Studies of aggregated molecules near electrode surfaces

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Recent advances in the understanding of the nature of molecules near an electrode surface at very negative potentials has been possible through the use of fluorescence microscopy performed in an electrochemical environment.  These desorbed molecules exist in a unique environment which has been shown through the use of impedance and spectroscopy.  This proposal will examine methods for manipulating these molecules through the use of electric fields and optical tweezers.  In both cases, the external perturbation will be used to exert a force on these molecules in order to displace then in a lateral fashion.  Measurement of the forces required to do this will enhance the understanding of the nature of the forces holding the molecules near but not on the electrode surface at the extreme values of potential.  This system will also be used for the delivery of a small amount of molecules to a particular location through the use of microelectrodes.  Together these two approaches will allow us to construct methodologies for utilizing this unique interface in biosensor or bio-mimetic devices that may be part of a lab-on-a-chip analysis system.