NanoTweezer-Raman System for Direct Single Particle Identification and Characterization of Interaction Forces

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We are requesting a NanoTweezer with the capability to perform Raman spectroscopy for the direct, in situ chemical analysis of suspended nanoparticles and measurement of their individual interactions with a surface. This is a unique state-of-the-art system that will allow our laboratories and others to produce cutting-edge research in the areas of nanotechnology and bioengineering. The ability to probe the chemical properties of nanoparticles and the physical properties of their surfaces will allow us to study a wide range of systems of biomedical and environmental relevance. A major advantage of this technology over others such as atomic force microscopy (AFM) is that it requires no special sample preparation and no physical particle manipulation. Also, whereas AFM may be used to characterize 1-10 particles/day, the NanoTweezer can characterize up to ~1000 particles in a few hours. The NanoTweezer with Raman capability would be the first of its kind in an academic laboratory worldwide; thus, funding of this system will bring state-of-the art equipment and expertise to the Canadian research community. The unique technology of the NanoTweezer combined with Raman spectroscopy opens a myriad of research possibilities that are currently non-existent. Thus, the presence of the cutting-edge NanoTweezer and other nanoparticle characterisation tools in our laboratories will ensure a unique training environment for our students and others.