HomeEducationGraduate and Undergraduate ProgramsResearch Experience for Undergraduates (REU)Fabrication and Optical Characterization of “Sticky” Plasmonic Metasurfaces for Spectroscopic Characterization of Biological Cells

Fabrication and Optical Characterization of “Sticky” Plasmonic Metasurfaces for Spectroscopic Characterization of Biological Cells

Professor: Gennady Shvets

Project Description
:The objective is to develop plasmonic metasurfaces on an infrared-transparent substrate (CaF2) that can act as “sticky” substrates for live cells. Cell-adhesive proteins will be utilized to ensure that the cells are attached to the metasurfaces but not to the dielectric substrate. Two approaches to protein patterning will be tried: (a) direct electron beam patterning, and (b) protein dielectrophoresis. We will then compare the spectroscopic signatures from the cells attached to the “sticky” and to the regular metasurfaces, and demonstrate that the former produce stronger spectroscopic signatures. If time permits, we will investigate drug effects on the cells by conducting metasurface-enhanced infrared spectroscopy. The student will learn: (a) the physics of metasurface spectroscopy, (b) the basics of protein patterning, and (c) the usage of a Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) for nano-bio applications such as distinguishing between different cell types and detecting drug effects on live cells. (This project is offered In-Person)

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