The main theme of my research is at the interface of biomedical
technology and micro-/nanofabrication. I am interested in the
development of new methods and technologies at the micro-/nanoscale
for biological applications ranging from the early disease
diagnosis to drug delivery. Currently in my research group we are
focusing on the following research projects:
1. Synthesis of stimulus-responsive nanotubes for
targeted drug delivery
Stimulus-responsive polymeric nanotubes are synthesized
via a template-assisted approach that can essentially open and
close in response to outside stimulus. Such cheap and
easily-manipulated ‘smart’ polymeric nanotubes have great
potentials for controlled drug encapsulation and release.
2. Colloidal Photonic Crystal
Photonic crystals, periodic optical nanostructures that
are designed to affects the motion of photons, have aroused wide
research interests in many optical devices due to their specific
light manipulation properties. Currently, there is an intensive
effort to develop photonic crystals that can open up new
opportunities in optical and sensing technologies. In this project,
a novel monodisperse colloid is prepared and then used to prepare
colloidal photonic crystal.
3. Core-shell suprastructures
Rapid progress in the synthesis of nanoparticles of
various sizes, forms and compositions has shifted the focus of
nanoscience research toward the preparation and characterization of
larger architectures composed of various types of components. In
this project, a novel organic/inorganic core-shell suprastructure
is prepared.