Label free sensing
We are extending the capabilities of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) sensing towards the detection and measurement of single molecules, using combination of experiments and simulations.
Microwell arrays for single molecule studiesBy isolating molecules or nanoparticles in femtoliter-sized reactors we can detect and measure activities on thousands of individual molecules in parallel.
Synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials
We are interested in the synthesis, functionalization, and characterization of metallic nanoparticles including nanospheres, nanorods, and bipyramids with various surface ligands and biomolecular coatings.
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Sub-diffraction limited imagingBy using point-spread function fitting, we can pinpoint the locations of molecules. We use this technique to characterize nanoparticle bioconjugates and to study the spatial arrangement of membrane proteins.
Nanoparticles for radiation therapy
We are developing antibody-functionalized gold nanoparticles for targeted, localized radiation therapy enhancement, through a combination of simulations, phantom studies, and in vitro studies. (Collaboration with UT Health Science Center San Antonio.)
Photothermal heating of gold nanoparticles
Due to their unusual optical properties, plasmonic gold nanoparticles can absorb near-infrared light and produce photothermal heating. This effect can be used to manipulate surface-bound molecules, or to ablate tumor tissue in cancer therapy.
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