Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

INTRODUCTION My research program is focused on the study and design of novel surfaces and interfaces using waveguides and plasmonics, which exhibit a thin film of light (called evanescent field) directly located at a surface or an interface to an adjacent object. In nano-plasmonics, metal nanoparticles (NPs) show a very strong film of light and a strong absorption band, allowing colorimetric or transmission devices for high sensitivity chemical sensors. The light films are also applied in surface microscopy. Scattering/fluorescence evanescent microscopy is used to study surfaces and interfaces, coatings, bacteria film formation and single cell-substratum interaction. My group is known world-wide for its highly sophisticated, interdisciplinary research and achievements through many scientific contributions in form of high impact publications, outstanding conference contributions and well-trained students with their own success stories. My research will center around three key themes critical for fundamental surface/interface science. OBJECTIVES AND APPROACHES 1.AuNPs for (Bio)-Sensing Platforms: two new lean and facile sensor schemes in multiplexing form integrating our newly developed AuNP-strip-loading technology for channel waveguide definition as well as the recently discovered and described (by us) line-width narrowing effect of the localized surface plasmon resonance will be developed. Health and environmental issues of AuNPs will be addressed by developing a recycling method for the AuNP sensor platforms (safe disposal after use). 2.(Bio)-Interfaces, Coatings and Collagen Films: involves the fabrication of highly oriented collagen films on implants for an enhanced biocompatibility, avoiding the host rejection, and the mimicking of anisotropic tissue with its physical characteristics. A novel Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) trough design with a circularly closing barrier will be established. In addition, a technology to fabricate free-standing oriented collagen films will be developed. With these free-standing films, possibly multilayered, new cornea implant strategies should be enabled. 3. Waveguide Evanescent Field Microscopy: a dynamically operating evanescent microscope and novel high optical quality waveguide chips fabricated from polymers (stiff and flexible) will be developed to allow studying and enhancing the adhesion-quality of cells to technical surfaces (important for medical implants). Also envisioned is the scientific groundwork for developing a miniaturized infant pace maker. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT Besides the excellent training of HQP in a multidisciplinary setting on state-of-the-art technology and R&D strategies, possible translation to Canadian industry, and the publications in peer-reviewed, high impact journals, this research program will enhance and foster Canada's high tech R&D now and in the future, and will therefore be contributing actively to Canada's economic wealth and to Canadian life.