Amperometric Glucose Biosensor Based on AFM Nano-indented-Electrode Ensemble Gymama E. Slaughter, Virginia State University, DMR The VSU’s Center for Biosystems & Engineering (CBE) has developed a glucose biosensors based on the use of an Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) to create a nano-indented electrode ensembles (NIDEEs) for the selective detection of glucose. Glucose oxidase was covalently immobilized on NIDEEs via composite hydrogel membranes composed of interpenetrating networks of inherently conductive PEDOT grown within UV cross-linked HEMA-based hydrogels. This technique entraps glucose oxidase enzyme within the new composite materials and subsequent deposition onto nano-pattern microelectrodes to produce an in vitro amperometric biosensors for the continuous monitoring of glucose. The results show that the NIDEEs glucose biosensor has much higher detection sensitivity of 0.30 μA/mM and expanded linear response range (0.1 – 25 mM), rapid response times (< 5 s), and good reproducibility and recovery at working potential of 0.7 V. The results show that the resultant NIDEEs glucose biosensor has high electrocatalytic activity and excellent detecting performance for glucose. Figure 1. Fabrication of a glucose biosensor based on nano- indented electrode ensembles: (A) AFM nano-indentation of the electrode ensembles for functionalization (B) Coupling of the HEMA- based hydrogel entrapped enzyme (GOx) to the functionalized NIDEEs. A B This work was also supported by NSF ECCS # BRIGE Proposal: Nano-pattern modified microelectrodes for the improvement of continuous in vitro glucose monitoring detection.

Center for Biosystems & Engineering Gymama E. Slaughter, Virginia State University, DMR For Dr. Gymama Slaughter, Director of the Virginia State University (VSU) Center for Biosystems and Engineering (CBE), nothing is as professionally rewarding as exposing precocious young minds to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) research opportunities. By leveraging CBE’s exciting cutting-edge research, Slaughter not only introduces middle and high- school students to STEM research but also is able to encourage secondary school students to enroll at VSU and to pursue a career in engineering. CBE teaches students to conduct research; use state-of- the-art grade instrumentation; and challenge the status quo in undergraduate research. Immersing students in the research process by working as a team to solve engineering problems, CBE work includes; developing the science and technology of glucose, lactate, and other biosensors materials to permit fabrication of implantable devices and circuits. The research objective regards improving the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic patients and combat soldiers. Students’ research projects can consist of several months with conclusion often resulting in a presentation of their work at national research conferences. Designed to prepare students for a dynamic career in the STEM field by involvement in research internship and co-op opportunities, CBE is an invaluable asset pertinent to research training, recruitment and retention. Brodie Whitehead, II practices putting a tip on the nose cone. Charvé Brown-Drew inserting a nose cone on the scanner. Front Row: Alanna Meekins, Dr. Slaughter, Charvé Brown Back Row: Omar Dancey, Brodie Whitehead II, Rashe Dean This work was also supported by NSF ECCS # BRIGE Proposal: Nano-pattern modified microelectrodes for the improvement of continuous in vitro glucose monitoring detection.