DANAO, Mary-Grace

Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering

Ph.D. (2005) University of Kentucky

   Research Topics

• FERMENTATION AND BIOMASS UTILIZATION
• Fermentation
• PROTEIN BIOTECHNOLOGY
• Biocatalytic Conversions
• BIOPROCESSING
• Biosensor Technology
• Environmental Technology
• Food Bioprocessing

   Research Interests

The focus of the research in my laboratory is developing new sensing technologies for monitoring the health and safety of animals, food systems, and the environment. Currently, we are working on designing better sampling and sensing systems for breath analysis and monitoring across a range of conditions. Our approach is to take advantage of the recent developments in the microfabrication and integration of biosensors (optical, electrochemical, etc.) into arrays capable of specific detection of multiple analytes. The availability of miniature optical components and handheld multipotentiostats allow us to design and fabricate a well-matched and -calibrated biosensor array that, with appropriate sampling technologies, will provide adequate accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for suitably chosen analytes. This approach can be extended towards other applications, such as detecting trace volatile compounds resulting from microbial activity in air, soil, water, crops, and food samples and determining food quality and safety during storage and transport.

A second area of research interest involves using ultrasonic standing wave fields to manipulate and separate micron-sized particles suspended in a fluid medium into confined regions (i.e., the nodes of the standing wave field) to enhance the optical detection and quantification of the particles. Ultrasonic concentration is an attractive technique for this purpose because it offers separation without the use of a physical barrier (e.g., a filter); offers the potential of requiring little maintenance; is adaptable for the development of an in-line, continuous system; is controllable via ultrasonic frequency and amplitude modulation; and can provide rapid separation within milliseconds.

Finally, we are exploring the use of ionic liquids in gas-phase sensing and biocatalysis. Ionic liquids are a new class of purely ionic, salt-like materials that are liquid at room temperature. Ionic liquids exhibit unique properties, such as nonvolatility, nonflammability, and excellent chemical and thermal stability, that have made them an environmentally attractive alternative to conventional organic solvents. There is great potential in exploiting these unique properties in various applications, such as biocatalysis, biosensors and diagnostics, biomass processing, protein stabilization, and extraction and purification of natural products.

   Key Words Biosensor technology, optical sensing, ultrasound, enxyme stabiliation, biocatalysis

   Current Research Funding