EAGER Collaborative Research: Increasing the dynamic range of the Capillary Waveguide Biosensor ESP module in preparation for automated, in situ microbial process studies

The PI's request EAGER funding to focus on validation of the coupled CWB-ESP instrument using field collected materials. This will not only allow the PI?s to overcome reviewer concerns, but will be a major step forward in preparing the CWB-ESP system for routine field deployment. The main objectives include: 1: Coupling the CWB to the ESP: the Microfluidic Block (MFB) interface 2: Select and optimize hybridization and detection protocols 3: Detection of targets in field-collected samples using model systems Broader Impacts The proposed ESP-integrated CWB is potentially a major advance toward unattended, long term study of specific populations of the microbial community, with numerous potential applications beyond ecological research. During the course of this research, graduate, undergraduate and high school students will be involved directly and trained in the fundamentals of design and analysis of systems. The PI's intend to engage diverse students and underserved minorities, by incorporating their research ideas and work into existing educational programs.