Lab-on-a-chip tools for nanobiology | The BIOS Lab-on-a-chip group

Modern biophysics was revolutionized by single-molecule imaging. It enabled studying biological systems with unprecedented precision that eventually translated into real improvement of the quality of life and emergence of personalized medicine. However, new layers of complexity of biological processes are constantly uncovered, which creates a demand for novel more informative methodologies. This is where the using nanotechnology in biological research will make a difference and I am going apply my effort. During last 10 years of my research, I have developed a range of biosensors based on different types of transducers: silicon nanowires, graphene nanoribbons, solid-state nanopores and plasmonic nanopores. Now I plan to use my multidisciplinary expertise to drive development of novel tools to study proteins by label-free monitoring of their physical parameters in real time. Check out my recent publications:

At BIOS I am developing the following projects:

Protein Actuation Spectroscopy

We turn dielectrophoresis into a label-free tool for studying protein properties at a single-molecule level by means of actuation and optical scattering measurements. We develop a nanoelectrode system, which will allow to capture a protein molecule and engage it in a periodic motion, tossing it from one electrode to another like in a mini game of ping-pong. The amplitude of this motion reports on the protein properties

Plasmonic nanopores for studying protein cages

Plasmonic solid-state nanopores are versatile single-molecule biosensors that allow multidimensional characterisation of the molecules under study. Plasmonic nanostructure around the nanopore can be used to not only sense the presence of the molecule, but also to exert heat in a controlled way. We employ plasmonic nanopores to study encapsulin protein cages.

Graphene delamination from freestanding membranes

Transmembrane potential applied to a freestanding silicon nitride membrane with a nanopore can cause electric delamination of 2D materials on top of it. This is a highly complex stochastic phenomenam and we investigate it using optical microscopy, AFM and electrical measurements