Session: 13-04-01: Applications of Micro and Nano Systems in Medicine and Biology

Paper Number: 144745

144745 - Mems Humidity Sensor With Bacterial Peptidoglycan as Sensing Material 

This paper presents the design, fabrication and testing of a ultrasensitive bacterial peptidoglycan (PG) -based sensor for humidity detection. This sensor is based on PG deposited on interdigitated microfingers, that were used for conducting capacitive measurements. Humidity levels from 20% to 90% were detected with this sensor. The PG was extracted from Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) and it was demonstrated as fast responsive to humidity changes. What sets our work apart is the innovative use of this material and the characterization of humidity-responsive water content, showing quick response times and high sensitivity compared to traditional sensors. This study contributes to new application of PG, such as capacitive humidity monitoring through innovative sensor designs.

Presenting Author: Ioana Voiculescu The City College of New York

Presenting Author Biography: Ioana Voiculescu received her Ph.D. degree in mechanical engineering from the Technical University Politehnica, Timisoara, Romania, and the Sc.D. degree in mechanical engineering from George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA, in 2005. She is an Associate Professor with the Mechanical Engineering Department,
The City College of New York, New York, NY, USA. She published several journal articles in the area of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) chemical and biological sensors. She also has two U.S. patents in her name. Since 2002, she has been a member of the ASME.

Authors:

Shuo Fang The City College of New York
Xi Chen The City College of New York
Ioana Voiculescu The City College of New York