Research Summary
Our interdisciplinary research group has developed pioneering technologies across multiple critical domains of advanced materials science. Our advanced fluorescent materials research has pioneered nanoscale thermal sensing technologies leveraging conjugated polyelectrolytes, developing innovative single-particle thermal sensors, luminescent metal-organic frameworks with thermal memory capabilities, and FRET-based probes for biological thermal mapping, presenting transformative applications in microelectronics, cellular studies, and thermal imaging technologies. In the field of antibacterial materials, we have created innovative systems including metal-organic frameworks, polymeric nanocomposites, and hydrogel-based microparticles, strategically incorporating silver nanoparticles to maximize bactericidal efficacy against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. Simultaneously, our biosensing research has yielded breakthrough viral detection platforms using gold nanoparticle-coated polystyrene beads and fluorescently labeled liposomes, achieving remarkable detection limits down to 5 pM for viral DNA sequences in serum samples, with significant potential for early-stage diagnostics and precision medicine.
Thermal Sensing
Our research group has pioneered the development of advanced fluorescent materials and temperature sensors by leveraging conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs), focusing on nanoscale thermal sensing and memory systems with precise, ratiometric fluorescence responses. Key scientific contributions include generating unprecedented single-particle insights into CPE-nanoparticle assemblies for thermal sensing, developing luminescent metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) like UiO-66-NH2 with exceptional thermal memory capabilities, and creating self-referenced temperature sensors optimized for unparalleled sensitivity and stability. By introducing innovative fluorescence-based probes for nanoscale thermal memory and pioneering FRET-based sensors for lipid membranes, our team has enabled sophisticated mapping of thermal changes in complex biological systems, presenting transformative technologies with wide-ranging applications in microelectronics, cellular studies, and advanced thermal imaging techniques.
BioSensing
Our research group has made significant advancements in the field of biosensing and viral detection by developing innovative techniques for detecting genomic viral markers with high sensitivity and specificity. We developed a sophisticated detection platform using gold nanoparticle-coated polystyrene beads for the multiplex detection of viral DNA sequences, achieving an impressive detection limit of 5 nM for hepatitis B and vaccinia viruses. By further advancing this platform through the integration of fluorescently labeled liposomes, we successfully amplified detection signals, dramatically reducing the detection limit to 5 pM and enabling precise identification of viral markers directly in serum samples. These cutting-edge biosensing systems offer enzyme-free, rapid, and cost-effective detection methods that demonstrate exceptional potential for early-stage viral diagnostics and transformative applications in precision medicine, representing a significant breakthrough in molecular viral detection technologies.
Antibacterial
Our research group has developed groundbreaking antibacterial materials using cutting-edge techniques to address the critical challenge of microbial resistance. We have strategically designed a diverse portfolio of innovative antimicrobial systems, including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), polymeric nanocomposites, and advanced hydrogel-based microparticles, with a primary focus on incorporating silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to maximize bactericidal efficacy. Key research achievements include synthesizing postmetalated zirconium-based MOFs with exceptional structural stability, developing silver-modified cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVPP) for waterborne bacteria control, creating electrospun MOF-fabric nanocomposites that transform conventional textiles into protective barriers, and pioneering dual-function magnetite-silver hydrogels that leverage magnetic hyperthermia for comprehensive biofilm disruption. These advanced materials consistently demonstrate potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, with their versatility and efficacy positioning them as promising solutions for critical sectors including medical device development, water treatment technologies, and advanced personal protective equipment.