Sensors & Electronics
Biological Sensors
Sensing Mechanism Capabilities
Underlying Science Capabilities: PNNL's capabilities for identifying, exploiting, and optimizing Sensing/Interaction Mechanisms to meet specific application requirements rely on and are greatly enhanced by the existence of strong laboratory capabilities in underlying science areas including material science, chemical science, biological science, and physical science. These complementary science capabilities are the result of significant work for government and other sponsors. Significant intellectual (e.g., staff with specialized skills), equipment, and facility resources are in place to support this work. These capabilities can be drawn upon as-needed to meet sensor development project requirements.
Material sciences capabilities most pertinent for biological organism sensor development include the following:
- Biocompatible & Biomemetic Materials
- Polymers & Polymer Synthesis
- Micro- & Nanotechnology Material Fabrication Methods
Chemical sciences capabilities most pertinent for biological organism sensor development include the following:
- Bioanalytical Chemistry
- Surface Characterization
- Surface Modification
- Polymer Chemistry
Biological sciences capabilities most pertinent for biological organism sensor development include the following:
- Microbiology & Molecular Biology
- Structural Biology
- Computational Biology
- DNA Sequencing & Informatics
- Kinetic Modeling
- Toxicology
Physical Sciences capabilities have not been very important for biological organism sensor development.
Sensing/Interaction Mechanisms: Fundamental mechanisms and interactions that allow detection and measurement of biological organisms (e.g., bioluminescence, chem-luminescence triggered by biological interactions).
Sensor Devices: A device that can detect and measure a specific biological organism. The sensor will rely on one or more sensing mechanisms and produce a signal that indicates the presence and quantity of the biological organism.
- Types of biological organism sensors developed at PNNL include the following: bioluminescence, optical sensors, mass sensors, electrochemical sensors, etc.
- In addition, PNNL develops unique/specialized sensors for clients when suitable sensors are not available to meet a client's demanding requirements.
