[MOS] May 1, 2007

[Zina Queen]

Seminar on
Modern Optics and Spectroscopy


Rebecca Richards-Kortum,
Rice University

Optical Imaging for point of care diagnostics

May 1, 2007

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Grier Room 34-401

Recent advances in MEMS technologies, miniature microscopy, 
nanotechnology, molecular recognition, and low power sensors and 
microprocessors now offer the ability to design low-cost, reusable 
platforms for point-of-care (POC) diagnostics.  This talk will 
describe research efforts to integrate molecular imaging technologies 
based on novel nanoparticles together with miniature microscopes to 
detect cancer and infectious disease at the point of care.  Our 
approach is built on the concept of modular design to yield a 
flexible platform of technologies that can be integrated and 
interchanged for multiplex detection of a variety of targets.  To 
stain samples for optical analysis, we have developed a modular 
approach to synthesize contrast agents, wherein components such as 
the optical label and the probe molecule can be interchanged to 
realize a variety of optically active agents suitable for multiplex 
detection.  To interrogate stained specimens, we have also developed 
a modular approach to build miniature optical sensors, in which 
microlenses, detectors and other optical elements can be interchanged 
on a common micro-optical table to yield a versatile array of tiny 
microscopes and spectrometers for quantitative biological sensing. 
We will illustrate that these methods yield a powerful and versatile 
approach to cost-effective, multiplexed POC diagnosis.   In parallel, 
we have developed multidisciplinary educational programs to train 
students to participate in interdisciplinary research efforts.  With 
support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, we formed a new 
undergraduate concentration called Beyond Traditional Borders (BTB). 
The BTB program brings together science, engineering, policy, social 
science and humanities undergraduates to address POC design problems 
in developing countries.  In creating solutions to real world 
challenges, students are challenged to think beyond traditional 
disciplinary and geographic boundaries.  The program spans the 
freshman to senior level, and students have the opportunity to travel 
to the international site to test their solution in collaboration 
with partner scientists and clinicians.
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