Name:

Kevin J Fraser

Contact details

SB 03, Ext 6009 Kevin.Fraser@dcu.ie

Qualifications

Ph.D, MSc, BSc Hons.

Project Summary

The key challenges currently faced in lab-on-a-chip biochemical sensor developments are device reliability and power consumption. The major issues faced in terms of device reliability are liquid handling over extended periods of time, as the micro-dimensioned fluidic channels are prone to blockage, and unreliable micro pumps/valves. The overall aim of this project is to develop a biocompatible molecular sensor that will address these key issues which are holding back biocompatible sensors technologies, and thus to develop an innovative class of sensing technology at the forefront of molecular sensing. Overall project aims: With this in mind, the overall aim of this project is to develop new biocompatible Ionic Liquids that will be incorporated into hydrogel polymers towards forming hybrid materials that act as biosensing platforms. Importantly, these hybrid materials can be subsequently doped with a wide range of optically responsive molecular recognition ligands[1-5] for sensing applications (e.g. environmental, biological). Furthermore, we envisage that the proposed sensing devices can be incorporated into fabrics for “wearable” health care devices thus providing clear benefits the public health service.

Publications

12: S. Coleman, R. Byrne, N. Alhashimy, K. J. Fraser, D. R. MacFarlane, D. Diamond, “Photochromic imidazolium based ionic liquids based on spiropyran”. Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys, 2010, 12, 7009-7017 11. B. Winther-Jensen, K. J. Fraser, C. Ong, M. Forsyth, & D. R. MacFarlane, “Conducting Polymer Composite Materials for Hydrogen Generation”, Adv. Mater. 2010, 22, 1–4. 10. K. J. Fraser and D. R. MacFarlane, “Phosphonium-Based Ionic Liquids: An Overview” Aust. J. Chem., 2009, 62, 309-321. 9. R. Vrikkis, K. J Fraser, K. Fujita, G.D Elliot & D. R. MacFarlane, “Biocompatible ionic liquids: a new approach for stabilizing proteins in liquid formulation” J. Biochem. Eng. 2009, 131, 074514. 8. D. R. MacFarlane, M. Forsyth, E. I. Izgorodina, A. P. Abbott, G. Annat and K. Fraser, “On the concept of ionicity in ionic liquids” Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2009, 11, 4962-4967. (Top 5 cited article 2010) 7. R. Byrne, S. Coleman, K. J. Fraser, A. Raduta, D. R. MacFarlane and D. Diamond, “Photochromism of nitrobenzospiropyran in phosphonium based ionic liquids” Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2009, 11, 7286-7291. 6. R. Byrne, K. J. Fraser, E. Izgorodina, D. R. MacFarlane, M. Forsyth and D. Diamond, “Photo- and solvatochromic properties of nitrobenzospiropyran in ionic liquids containing the [NTf2]- anion” Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2008, 10, 5919-5924. 5. K. J. Fraser, E. I. Izgorodina, M. Forsyth, J. L. Scott and D. R.MacFarlane, “Liquids intermediate between "molecular" and "ionic" liquids: Liquid Ion Pairs?” Chem. Comm., 2007, 3817-3819. (Front cover) 4. K. J. Fraser, D. R. MacFarlane, “Retrospective: 2nd Australian Symposium on Ionic Liquids” Chemistry in Australia, Sep 2006. 3. T. J. Wooster, K. M. Johanson, K. J. Fraser, D. R. MacFarlane and J.L. Scott, “Thermal degradation of cyano containing ionic liquids” Green. Chem, 2006, 8, 691-696. (Front cover) 2.T. J. Wooster, K. M. Johanson, K. J. Fraser, D. R. MacFarlane and J.L. Scott, “Can Ionic liquids take the heat?” Chem. Tech, Aug, 2006. 1. S. A. Forsyth, K. J. Fraser, P. C. Howlett, D. R. MacFarlane and M. Forsyth, “N- methyl-N-alkylpyrrolidinium nonafluoro-1-butanesulfonate salts: Ionic liquid properties and plastic crystal behaviour” Green. Chem, 2006, 8, 256-261.

Further Information