Research Overview

Nanomaterials for Enhanced Biomedical Detection.

Our research objective is to discover and exploit the unique physical, optical, electrical properties of novel nanomaterials as next generation biosensors for rapid, highly sensitive and selective, high throughput, biodetection. Therefore, our research achieves specific advancements in the areas of nanosciences for future applications in the fields of biology and medicine. Therefore, our research pursues many scientifically and technologically important questions in the interdisciplinary areas of nanobiotechnology.

Current research projects in this research thrust include,

1) Fluorescence-enhancing zinc oxide nanorod platforms

2) Diblock copolymers as nanoscale protein arrays

3) Carbon nanotube cantilevers fully integrated with actuating nanobeams

Nanomaterials for Chemical and Optoelectronic Applications.

Nanomaterials can serve as effective functional building blocks for various useful chemical and optoelectric devices. In this project areas, we explore the optical and electrical properties of nanomaterials that can be helpful for detection areas such as chemical and light detection as well as energy harvesting/storing.

Our research projects in this research thrust include,

1) SERS-active, metal oxide nanorod platforms

2) Photodetectors and photovoltaic devices

3) Spontaneous and stimulated nanowire emitters

Biomaterials for Controlled Synthesis of Inorganic Nanomaterials.

Our research not only exploits the unique properties of nanomaterials in enhanced biological detection but also utilizes biological entities in controlling and promoting nanomaterials’ synthesis and assembly with much needed, orientational and dimensional control. The use of biological entities in the synthesis and assembly of inorganic nanomaterials permits easy fabrication and assembly of functional nanomaterials directly upon their synthesis.

On-going research efforts in this area include,

1) Bacterial catalysts in controlled synthesis of carbon nanotubes

2) Zinc oxide nanorods synthesized using biogenic catalysts

3) Use of bacteria in other nanowire growth