(5ag) Integrated Nanotechnology for Molecular Biophysics

Observation of individual biomolecules allows for characterization of real-time dynamics, molecular subpopulations, and heterogeneous biological behavior. This information, in turn, provides a molecular-based understanding of biological mechanisms and may elucidate the underlying causes of disease states. With these ideas in mind, the goal of my proposed research is to develop and employ biophysical tools for the investigation of biological phenomena at the molecular level. Specifically, I plan to exploit the advantages that nanofluidic structures provide when combined with various detection modalities, such as, surface plasmon resonance, surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy, and infra-red imaging.

During my doctoral studies at the University of Illinois, I developed microfluidic systems for biochemical and medical diagnostics. In collaboration with the Sligar Group, I employed a microfluidic device to pattern nanoscale lipid bilayers, known as Nanodiscs, and investigate their interactions with proteins in a multiplexed manner. I also designed and tested, with the Mirkin Group at Northwestern University, a disposable device for ultra-sensitive detection of protein cancer markers. My postdoctoral research involves the development of nanofluidic devices for single molecule analysis. I am employing these devices to study the dynamics of enzymatic activity via electrochemical detection.