Ultrafast Optoelectronic Nanoscopy of Biological and Optoelectronic Systems
Lead Research Organisation:
Imperial College London
Department Name: Chemistry
Abstract
One of the greatest challenges in modern nanotechnology is the ability to characterise individual molecules and molecular assemblies with high spatial and temporal resolution. A technology possessing these capabilities will have a broad range of applications in next-generation molecular electronics, and will help to solve major existing healthcare challenges, from early-stage biomarker detection to protein sequencing.
In the last decade, a variety of new methods emerged that tried to combine ultrafast optical tools with electronic sensors. The developed expertise brings us a unique opportunity to start a completely new type of experimental research - addressing individulal molecules and resolving their dynamics on all relevant timescales, from ps to ms and beyond.
In the proposed project, we aim to bring together cutting-edge developments in the fields of ultrafast spectroscopy and single-molecule tunnelling detection. We will develop a new experimental platform for the characterisation of molecular-scale objects, utilising nanodimensional electrical probes in concert with ultrafast optical methods. This combination will result in a robust and versatile new technique, Ultrafast Optoelectronic Nanoscopy (UON). UON's potential to overcome the limitations of scanning probe methods and to access the real-time evolution of molecular systems will be demonstrated by applying it to biological macromolecules and plastic semiconductor devices.
In the last decade, a variety of new methods emerged that tried to combine ultrafast optical tools with electronic sensors. The developed expertise brings us a unique opportunity to start a completely new type of experimental research - addressing individulal molecules and resolving their dynamics on all relevant timescales, from ps to ms and beyond.
In the proposed project, we aim to bring together cutting-edge developments in the fields of ultrafast spectroscopy and single-molecule tunnelling detection. We will develop a new experimental platform for the characterisation of molecular-scale objects, utilising nanodimensional electrical probes in concert with ultrafast optical methods. This combination will result in a robust and versatile new technique, Ultrafast Optoelectronic Nanoscopy (UON). UON's potential to overcome the limitations of scanning probe methods and to access the real-time evolution of molecular systems will be demonstrated by applying it to biological macromolecules and plastic semiconductor devices.
Organisations
Publications
Cai S
(2023)
Selective Single-Molecule Nanopore Detection of mpox A29 Protein Directly in Biofluids
in Nano Letters
Fried J
(2022)
Localised solid-state nanopore fabrication via controlled breakdown using on-chip electrodes
in Nano Research
Fried JP
(2021)
Understanding Electrical Conduction and Nanopore Formation During Controlled Breakdown.
in Small (Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany)
Jiang T
(2023)
Fabrication of electron tunneling probes for measuring single-protein conductance
in Nature Protocols
Koch C
(2023)
Nanopore sequencing of DNA-barcoded probes for highly multiplexed detection of microRNA, proteins and small biomarkers
in Nature Nanotechnology
Kwan Z
(2023)
Microtubule-Mediated Regulation of ß2AR Translation and Function in Failing Hearts.
in Circulation research
Liu Y
(2023)
Single-Molecule Detection of a-Synuclein Oligomers in Parkinson's Disease Patients Using Nanopores.
in ACS nano
Ren R
(2021)
Single-Molecule Binding Assay Using Nanopores and Dimeric NP Conjugates.
in Advanced materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
Sahota A
(2023)
Recent advances in single-cell subcellular sampling
in Chemical Communications
Tang L
(2022)
Measuring conductance switching in single proteins using quantum tunneling.
in Science advances
Description | Our team transformed a small electronic device, that resembles a tiny crack, nanogap, between two metal plates, into a tool that can detect light. We discovered that particles of light, photons, can transfer electrons from one metal plate to another, allowing us to measure the properties of light. The most exciting property of this system is that our device can detect short pulses of light of any colour from ultraviolet to mid-infrared, making it useful in areas like photo detection and understanding the characteristics of light. We have also demonstrated that when individual nanosystems, molecules or clusters of atoms, are put inside the nanogap, there properties can be measured by the electrons travelling between the metal plates with the help of light. As the light induced electron transfer process is very fast, the measurement can reveal unique information about the dynamics of nanosystems. |
Exploitation Route | Our research has uncovered a phenomenon that has wide-ranging applications in photonics, for example for compact and ultra-broadband detectors to detect ultrafast light pulses. Furthermore, our findings can lead to the development of new types of chemical sensors that can detect individual molecules in the tiny space between two electrodes. These single-molecule sensors can be utilized in biology to identify and detect biomolecules without the need for labelling or modification. |
Sectors | Chemicals Electronics Energy Healthcare |
Description | School Visit (St. Paul's school, London) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | I have presented a talk about about spectroscopy and its application in nanotechnology (including this nanoscopy project) at the school Science society meeting. About 20 students had attended, listened to the lecture, passed the quiz, and asked questions. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | School visit - William Perkin High School |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | I visited William Perkin High School during the Founder's Day with a theme of "Chemical Attractions". I gave 3 talks for different year cohorts (~80 students in total) which included interactive quizzes and demonstration of processible electronic devices that we develop. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |