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Nanotechnology
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 Control
and Analysis of DNA and RNA Using Nanoscale Pores
Mark Akeson, Dept. of Biomolecular Engineering
Mark Akeson's research is focused on the
use of nanopore detectors - instruments built around a tiny pore in a membrane
or thin, solid-state wafer. These pores are just big enough to allow a single
strand of DNA to pass through. Akeson and his collegues use the detectors to
understand the dynamics and structure of DNA duplex ends, including those of
retrotransposons and HIV. Akeson also investigates the coupling of processive
DNA-modifying enzymes to nanopores, both protein and solid-state. Together with
UCSC Professors William Dunbar and David Deamer, he has demonstrated enzymatic
control of single DNA in nanopores with sequence specificity and real-time feedback
control. [MORE]
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 Nanopore
Methods of DNA Analysis
David Deamer, Biomolecular Engineering
Professor David Deamer and his collaborators
investigate physical properties of single DNA molecules. Together, they developed
a biomolecular nanopore detector that rapidly discriminates between nearly identical
strands of DNA. [More]
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 Tools
for Studying Genes and Proteins
Nader Pourmand, Dept. of Biomolucular Engineering
The Pourmand lab develops new tools and technologies that
integrate biology, electronics, and nanofabrication for the detection and study
of genes and proteins. These tools are specifically designed to increase the
speed and lower the cost of sample analysis. The lab directs particular attention
to the development of medically relevant technology, such as instruments for
pathogen detection. Pourmand is also spearheading UCSC's effort to establish
a new high-throughput, high-quality sequencing facility. [More]
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 The
Application of Molecular and Nanomaterial Systems to the Detection and Treatment
of Cancer
Jin Zhang , Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry
The Zhang research group is interested in the application
of molecular and nanomaterial systems in conjunction with optical spectroscopy
and related techniques for biomedical detection and treatment, with emphasis
on cancer therapies and cancer biomarker detection. Specific projects
include: 1) investigation of mechanisms of photodynamic therapy and catalytic
therapy based on porphyrins, phthalocyanines, and related compounds; 2) detection
of small molecule, protein, and DNA cancer biomarkers using fluorescence based
on quantum dots (QDs) and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) based on
metal nanostrutcures; and 3) photothermal imaging and therapy of cancer using
unique metal nanostructures. This research involves systematic study of
the structural, optical, and photophysical as well as photochemical properties
of the materials using a combination of microscopy, x-ray, spectroscopy, and
electrochemistry techniques. [ More] |
 Nano-
and Microfabrication Technology for Biomedical and Diagnostic devices
Mike Isaacson, Dept. of Electrical Engineering
Michael Isaacson's research group uses
technology developed by the semiconductor industry to study biological systems
and develop biomedical devices. The work involves fabrication techniques and
imaging tools for making and visualizing devices and structures on the nanoscale.
For example, the group has developed microelectronic devices that can be implanted
into insect brains to record signals from the brain's neural circuits. Interestingly,
information about how the neural circuits work can then be used to further improve
microelectronic devices. [More]
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 Integrated
Optofluidics: Detecting and Analyzing Single Molecules on a Chip
Holger Schmidt, Dept. of MCD Biology
Optofluidics describes the combination
of optics and microfluidics and holds great promise for novel devices for biomedical
instrumentation, analytical chemistry and other fields that deal with liquid
analytes. A highly desirable extension of optofluidics is to use integrated
optics to replace the bulky microscopy analysis that is still commonly in use.
This would allow development of a fully planar, fully integrated lab on a chip.
[More]
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