eck, utilizing the natural features bacteria and other microbes use to sense their environments. The wired bacterial cells, coupled with modern microelectronics, would have the ability not only to detect dangerous agents (anthrax spores, for example) but they then could sound the alarm and call for help.

"You could even engineer bacteria to have different surface molecules that you could capitalize on," says Beck.

For instance, it may be possible, the Wisconsin scientists say, to attach microscopic gold particles to the shell of the bacterium, making it more like a nanoscale gold wire.

Hamers believes the new work could be the basis for bringing nanotechnology and biology together in unprecedented ways.

Moreover, the ability to routinely and easily capture and analyze individual microbes will have implications for conventional biotechnology as well. For example, chemical modifications to the electrode traps might make it easier for scientists to retrieve specified cells from a complex mixture.

The work by Hamers' group was funded by the National Science Foundation. The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, a private, nonprofit organization that manages UW-Madison intellectual property, has applied for patents for the technology.

The paper on this research, ANYL 424, will be presented at 2:45 p.m., Thursday, March 17, at the San Diego Convention Center, Room 27A, during a symposium titled "Bioanalytical Techniques for Detection of Bacteria, Toxins and Proteins."

'"/>

Contact: Robert J. Hamers
hamers@chem.wisc.edu
608-262-6371
University of Wisconsin-Madison
17-Mar-2005

Page: 1 2 3
Related biology news :

1. Harnessing genomic research
2. MIT team building robotic fin for submarines
3. MIT, BU team builds viruses to combat harmful biofilms
4. Ground gas gizmo boosts brownfield building
5. Existence of muscle-building stem cells points to regenerative therapies for muscular disease
6. MIT researchers probe bones tiny building blocks
7. NIST building software offers green product advice
8. Blood sugars manufacture limited by building blocks supply
9. New Geisinger Health System building green Center for Health Research
10. Bacteria could steady buildings against earthquakes
11. Protein sensor for fatty acid buildup in mitochondria