The Laboratory of Biochemical Sensing and Imaging (LCSI) is aiming at:
(a) Develop Novel Principles and Interfaces for Biochemical Sensing and Imaging.
(b) Bring New Materials to Chemical Measurements.
(c) Expand Societal Impact of Analytical Chemistry through Collaboration and Knowledge Transfer.
Topic 1: Electrochemical Sensor Interface
We are developing electrochemical sensors to monitor important analytes related to various fields, including clinical diagnosis, environmental monitoring, and food safety. Most of the analytes are dispersed in complex aqueous media, requiring advanced sensing interface to ensure adequate selectivity and sensitivity.
For example, we are highly motivated in developing electrochemical sensors for various inorganic cations (e.g. sodium, potassium, calcium, lead ions.), anions (fluoride, chloride, carbonate, etc.), therapeutic drugs, protein biomarkers, etc.
To improve selectivity and sensitivity, advanced host-guest / lock-and-key concepts will be utilized to create the sensor interface, with ionophore, molecularly imprinted polymers, antibodies, aptamers, identified as the key sensing components.
We are also actively seeking opportunities to expand the impact of our sensors by collaborating with industrial partners.
Topic 2: Optical Nanosensor Interface
Attracted by the beauty of fluorescence and its wide application in biological research, we are developing various fluorescent micro/nanosensors for quantitative imaging of cellular processes. With a strong discipline in Analytical Chemistry, we emphasize the goal of quantitative imaging, which has been challenging for conventional methods.
We are very interested in block-copolymer assembled nanostructures that form nanoscopic organic-aqueous interfaces. The phase-transfer and adsorption of biochemical species around the nanoscopic interface could open new doors to a variety of analytical as well as chemical biological tools.
In addition, our polymeric nanoparticles (nanoparticles, nanospheres, nanoemulsions, nano-droplets, nanoassemblies, etc.) are readily accumulated in endosomes and lysosomes. Therefore, functionalized nanoprobes become very promising in quantitative imaging of biological process related to these organelles, which could be vital to enrich our understanding of nature.
Topic 3: Photoswitchable Materials
Photoswitchable compounds are fascinating chemicals because they could respond to certain light irradiation and change their molecular structure through ring open-closing, cis-trans isomerization and so on. Photoswitches have already wide applications in photopharmacology, optical storage, super-resolution imaging, and so on. On the one hand, classical photoswitchable compounds such as azobenzenes, spiropyrans/spirooxazines, diarylethenes require UV light activation. These compounds are extensively studied. On the other hand, there are other photoswitchable compounds responding to light with longer wavelength (visible light and even NIR). However, these compounds are lesser known and remain to be exploited.
We are particularly interested in achieving analytical advantages with photoswitching. For example, we found that 1 ) photoswitching could be benefit for optical sensing in complex samples to remove optical interference (autofluorescence, scattering ,etc.); 2) molecular interaction during photoswitching and reaction kinetics could add new dimensions to fluorescence sensing and imaging, resulting in high-contrast, hyper-sensitive, and multiplexed methodologies.
