Nanostructure-enabled biology
Creation of new methods to probe, modify or even mimic live systems is my major interest. Development of controlled synthesis of nanostructured materials and microfabrication of tools to interface live cells has become for me, coming from condensed matter physics, a portal to impact biology- immense, complex,
fascinating, and highly important for human health field of science. As a part of several projects under development in our group I am particularly interested in understanding the process of insertion of a carbon-nanofiber-based probe inside live cells and into nuclear domain. This process being developed for parallel gene delivery array method or for intracellular electrochemical probing involves interaction of a nanoneedle with flexible cell membrane (and, perhaps, hard cell wall), cytosckeloton, and nucleus. Understanding the mechanics of the process, its dynamics, and possible facilitation methods, such as chemical functionalization of the probe or application of electrical current, will improve our ability to deliver genes and at the same time will help us understand cellular mechanics.
Links
Nanobiotechnology Center
Industry
NanoBio Corporation
Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences
http://nano.med.umich.edu/index.htm