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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] |
 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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