Carbon-Based Nanomaterials for Biological Applications
Abstract: Carbon-based nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene, have gained significant interest as one of the most
promising materials in biological applications due to their unique
physical and chemical properties. Recently we have developed
an optoelectronic probing system, combining CNT/graphene
transistors with scanning photocurrent measurements, fluorescence
microscopy, and optical trapping techniques to investigate the
molecular interface between CNTs/graphene and biological systems.
We have directly measured the binding force between a single
DNA molecule and a CNT and have explored how the molecular
interface between CNTs and different molecules affects their
biological applications. We have also integrated graphene-based
scanning photocurrent microscopy with microfluidic platforms to
investigate the electrical activity in neuronal networks. I will conclude
by summarizing the remaining research challenges that must be
surmounted in order to bring carbon-based nanomaterials into
future biological applications and exploring the potential applications
for other two-dimensional materials in biological fields. Bio: Yaqiong Xu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Vanderbilt University.
She received a Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering from Rice University in 2006. After a postdoc position at Cornell from 2006-2009, she joined Vanderbilt where she is an associate professor of Electrical Engineering and Physics. Her research group focuses on investigating the electrical and optoelectronic properties of low-dimensional materials and exploring their applications in biomedical and energy conversion fields. Molecular Engineering and Sciences Seminar Series This weekly seminar brings together students, faculty and invited guests from various disciplines across campus to explore current trends in molecular engineering and nanotechnology. It is a forum for active interdisciplinary discussions. These talks are open to the public and attract a diverse audience of students and faculty. |