Nanomaterials have unique structural and physio-chemical properties that can be exploited for various applications. The BioNanoSensors group aims to develop nanomaterial-based optical biosensors to address key analytical challenges in medical diagnosis (e.g. infectious disease, wound healing etc), environmental surveillance (e.g. water and air quality etc), precision aquafarming (e.g. fish disease and fish stress), and food safety. In our R&D, we benchmark to laboratory-based analytical technologies (HPLC, GC, microbial culture, PCR, and ELISA etc) and deliver alternative bioanalytical sensors that are faster, better (in sensitivity and accuracy), smaller, and cheaper. Not only these technologies are needed for early warning of disease and risk conditions, they are also expected to trigger interventions timely. Our team has strong collaboration network with local and overseas academic intuitions. Our team also has rich experience in technology validation and translation through close collaborations with industries.
Mission and Objectives
Develop next-generation biosensing technologies to address analytical challenges in the following areas:- Medical diagnosis (infectious disease, wound care)
- Environmental monitoring (bacteria, airborne microbial, eDNA, VOCs, etc.)
- Food safety and aquafarming management (fish disease, stress hormone, etc.)
- Plant health diagnosis and therapy
Capabilities
Core capabilities include (1) synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials, (2) biofunctionalization, (3) sensing material processing and encapsulation, (4) bioassays and sensor instrumentation.
