Environmental Sensing using Molecular Imprint Films

In collaboration with Yvon Durant at the University of New Hampshire, we are developing sensors to detect organic solvent molecules that are present as contaminants in water. Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Deposition is used to deposit thin layers of molecularly imprinted polymers onto plasmon resonance sensors to detect low levels of impurities.

Longitudinal Magneto-Optic Kerr Effect Enhancement using Dielectric Coatings

We are using dielectric coatings to enhance the longitudinal MOKE signal from thin Ni films and microstructures, and have developed MATLAB code for the simulation and design of optimized film parameters. OOMMF simulations are used in the exploration of nanomagnetic interactions.

Transport Properties of Nanowires and Nanotubes

The next generation of computing devices require switches with smaller dimensions than can be achieved using conventional lithography. Replacement of connections with nanowires, and of the active switches with nanotubes is one paradigm that is being actively pursued. We are investigating chemical and physical modification methods that introduce switching characteristics into buckytubes. Methods for aligning and locating nanowires in desired patterns are also being investigated.

Field Emission and Magnetic Properties of ZnO Nanowires

We use electrodeposition at moderate temperatures to grow ZnO nanowires for applications such as flexible, flat panel displays. The application of a bias during growth allows incorporation of magnetic dopants, for future spintronic devices.

Molecular imprint thin films

In collaboration with Prof. Joseph BelBruno, Chemistry

We use laser ablation of nylon-amino acid complexes to form sub-micron films with memory of their amino acid content. These films, with selective binding properties, may then be used for selective rebinding, and hence detection, of the originally imprinted molecule.

Alignment of lysozyme crystals in optical tweezers

In collaboration with the Univ. of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia

We are studying alignment of lysozyme crystals during growth in optical, ac and dc fields. For these studies we take micrographs of the crystals and then use a MATLAB® program to determine the orientation of the crystal relative to the field lines. Download MATLAB® files here.

Cancer Nanotechnology

In collaboration with Profs. J. J. BelBruno and Ebo De Muinck, MD

We are investigating the use of Nanomoke microscopy for the analysis of histology slides to determine the cellular fate of targeted MRI contrast agents. Magnetic heating of superparamagnetic oxides shows promise in cancer therapy, and the ability to visualize the cellular fate of these nanoparticles in normal histology slides would allow real-time biopsy feedback to improve therapeutic efficacy.

Molecularly imprinted nanoparticles targeting clinically relevant saccharide cancer markers are under development, in conjunction with Prof. Joe BelBruno in the chemistry department.

Optical Properties of Nanostructures and Nanoparticles

In collaboration with Assistant Research Professor Markus Testorf

The optical properties of periodic structures with dimensions on the order of the wavelength produce interesting phenomena, such as interference-based optical filters. We are investigating the properties of materials where the subwavelength structure is purposefully manipulated to modify the optical response of a system. This includes 0-, 1- and 2-dimensional periodic structures with length scales of 10nm-100nm. Both active and passive structures are being investigated.

Biocompatibility of fullerene surfaces

We are using surface plasmon resonance sensors with model proteins, and in-vivo studies to explore the utility of the SPR results to predict biocompatibility. The test surface is coated with a thin layer of fullerene, which alters the biological response without interfering with the SPR technique.

Electric field manipulation of protein crystallization

We are exploring the use of dielectrophoresis to control the concentration of proteins, and the movement of seed protein crystals in the growth well. Hen egg white lysozyme in an acetate buffer is being used for these studies.