Translational Biotechnologies
VISION
For the past three decades, advances in life science research and the development of new tools that enhance medicinal practice have derived from fundamental breakthroughs in sensors, novel forms of microscopy, image contrast agents, and new materials.
Areas of HMNTL strength include:
- Measuring dynamic processes in live cells with single molecule precision
- Modeling the physics of nanopores to determine the sequence of nucleic acid molecules and proteins passing through them
- Utilizing optical metamaterials and optical forces to measure the properties of individual biomolecules and their interactions
- Designing synthetic nucleic acids with engineered structural properties
- Constructing systems for identifying pathogens at the point of care
- Designing new contrast agent nanoparticles for medical imaging
- Characterizing the concentration of biomarker molecules in blood.
Based on our rich legacy in the field of semiconductor materials and devices, we envision HMNTL extending its leadership in the field of hybrid functional systems, in which materials, micro/nanofabrication tools and devices that originated from the field of semiconductors are adapted and merged with the components of living systems to create entirely novel capabilities that enable manipulation, measurement and imaging of biology. To support these research directions, HMNTL includes a unique BioNanotechnology Laboratory that is a shared-use facility housing wet lab space including cell incubators, biosafety cabinets, microscopes, liquid handling equipment and conventional biology tools.