Nanoscale Building Blocks for Sensing

提议的研究项目是针对纳米级构建块（NBBs）的合成、表征和应用，包括对生物和环境重要分子的检测。纳米尺度涵盖了数亿到数百万原子排列成通常具有独特性质的结构的范围。我们在定义良好的nbb方面的工作使纳米级特性的控制成为可能，并探索了它们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块状材料中无法实现的新材料的实现，以及功能特性的尺寸和形状依赖性，使它们能够方便地调谐。我们的研究涉及不同材料的nbs，例如聚合物，半导体，金属氧化物和等离子体金属纳米颗粒（PMNPs）作为主要焦点，因为它们具有优势的特性，例如跨越整个可见光和近红外的可调谐光相互作用。在我们最近的工作中，在复合nbs中使用银和金，使我们能够利用PMNPs的最佳组合，具有优越的光学性能和稳定性。建立并验证了基于十面体和五边形棒材两种尺寸控制的nbs传感平台。今年展示了用金属氧化物（如铁、锰、铱、钼）封装PMNPs，大大提高了传感选择性，从而为设计各种应用的功能性nbs提供了机会。总体而言，在过去的6年中，我们继续展示了功能性应用的合成控制（nbb）的成熟研究记录，特别是原型传感。nbb的传感应用主要有表面增强拉曼光谱（SERS）和表面等离子体共振（SPR）。SERS提供了对爆炸物和麻醉品等化学物质的敏感便携式检测。SPR能够检测选择性结合，例如生物相关化合物的结合。原型的SPR传感的纳摩尔量的分子，如谷胱甘肽和氨苄西林已被证明。在更广阔的研究范围内，将积极探索金属氧化物nbs的环境修复和光电化学应用。在我们实验室工作的学生和博士后接受了nbs合成和先进纳米级表征方面的培训。提出的研究计划的新颖性和预期意义在于创建具有可调谐功能特性的新nbb；以及实现它们在SPR和SERS中的实际应用。NBBs商业化开发（Sciventions Inc., Nanoscale Blocks Inc.）， SERS和SPR传感基板是下一个发展里程碑（与Nicoya Inc.合作）。开发用于临床和环境相关分子传感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，为加拿大带来切实的利益。

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.