High resolution multimodal SPR imaging instrumentation for the development of cell-based photonics biosensors

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Biosensors, also known as labs-on-a-chip, are bioanalytical devices designed for use in personalized medicine, rapid medical diagnostics, drug discovery and environmental analysis. Most biosensors work by chemically detecting specific "biomolecular markers" such as pathogens or environmental contaminants. There are many applications, however, for which no reliable markers can be found. In such cases, "higher-level" biosensors based on live biological cells are a powerful alternative. Indeed, cells are complex self-contained miniaturized machines that can be used as the basis for biosensing, where the cell response to its environment is in itself the sensing mechanism. Recent advances in nanotechnology and theoretical understanding of sub-wavelength phenomena in plasmonics have opened up many new and exciting possibilities for miniaturized biosensing. My research program over the next 5 years seeks to capitalize on these advances by developing novel high-resolution multi-modal instrumentation designed to discover new enabling knowledge on how cells react to changes in their local environment in response to the presence of disease factors, pathogens, or contaminants. This new knowledge will lead to the development of next-generation cell-based biosensors designed to address some of the most pressing needs in critical care and personalized medicine.