Current Projects
Drug Dissolution
Single-molecule fluorescence microscopy brings with it the ability to detect and analyze heterogeneity in biological samples in real time. Dynamics and kinetics of single molecules can be observed at a precision of few tens of nanometers by utilizing super resolution imaging and localization techniques. Revealing heterogeneities in the molecular mechanics of drug dissolution using the capabilities of single-molecule fluorescence microscopy will lead to more efficient and predicable drug absorption, thereby speeding up the drug development process.
Beating the Diffraction Limit in Optical Data Storage
Polymeric optical data storage (ODS) media has been combined with the microscopy technologies to provide advantages in cost, performance and durability for long term data storage. It is a perfect example of the application of controlled light induced degradation of polymer films. However, there has been a fundamental limitation imposed by far-field diffraction physics that creates a restriction on the current state-of-the-art in ODS systems. Therefore, further improvements need to be developed through the use of far-field evanescent radiation and/or promoting the technology from 2D surface operations to 3D volumetric implementations. Regardless, it is necessary to We plan to use the techniques of single molecule microscopy to break through the diffraction limit to achieve ODS at the nanoscale.
Other Projects in Development or Planning Phase
Understanding the slow process of microbial induced corrosion in sea water using the techniques from single molecule microscopy.
Cheaper way to perform TIRF microscopy by utilizing multilayered polymer films as substrates.
Fabrication of ordered bulk heterojunction organic photovoltaics for a theoretical maximum efficiency of solar cells.