Optimization of chemical force microscopy technique for herbicides detection

• Grant number: 13/04320-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2013
• End date: November 30, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Fabio de Lima Leite
• Grantee: Ariana de Souza Moraes
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias para a Sustentabilidade (CCTS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). Sorocaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Processing of materials on a nanometric scale has been widely used in the development of supramolecular structures and devices that can have technological applications. The use of polymeric materials, together with other materials on self-assembled films, allows specific properties to be projected and detected. This project approaches studies about the fabrication of "nanosensors" using the process of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) probes functionalization, with organic monolayers and application on contaminants detection, specifically pesticides. These monolayers are terminated on well-defined functional groups, allowing molecular groups identification. This AFM technique is known as Chemical Force Microscopy (CFM). We will use functional groups derivated from proteins, enzymes, and conductor polymers, besides antibodies (anti-pesticides), to detect immobilized antigenic sites. Importance will be given to herbicides detection, such as atrazine and others belonging to the herbicide groups imidazolinone, sulfonylureas, and sulfonamide, through specific interaction, using Atomic Force Spectroscopy (AFS) technique and functionalized probes. Sensing will be performed on known functionalized surfaces, like mica and silicon. Probes will be characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), besides Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopy (FTIR) technique to investigate the interaction of functionalization compounds. Force measures will be able to be performed on 2 different conditions: on-air or using a fluid cell. (AU)