the first floor.  His talk is title: Nanomaterials for Detection and Inhibition of Bacterial Pathogens.

Below is an abstract:

The Center for NanoBiotechnology Research (CNBR) at Alabama State University provides research infrastructure to perform nanobiotechnology research. The center facilitates integrated research in various areas including anti-viral and anti-bacterial nanomaterials development, sensor to diagnose bacterial pathogens, and immune regulating nanomaterials. We have synthesized silver coated carbon nanotubes using a unique microwave irradiation method leading to the development of nylon silver CNT nanocomposites with excellent broad-spectrum anti-bacterial activity. For pathogen detection, we have developed a label-free laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) method for the detection of Salmonella which could detect Salmonella in broth and milk. In addition, a single stranded DNA probe attached to CNT was used to develop a biosensor for Salmonella.  The sensor was able to detect specifically bacterial DNA and discriminate even single base pair mismatches.