Title:

Nanosensors To Improve Cancer Research and Diagnosis

Abstract:

Novel nanosensor technologies offer opportunities for improved diagnostics and research tools to investigate tumor ecosystems. To tackle problems in conventional bioassays and diagnostic methods, my research group will leverage nanotechnology, material chemistry, data analytics, and quantitative proteomics. We will utilize carbon nanotubes with fluorescent quantum defects as next-generation optical biosensors to study the molecular and cellular basis of cancers and to detect diseases earlier. In this talk, I will discuss how we will investigate 1) a systematic workflow to elicit molecular sensitivity of nanosensors, 2) a machine learning-based nanosensor array platform to improve diagnostic accuracy, 3) the potential of the array to facilitate the biomarker identification, and 4) monitoring biological processes such as lysosome biology and autophagy using quantum defect-based nanosensors. I will conclude with how my research program would complement and synergize with ongoing bioanalytical chemistry research at Georgia Tech.