This research is a collaboration between Mercer University and Fort Valley State University. There are three phases in this study. Phase one is the synthesis of colloidal gold particles using prescribed procedures and fully characterizing them using SERS.  In phase two, we will focus on the interaction of the gold colloids with the antibody and antigen proteins to ensure that the native tertiary structure remains intact. In phase three, we will use SERS to look at the interactions that occur between the labelled antibodies and antigens.  After developing the appropriate conditions to ensure that the interactions are specific, most of the work will focus on trying to understand the antibody/antigen binding reaction.  It is hoped that our results will ultimately allow us to develop a visual test for viral infections

Project 2: A compact, inexpensive, modular multi-element flame emission spectrometer has been designed, constructed and characterized as shown in Figure 1 below. A 105mm by 0.4mm slot burner head is used for atomization. Emission signals are focused onto the entrance aperture of an affordable high performance CCD/spectrograph system, a CVI 110 1/8m monochromator attached to a ST-6 CCD camera. The analytical performance of the system will be characterized through the studies of the concentration of environmentally significant elements, such as Pb, Cd, Cr, Fe, Zn, Ni, Se, As and Hg in the soil and water samples. The accuracy of our technique will be determined by the use of NIST Standard Reference Materials. The research using the modular system such as the one described here offers an inexpensive and time-efficient technique that allows for multi-element detection.