We are very interested in finding solutions for challenges that face current imaging and drug delivery systems. To this end, we have assembled a multidisciplinary team of researchers to see the development of our tools from design to in vitro and in vivo applications.
Advanced theranostics
Theranostics combines diagnostics with therapeutics, often through the use of radiotracers. We take a different approach by designing vaterite-based multifunctional micro/nanocarriers. This entails identifying the appropriate layering and material composition to facilitate optimal loading and release profiles.
MRI- and optical-based imaging and tracking of the carriers are enabled by carefully selecting effective agents to be loaded into the carriers.
Furthermore, we engineer the targeted drug delivery carriers that respond to electromagnetic and optimal stimuli.
Optical materials
Optical materials are indispensable due to their ability to manipulate light, which makes them essential for applications in imaging, communication, and sensing. Historically, inorganic materials have dominated this field. By contrast, organic materials have the potential to offer superior functionality, but their instability has rendered them difficult to develop.
We leverage the customizable nature of organic materials to enhance their robustness and stability, and engineer new molecules, particles, thin films, and bulk crystals for use in imaging, sensors, and advanced optoelectronics.
Quantum sensing
Measuring environmental parameters within tiny volumes such as cells is a considerable challenge. We use nitrogen vacancy (NV) quantum systems with optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) to achieve super-resolution in magnetometry, temperature, and pH sensing. This is also used in conjunction with optical trapping to develop systems capable of high quality quantification of signals within cells and in their microenvironment.
Computational physics
All design projects in the lab are first tested using computational modelling.
This includes:
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Density functional theory (DFT) calculation to precisely predict optical properties of materials.
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Electromagnetic simulations to approximate the complex nature of mesoporous structures and other magnetic samples.
