Nanoscale Building Blocks for Sensing

拟议的研究计划是针对合成，表征和纳米级积木（NBBs）的应用，包括生物和环境重要分子的检测。纳米尺度涵盖了数百到数百万个原子排列成通常具有独特性质的结构的范围。我们在定义明确的NBBs方面的工作能够控制纳米级特性，并探索其在直接影响传感中的应用。在纳米尺度上控制物质提供了在大块材料中无法实现的新材料的实现，以及功能特性的大小和形状依赖性，使其能够方便地调节。 我们的研究涉及不同材料的NBBs，例如聚合物，半导体，金属氧化物和等离子体金属纳米颗粒（PMNP）作为主要焦点，由于其有利的特性，例如跨越整个可见光和近红外的可调光相互作用。在我们最近的工作中，复合NBBs中使用银和金使我们能够利用PMNP有利的光学特性和稳定性的最佳组合。基于两种尺寸可控的NBBs：十面体和五边形棒的传感平台已经建立和验证。今年展示的用金属氧化物（例如铁、锰、铱、钼）封装PMNP大大提高了传感选择性，从而为各种应用设计功能性NBBs的机会。总的来说，在过去的6年里，我们继续展示了在功能性应用（特别是原型传感）的合成控制（NBBs）方面的成熟研究记录。 所探索的NBBs的两个主要传感应用是Sers（表面增强拉曼光谱）和SPR（表面等离子体共振）。Sers提供了对爆炸物和毒品等化学品的灵敏便携式检测。SPR能够检测例如生物学相关化合物的选择性结合。原型SPR传感纳摩尔量的分子，如谷胱甘肽和氨苄青霉素已被证明。在拟议研究计划的更广泛视野中，还将积极探索金属氧化物NBBs和光电化学应用的环境修复。在我们实验室工作的学生和博士后研究员接受最先进的NBBs合成和先进的纳米级表征的培训。 所提出的研究计划的新奇和预期意义在于创建具有可调功能特性的新NBBs，并实现其在SPR和Sers中的实际应用。开发了NBB的商业化（Sciventions Inc.，Nanoscale Blocks Inc.）Sers和SPR的传感基板是下一个发展里程碑（与Nicoya Inc.合作）。开发用于检测临床和环境相关分子的新型敏感和选择性底物是拟议研究计划的一个更广泛的目标，为加拿大带来切实利益。

The proposed research program is directed at synthesis, characterization and applications of nanoscale building blocks (NBBs) including the detection of biologically and environmentally important molecules. Nanoscale covers the range where hundreds to millions of atoms are arranged into structures with often unique properties. Our work in well-defined NBBs enables control of nanoscale properties and explores their applications in sensing for the direct impact. Controlling matter on nanoscale offers realization of novel materials unattainable in bulk materials, as well as the size and shape dependence of functional properties that enables their convenient tuning. Our research involves NBBs of diverse materials, e.g. polymers, semiconductors, metal oxides, and plasmonic metal nanoparticles (PMNPs) as the primary focus due to their advantageous properties, such as tuneable light interactions spanning entire visible and near-IR. In our recent work, the use of silver and gold in composite NBBs enabled us to utilize the optimal combination of PMNPs advantageous optical properties and stability. A sensing platform based on two size-controlled NBBs: decahedra and pentagonal rods has been established and validated. Encapsulation of PMNPs with metal oxides (e.g. of iron, manganese, iridium, molybdenum), demonstrated this year, greatly improved sensing selectivity and thus opportunities in designing functional NBBs for diverse applications. Overall, during the last 6 years, we have continued to demonstrate a proven research record in synthetic control of (NBBs) for functional applications, specifically prototype sensing. Two main sensing applications of NBBs explored are SERS (surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy) and SPR (surface plasmon resonance). SERS offers sensitive portable detection of such chemicals, as explosives and narcotics. SPR is able to detect selective binding, e.g. of biologically relevant compounds. Prototype SPR sensing of nanomolar quantities of such molecules as glutathione and ampicillin has been demonstrated. In a broader vision of the proposed research program, environmental remediation with metal oxide NBBs and photoelectrochemical applications will be also actively explored. Students and postdoctoral fellows working in our laboratory are trained in the state of the art synthesis of NBBs and advanced nanoscale characterization. The novelty and expected significance of the proposed research program is in creation of new NBBs with tuneable functional properties; and in realization of their practical applications in SPR and SERS. Commercialization of NBBs is developed (Sciventions Inc., Nanoscale Blocks Inc.) with the sensing substrates for SERS and SPR being the next development milestone (in collaboration with Nicoya Inc.). Development of novel sensitive and selective substrates for sensing clinically and environmentally relevant molecules is a broader objective of the proposed research program to bring tangible benefits to Canada.