top of page

Our Research Focus

The research in our lab falls under the single-molecule sensing umbrella, wherein we focus not only on the chemistry of sensing but also on the physics, engineering, and electronics aspects of sensing

Abstract Crystal Burst

Single Molecule Sensing

Sensing_Pic.jpg
  • We probe one molecule at a time using planar nanopores and nanopipettes.​

​​

  • These are tiny apertures through an otherwise impervious membrane separating two electrolyte reservoirs.

​​

  • ​Target is added to one side and drive across the pore in response to a voltage applied to the other side.

​​

  • ​Planar nanopores are fabricated using the controlled breakdown (CBD) method.

​​

  • ​Nanopipettes are fabricated using a micropipette puller.

​​

  • ​Patch clamp amplifiers with kHz and MHz level bandwidths are used for sensing.

Abstract Surface

Surface and Solution Chemistries

Surface_Solution_Chemistry.jpg
  • Transport properties of molecules through nanopores are inextricably linked with pore-surface and solution chemistries

​

  • For example, charge of a protein and pore-surface depends on the solution pH

​

  • These properties also govern crucial aspects such as throughput, transport mechanism (e.g., electrophoresis vs electroosmosis), clogging-probability.​

​

  • Sometimes its simple as adding a additive and sometimes we have t reach into the pore interioro

​

  • Tuning these properties leads to favorable sensing outcomes.

Critical Target Detection

Target_Detection_Pic.jpg
  • Applications of nanopore sensing spans a host of biomolecules (e.g., DNA, RNA, proteins, glycans), bioparticles (e.g., virus, bacteria), synthetic polymers (e.g., PEG) and synthetic particles (e.g., nanoparticles).

​

  • The tunability in size and surface-chemistry allows solid-state nanopores to sense such a wide range of molecules.

​

  • Nanopores deliver real-time readouts allowing them to monitor reactions as they unfold.

​

  • We are interested in creating sensing solutions that are rapid, selective, sensitive, reliable, easy-to-use and low-cost.

Electronic Circuit Board

Custom Coding and Electronics

Custom_Coding_Electronics.jpg
  • We are avid fans of microcontroller technology and its capability to provide low-cost yet robust solutions to create accessible technologies.

​

  • We develop in-house devices for single-molecule sensing efforts.

​

  • We use MATLAB, Mathematica, Python, and LabView (the list will grow over time) for most of our coding exercises.

​

  • Some experiments require the synergistic communication of multiple instruments:  we make interfaces to make this possible.

​

  • We create our own highly efficient analysis platforms to analyze such heavy data sets from nanopore experiments. 

bottom of page