Research Focus Areas
Custom Synthesis of Metal/Porous Nanoparticles
Nanotoxicology
Biomedical Image Contrast Agents
Precision Nanoprobes
Molecular Nanotechnology
Custom Synthesis of Metal/Porous Nanoparticles
Standardized synthesis of Gold nanoparticles (nanoclusters, 5 nm, 10 nm, 16 nm) Silver nanoparticles (nanoclusters, 10 nm, 40 nm, 95 nm) Iron oxide nanoparticles (10 nm) Gadolinium oxide (5 nm, 10 nm) Hafnium oxide (5 nm, 10 nm) Microporous silica particles (15 nm, 50 nm, 100 nm, 400 nm) Other nanoparticles currently being optimized include …
Nanotoxicology
Nanotoxicity assessment is an integral part of designing biomedical probes. In vitro toxicity of nanoparticles is assessed using murine (L929) and human cell lines (HUVEC, RAW246.7). In vivo toxicity was assessed in zebrafish models, and in vivo biodistribution/blood pool kinetics was assessed in athymic and euthymic mouse models. Representative Publications …
Biomedical Image Contrast Agents
Scaled up the synthesis of nanoparticle contrast agents. I specialize in the synthesis of long emission lifetime, fluorescent and photoluminescent nanoparticles. This is achieved by modifying Au cores with fluorophore embedded shells or Au nanoclusters with tunable photoluminescence. Fluorescent silica particles with sizes ranging from 15 nm to 400 nm are also available. Such probes …
Precision Nanoprobes
Antibody-drug conjugates are emerging as a frontrunner in precision targeted therapeutics. However, this capability is still beyond the ability of most academic laboratories. The primary reason for this is the need to identify a precise binding site on the constant region of the antibody (Fc) for the drug molecule to be conjugated, while not affecting …
Molecular Nanotechnology
This is the current focus of my research. Utilizing anisotropic and hybrid nanoparticle architectures to introduce directionality in motion, precisely orienting targeting molecules and directed exertion of force by nanosystems. Anisotropic nanoparticles can be Janus hybrids or non-spherical nanoparticles and include rods, plates, prisms, and core-shells. This will lay the basis for nanomotors and nanomachines …
Lab Family Dinner 2026: Celebrating Our Team and Sending Off Our Graduating Seniors
On the evening of April 28, 2026, about 18 of us from the PD[N]ano Lab gathered in McCourtney Hall (West) for our annual group dinner — easily one of the highlights of the academic year. We brought in takeout from Flavors of India here in South Bend, pulled up chairs around the conference table, and …
From the Bench to the Big Picture: Kendall Bradley Earns ACS Honors at the 2026 Hoosier Science and Engineering State Fair and Returns to the Lab for Senior Year!
A few weeks ago, I shared the news of Kendall Bradley’s outstanding performance at the Northern Indiana Regional Science and Engineering Fair (NIRSEF). I am thrilled to follow up with another reason to celebrate. At the Hoosier Science and Engineering Fair / Indiana State Science Fair, Kendall earned the 2nd Place Award from the American …
NIH Funding Opportunities
- Notice of Change: Expiration of RFA-DK-26-308 Limited Competition Renewal for the Continuation of the Liver Cirrhosis Network: Clinical Research Centers (U01 Clinical Trial Required) May 6, 2026Notice NOT-DK-26-105 from the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts
- Notice of Change: Expiration of RFA-DK-26-309 -- Single Source Renewal for the Continuation of the Liver Cirrhosis Network: Scientific and Data Coordination Center (U24 Clinical Trial Optional) May 5, 2026Notice NOT-DK-26-106 from the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts
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