Nanomaterials synthesis, Materials Chemistry/Engineering & Nanochemistry.
Nanomaterials are materials with excellent properties at the nanoscale. They comprise both homogenous and heterogeneous systems that can support surface (e.g., charge, polarity) or morphological (e.g., size, structure) modifications for biomolecular probes fabrication.
We are interested in the synthesis and characterisation of 2D/3D nanomaterials, plasmonic metal nanoparticles (Au and Ag), plasmonic molybdenum-based quantum dots, magnetic nanoparticles. Other are carbon-based nanomaterials (graphene/carbon nitride nanosheets) & fluorescent graphene quantum dots.
Nanobiosensors Design for Pathogens (Infectious Viruses), Early Cancers Detection and Neurodegenerative Diseases Diagnostics.
Our research leverages nanotechnology and functional nanomaterials to develop innovative diagnostic devices that may be used on-site in a doctor’s office or hospital room. The rational design of nanomaterials-bioconjugates for optimum performance in biosensing, bioassays and optical imaging is been explored. The nanomaterials interface, and its interactions with biological receptors and/or targets materials and matrix, can potentially affect its sensitivity, selectivity, stability, and many other properties. An understanding of these interactions and their implications will allow surface chemistry to be tuned and exploited to maximize analytical performance for designing innovative diagnostics biosensors.
Techniques explored in our innovative nanobiosensors development include – optical spectroscopy – photoluminescence (sensing) & surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). We are also developing novel Raman-based application using smart materials such as advanced 3D magnetic nanostructures and nanogels such as MINERS and NSESORS.
NanoEnergy Systems and Devices. Energy Harvesting – Self-powered Device Fabrication – Nanogenerators, Sensors and Actuators.
A plethora source of energy that is ubiquitous in our environment and rarely tapped is magnetic noise (energy) arising from electrical power systems and numerous electronic devices. Similar to sunlight and wind energy, this abundant electromagnetic waste energy can be renewably harvested and converted into useful electricity by using electromagnetic nanogenerators.
We are exploring novel strategies to fabricate efficient and sustainable magnetic nanogenerators for harvesting low-frequency ambient stray magnetic energy. The long-term goal is to generate alternative renewable energy that can benefit modern society on a sustainable scale while also contributing to the net zero worldwide initiative.
Projects and Grants
2023
PUMP-PRIMING GRANT – “Label-free Raman spectra analysis of a-synuclein aggregation using modified RT-QuIC assay in post-mortem cerebrospinal tissue in Lewy body dementia”.
Funding Body: Alzheimer’s Research UK Newcastle Network Centre.
Date: 2023-04 to 2023-10
Value: £4,292.88
JSPS BRIDGE Fellowship FUND – “Magnetoplasmonic nanogels for optical biosensors design”.
Funder: Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (London & Tokyo)..
Host: Shizuoka University, Japan.
Date: 2023-08 to 2023-08|Salary award
Value: £4,500
SEED FUND – Self-powered diagnostics biosensors design.
Awarded by the – School of Health and Life Sciences , Teesside University
Date: December 2022 – August, 2023.
2021
EXCELLENT SCIENCE – Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions – Sustainable Bio-engineering Magnetoelectric Nanogenerators as self-powered diagnostic devices.
Funder: European Commission (Brussels)
Date: 2021-09 to 2022-09.
Host: University of Warwick, UK.
GRANT_NUMBER: 945380
URL: https://eutopia-
NANOGEL Diagnosticx – Electrochemical-SERS biosensors for infectious virus detection using nanogels encapsulated molybdenum quantum dots
Funder: Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (Tokyo).
Host: Shizuoka University, Japan.
Date:2019-11 to 2021-09|Salary award
GRANT_NUMBER: P19348
GRANT_NUMBER: 20hm0102080h0001
2019
Nanocarbon-SENSORS – Carbon-based nanomaterials for nanosensors design
Funder: National Research Foundation (Johannesburg).
Host:University of Zululand, South Africa.
Date:2018-03 to 2019-02.
2018
Silicon-NANO – Biocompatible Organic Nanoparticles for Imaging Applications
LabEx GANEX (Bordeaux).
Host:University of Bordeaux. France.
Date:2018-03 to 2018-11.