DNA-based sensors integrated in composite polymeric materials for monitoring radiation damage in space environment

Specifically for space environment, characterized by high damaging levels of radiations, there is a great need to develop rapid, sensitive and small assays that can be used to assess the potential for exposure and can be related to a biological target. Bio-based sensors offer unique advantages to solve this problem, by integrating the high selectivity, robustness and packaging efficiency that biological systems exhibit with traditional engineered materials. Our research efforts are focused on the design and fabrication of bio-based sensor that are integrated in high-performing composite materials developed specifically for aerospace applications. In particular, we exploit the unique structural and electrical properties of composite materials made of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and polymeric resins, by embedding strands of UV-sensitive deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) into the composite structure. The high surface area of CNTs is of particular interest to achieve high densities of immobilized DNA molecules, therefore allowing for a high degree of device miniaturization with in-situ and real-time analysis capabilities.