Surface Functionalized Nanoparticles for Enrichment and Detection of Trace Analytes

北达科他大学主校区的赵晓军教授在化学系分析与表面化学项目的支持下，主要研究基于纳米粒子的荧光传感器的开发，用于分析细胞样品中的痕量靶标。赵教授将制造功能性纳米颗粒，这种纳米颗粒具有二氧化硅内核和有机修饰的表面，可以在与目标离子结合时从非荧光切换到高荧光。该项目的目标是开发多功能纳米材料，用于分析复杂生物基质中的痕量分析物。该研究项目将测量科学与目前生物学研究的前沿问题相结合，并将成为跨学科教育的理想平台。它将为渴望在化学和生物界面工作的学员提供一个极好的教育机会。除了她的研究活动，赵教授还将在北达科他大学开发和监督一项外联活动，旨在提高美国原住民对化学研究的参与。

Professor Julia Xiaojun Zhao of the University of North Dakota Main Campus is supported by the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program in the Division of Chemistry to conduct research that focuses on the development of nanoparticle-based fluorescence sensors for the analysis of trace targets in cellular samples. Professor Zhao will fabricate functional nanoparticles, which have silica cores and organic modified surfaces that switch from non-fluorescent to highly fluorescent upon binding to target ions. The goal of this project is to develop multi-functional nanomaterials that will serve several simultaneous roles in the analysis of trace analytes in complex biological matrices.The research program will integrate measurement science with problems that are currently at the frontier of biological research and will serve as an ideal platform for inter-disciplinary education. It will provide an excellent educational opportunity for trainees desiring work at the interface of chemistry and biology. In addition to her research activities Prof. Zhao will also develop and supervise an outreach activity at the University of North Dakota aiming to increase participation of Native Americans in chemical research.