Interfacing Molecular and Cell Biology with Solid State Technologies
Naval Research Laboratory, DC, Materials Science & Technology
The primary objective of our research is the measurement and control of biological signaling using solid-state technologies. Most recently our research has focused on the use of lithographically-patterned metallic nanostructures for label-free biosensing applications in molecular and cell biology. The molecular biology applications include the quantitative analysis of binding kinetics at the surface of the nanosensors as well as the application of localized heat for active control over analyte binding kinetics and sensor regeneration. The cell biology applications focus on the use of patterned nanostructures for the spatio-temporal mapping of secreted proteins from individual live cells in real time. Researchers will be involved in all aspects of design and fabrication (e.g., micro- and nanolithography, focused ion beam lithography), surface chemistry (e.g. self-assembled monolayers, bioconjugation) and characterization (e.g., scanning electron and atomic force microscopy, light microscopy for biomolecular and live cell studies).