Center for Advanced Microelectronics and Biomolecular Research (CAMBR) Connects Nanotechnologies Researchers with End-Users
Monday, October 8 2007
Oct. 8, 2007 Note to Editors: Additional biographical information is available upon request. Contact Joni Kirk at joni@uidaho.edu. UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO TIP SHEET Center for Advanced Microelectronics and Biomolecular Research (CAMBR) Connects Nanotechnologies Researchers with End-Users University of Idaho, Boise State and Cornell Nanoscale Facility Experts Available to Discuss Nanotechnology’s Role in Life Science and Medical Advances POST FALLS, Idaho – Nanotechnologies researchers from the University of Idaho's Center for Advanced Microelectronics and Biomolecular Research (CAMBR) will meet with life sciences researchers from throughout Idaho on Friday to discuss state-of-the-art nanotechnologies and investigate potential applications for CAMBR’s cutting-edge biosensors. The day-long workshop will begin at 9 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 12 at the University of Idaho’s Research Park, 721 Lochsa St., Suite 8, in Post Falls, Idaho. “We are developing advanced technologies, and now are trying to connect with life science researchers and other end-users throughout the state,” said Wusi Maki, principal investigator for CAMBR biomolecular research. In recent laboratory trials, the CAMBR nano-electronic device has accurately detected Staphylococcus aureus and biomarkers for lung cancer with the sensitivity of 100,000 times higher than fluorescence detection and 1,000 times higher than chelimuminescence detection, currently used in clinic laboratories. The CAMBR biosensor has cut detection time for deadly staph from days to hours. It also successfully detected biomarkers for lung cancer; the revolutionary method of detection provides a potentially life-saving heads up before tumors are formed. The workshop will provide a forum technical discussion for biomolecular/medical researchers throughout Idaho to identify means to work together to achieve common objectives and use nanotechnology in future individual and joint programs. Specifically, the workshop will unite researchers who develop nanotechnology capabilities with Idaho scientists who can use the technology’s revolutionary capabilities in their specific research programs. In addition, the workshop seeks to identify ways Idaho can take advantage of the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) infrastructure to build partnerships similar to the one the CAMBR has established with the NNI Cornell Nanoscale Facility (CNF). “We hope to help health sciences experts advance their research with better tools –better technology and methodology – to do their jobs better,” said Gary Maki, principal investigator for CAMBR microelectronics research. Recent CAMBR breakthroughs have resulted in two patent applications. Nationally and globally recognized experts in the fields of molecular and microbiology, physics, chemistry, microelectronics, nanofabrication and organic synthesis will be at the workshop to discuss the growing role and potential impact of biologically-based nanotechnologies in food safety and medical advances, including CAMBR’s biosensors. Esteemed guest will include Senator Jim Hammond. The media and the public are welcome to attend the morning session. Morning session includes the following presentations: • 9-10 a.m.: Harold Craighead, director of Cornell University Nanobiotechnology Center, will provide the keynote presentation, “Nano technology, 2007.” Craighead is renowned globally for his pioneering research in nanofabrication methods and the application of engineered nanosystems for research and device applications. He will provide an overview of the growing role and importance of bio-nanotechnologies in advancing the field of medicine. Contact: (607) 255-8707, (607) 255-6286, (607) 254-5377 or hgc1@cornell.edu. Visit www.hgc.cornell.edu for additional information. • 10:00-10.45 a.m.: “Integrin-based Delivery of a Bacterial Cytotoxin to Epithelial Cells using Nanomaterials” by Carolyn Hovde Bohach, University of Idaho microbiologist. Bohach is a recognized global expert on the infamous bacterium E. coli O157:H7. Her research focuses on the relationship between healthy cattle that carry the pathogen, and human infection. Bohach will work with CAMBR to address the use of nanotechnologies for detecting E. coli in food. Contact: (208) 885-5906 