Many problems of biological and medical interest have as their main elements specimens in the range of the nanometers. In those nanoscale level problems, nanotechnology rises as the main path to achieving results. In this particular project, we are carrying out multidisciplinary work in which we produce new materials and high-sensitivity sensors intended for use in biomedicine. We are considering the use of biosensors based on defects in solids and nanoporous membranes, and also the creation of bio-compatible materials through plasma discharge.
We use solids defects, specifically nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers in diamond , to monitor ion-channel function in real time via magnetic field detection and fluorescent properties of NV centers .
We are also developing a low-cost sensor based on aluminum oxide (alumina) nanopores, to detect the Aβ peptide related to Alzheimer’s disease. In the early stages of development, we determined the optimal pore height and width when functionalized with a protein inside.
Finally, we have conducted preliminary experiments to produce and characterize TiN coatings on titanium substrates, using Plasma-Based Ion Implantation and Deposition (PBII&D), a non-standard technique that allows deep implantation of ions into a substrate using a combination of inherent plasma properties and a pulsed negative voltage bias
Team
- Nelson Barrera (PUC,Biology)
- Felipe Montenegro(PUC,Biology)
- Marcelo Kogan(Uchile, Chemistry)
- Francisco Morales (Uchile, Chemistry)
- Pablo Conejeros (UV, Biology)
- Karol Alfaro (UV, Biology)
- Samuel Hevia (PUC,Physics)
- Belén Cespedes(PUC,Physics)
- Isabel Muñoz(PUC,Physics)
- Alejandra Álvarez (PUC,Biology)
- America Chandía (PUC,Biology)
- Jeronimo R Maze (PUC,Physics)
- Nataniel Figueroa (PUC,Physics)
- Raúl Gonzalez (PUC,Physics)
- Mario Favre (PUC,Physics)
- Heman Bhuyan (PUC,Physics)
- Marcelo Cisternas (PUC,Physics)
Article
Structural characterization of the saxitoxin-targeting APTSTX1 aptamer using optical tweezers and molecular dynamics simulations