Centre for Research in Biomolecular Interactions presents Prof. Jennifer I. L. Chen, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, York University

Talk Title: Biomolecular-Mediated Plasmonic Assemblies for Chemical and Biosensing in Complex Media

Abstract:

Existing sensing platforms such as the widely used Surface Plasmon Resonance-based Biacore system require sample purification, non-fouling surfaces and extensive control experiments to eliminate false positives arising from interfering molecules. Furthermore, miniaturization and multiplexing of such thin film-based sensing platform are limited by the resolution of ink-jet printers and photolithography. My research program aims to address these challenges by exploring plasmon coupling in discrete nanoparticle assemblies each having only a submicron footprint. In my post-doctoral work, I established a new sensing modality based on the actuation of discrete nanoparticle dimer as monitored by darkfield scattering spectroscopy. Detection is based on the unconventional spectral blue shift in the hybridized plasmon mode when the target geometrically extends the dimer upon binding. Significantly, and distinct from nearly all other plasmon-based sensors, this concept allows us to distinguish between target binding and non-specific adsorption by the direction (red or blue) of the wavelength shift. Using this method we demonstrate the detection of oligonucleotides and proteins even in high concentrations of serum. I will discuss these results and present future outlook on the development of this platform as miniaturized multiplexed arrays for drug screening, and as a bioanalytical tool for studying local chemical environment in cellular processes.

Please join us,

Refreshments will be served.