Fluorescent Nanoparticles for Biosensing Applications

Dr Snjezana Tomljenovic-Hanic

School of Physics, University of Melbourne

Monday, 16 December 2013, 2:00 pm
EN203 Lecture Theatre (EN Building), Hawthorn

Abstract:
In the last few years, study into fluorescent nanoparticles has become a distinctive subject of research. Studies are undertaken into both physical implementations of these structures and their applications. This increase in interest is driven by the numerous applications of fluorescent materials in industry, medicine, information technology, energy storage, sensing and many others.
In this talk I will present two examples of combining fluorescent nanoparticles with photonic materials.
First, I will present the results on new compound: nanodiamonds (NDs) and silk. We have demonstrated successful coating of NDs with silk and observed a single-photon emission with increased collection efficiency after the silk coating. This unique combination of silk and NDs has the potential to give rise to a new class of very bright, bio-compatible and environment friendly bio-sensors.
Second, I will report on ZnO fluorescence, with ZnO nanoparticles obtained by Zn-ion implantation in silica. With this technique, a high concentration of single photon emitters can be produced in a small volume on the surface of silica substrates.  Our ability to address and identify individual defects will allow further insight into their nature.

Back to 2013 programme