Luke P. Lee (Advisor)

BPN380: Plasmon Resonance Energy Transfer (PRET)-based Nanospectroscopic Metal Ion Detection

Yeonho Choi
2009

Since metal ions play a vital role in the catalytic function of many enzymes in gene regulation and in free radical homeostasis, elucidation of the spatio-temporal distribution and functional states of trace metal ions is critical for understanding the molecular and transport mechanisms of metal ions in cell biology and medicine. It is also critical to find label-free sensitive and selective metal ion detection methods for environmental monitoring.

Project end date: 02/04/10

BPN379: PRET-based Molecular Imaging on Integrated Optofluidic Nanoplasmonic Platform

Yeonho Choi
2009

Our understanding of biological systems is increasingly dependent on our ability to visualize and quantify biomolecules and biological events with high spatial and temporal resolution in the cellular context. In this regard, the development of cellular and molecular imaging techniques is of considerable interest in many areas of research, from molecular and cellular biology to medical diagnostics and molecular medicine.

Project end date: 02/04/10

BPN345: Biomimetic Microfluidic Silk Gland

David N. Breslauer
2010

We are developing a biomimetic microfluidic device for silk fiber formation that mimics the complexity of in vivo arachnid silk spinning organs. Current methods of fiber formation involve high temperatures and pressures to extrude polymer fibers, which is prohibitive for many biological applications such as tissue engineering. Spiders, however, are able to produce high strength silk fibers under benign conditions. Examination of the spider silk gland reveals that it is essentially a complex microfluidic system. Through in depth understanding of microscopic hydrodynamics, we are...

BPN514: The Disassembly of a Core-Satellite Nanoassembled Substrate for Colorimetric Biomolecular Detection

John R. Waldeisen
Benjamin M. Ross
2010

Creation of a colorimetric diagnostic substrate which can detect biomolecular markers present in human peripheral fluids.

Project end date: 08/03/10

BPN328: Remote Nanoplasmonic Switch for Localized Gene Silencing

Eunice Somin Lee
2010

Near infrared-absorbing gold nanoplasmonic particles (GNPs) are used here as optical switches of gene interference and are remotely controlled using light. We have tuned these optical switches such that optical excitation is at a specific near infrared wavelength where cellular photo-damage is minimized due to a long penetration depth. The optical switches are conjugated with double-stranded oligonucleotides. The double-stranded complex is formed by a thiol-modified sense oligonucleotide attached to the GNP’s surface and a gene-interfering antisense oligonucleotide hybridized to...

BPN548: Selective Amplification of Raman Scatterings using Optical Nano-Antennas

Asif Riaz
Young-Geun Park
Eric P. Lee
SoonGweon Hong
Yeonho Choi
2010

An optical nano-antenna can be useful to obtain selective amplification of matching vibrational modes of a target molecule. As a demonstration we used different types of highly packed nanoparticles for surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), while each substrate when being excited by resonant wavelength strongly enhances well-matched Stock scatterings. Our multiplex SERS measurement will provide further molecular information of energy levels.

Project end date: 08/11/10

BPN319: Quantitative Study on Cancer Research: Aptasensor for Cancer Diagnostics

Hansang Cho
Charlie Yeh
2010

Early detection of cancer markers is a critical demand for clinical research, particularly in preventing cancer cells from establishing themselves in a metastatic stage. Our goal is to provide a stable, sensitive, and selective detection method utilizing a nanoplasmonic ‘aptasensor’ (aptamer-based sensor) of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) for breast cancer diagnostics.

Project end date: 08/12/10

BPN511: Selective Delivery of anti-Akt siRNA via Frequency-Tuned Nanoparticles for the Study of Angiogenesis

Yolanda Y. Zhang
Eric P. Lee
2010

The Akt proteins are some of the most well-known members of the serine/threonine-specific protein kinases, responsible for multiple aspects of cell growth. Akt mutations are also present in a statistically significant percentage of primary and metastatic tumors with high kinase activity correlated with tumor metastasis, chemotherapy resistance, radiotherapy resistance, and enhanced angiogenesis. Investigation of Akt kinase activity in cells is usually performed by kinase assays and Western blotting using phosphorylation-specific antibodies, which are invasive in nature and may not...

BPN523: Bio-Inspired Manipulation of Nanoplasmonic Architectures via Active Polymers

Benjamin M. Ross
Liz Y. Wu
2010

While technology relies on components defined in a fixed position on a rigid substrate, nature prefers soft substrates, and allows components to move significantly during morphogenesis. Taking inspiration from biological fabrication, we have developed a technique, called active polymer nanofabrication, which utilizes active (smart) polymers to create complex nanoplasmonic substrates designed for molecular detection.

Project end date: 02/01/11

BPN508: Carbon Nanotubes as Scaffolding for Surface-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

Brendan W. Turner
2010

This project will introduce and determine enhancement factors for a novel carbon nanotube scaffolding for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. We will fabricate and optimize the SERS surface on a wafer scale using inexpensive fabrication methods. Included will be a study of the de-wetting of Au on carbon nanotubes.

Project end date: 02/01/11