or cbohach@uidaho.edu. • 10:45-11:30 a.m.: “Nano Electronics in Bio Detection,” Wusi Maki, CAMBR/University of Idaho research assistant professor of molecular biology. Maki will give an overview of the development of nano-electronic biosensors and present her team’s most recent breakthroughs in bioelectronics nanotechnologies development. Their research resulted in applications for several patents in the field in just the past two years, as well as nearly a dozen publications and national conference presentations. Contact: (208) 262-2006 or wmaki@cambr.uidaho.edu. • 11:30 a.m. to noon: “Bio weapons detection” by Scott Minnich, University of Idaho researcher and professor of microbiology, molecular biology and biochemistry. His research expertise includes detection of bacteria pathogens. Minnich spent 5-1/2 months in Iraq in 2004 with other experts looking for weapons of mass destruction. He will discuss the process of collecting, maintaining and documenting the integrity of biological samples so the samples will be accepted as evidence in an international court. Contact: (208) 885-7884 or sminnich@uidaho.edu. The afternoon working technology session begins at 1 p.m. and is not open to the media or the public. However, expert speakers are available to comment following the event, via e-mail and by telephone. They include: • 1-1:20 p.m.: “The Role of Oncostatin M in Breast Cancer Progression,” by Cheryl Jorcyk, Boise State University associate professor of biology. Her laboratory’s research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that promote tumor progression. She will discuss the effects of cytokine Onocostatin M (OSM) on breast tumor progression and metastasis: OSM has previously been show to inhibit proliferation of breast cancer cells. Contact: (208) 426-4287 or cjorcyk@boisestate.edu. • 1:20-1:40 p.m.: “Nanotoxicity and Nanoparticle-based Biomedical Applications,” by Alex Punnoose, Boise State University, associate professor of physics. His research focuses on the characterization and multiple applications of nanoscale materials, including spintronic and photonic materials, magnetic nanonstructures, nanocatalysts, particulate matter, and nanoparticle systems of metals and metal oxides. Each of those areas of focus has strong ties to current and future nanotechnologies, including many in the field of medicine. Contact: (208) 426-2268 or apunnoos@boisestate.edu. • 1:40-2 p.m. “Electronic Biomolecular Detection Tools” by Gary Maki, professor of electrical engineering, CAMBR/University of Idaho. Gary Maki is principal Investigator for CAMBR microelectronic research. Maki and his team develop special purpose computer chips and intelligent biomolecular sensors. Contact: (208) 262-2005 or maki@cambr.uidaho.edu • 2-3 p.m.: Open collaborative discussion led by Gary Maki For additional information, please contact Jerry B. Baltzell, CAMBR Business Manager, (208) 262-2000, jbaltzell@cambr.uidaho.edu. # # # About the University of Idaho Founded in 1889, the University of Idaho is the state’s flagship higher-education institution and its principal graduate education and research university, bringing insight and innovation to the state, the nation and the world. University researchers attract nearly $100 million in research grants and contracts each year; the University of Idaho is the only institution in the state to earn the prestigious Carnegie Foundation ranking for high research activity. The university’s student population includes first-generation college students and ethnically diverse scholars. Offering more than 150 degree options in 10 colleges, the university combines the strengths of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities. For information, visit www.uidaho.edu. Contact: Joni Kirk, University of Idaho Communications, (208) 885-7725, joni@uidaho.edu; or Jerry Baltzell, CAMBR, (208) 262-2000, jbaltzell@cambr.uidaho.edu DE-10/08/07-CAMBR
About the University of Idaho
The University of Idaho helps students to succeed and become leaders. Its land-grant mission furthers innovative scholarly and creative research to grow Idaho's economy and serve a statewide community. From its main campus in Moscow, Idaho, to 70 research and academic locations statewide, U-Idaho emphasizes real-world application as part of its student experience. U-Idaho combines the strength of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities. It is home to the Vandals. For information, visit www.uidaho.edu.