Charles Mace
Assistant Professor Department of Chemistry, Tufts University

Simple Applications of Nanomaterials in Point-of-Care Diagnostics

The idea of nanomaterials   invokes a picture of cutting edge technologies and massive costs. In reality,   nanomaterials can be quite simple and inexpensive to produce and can enable   some of the most critically important applications in healthcare.  In   this seminar, we will discuss a particularly significant nanomaterial — the   gold nanoparticle — and its role in developing point-of-care diagnostic   assays.

The   Mace group applies a multidisciplinary approach—combining aspects of   chemistry, materials science, biophysics, and engineering—to study the   properties of interfaces, develop new materials, and solve outstanding   problems in global health.  Immiscible   Systems.  When mixed, many solutions of   polymers, surfactants, and salts form immiscible phases.  We are interested in characterizing the   properties of the interfaces between immiscible liquid phases and applying   immiscible systems to the study of complex mixtures.  We are particularly interested in those   immiscible systems that share water as a common solvent.  Paper Diagnostics. Successful   implementation of point-of-care diagnostics has the potential to affect the global   management of diseases. Paper is an attractive platform with which to develop   assays designed specifically for the developing world because the   infrastructure required to develop them is minimal and the materials needed   to manufacture them are inexpensive.    We will develop new materials that can enable biochemical assays that   are not currently possible using paper alone.