(Supported by NIH-CCNE, NSF-MWN, NSF-INT, CMRC, NMH, ENH)

Given the similarity of size scale of nanostructures, there are exciting opportunities to interrogate and interact physical and hybrid nanostructures with biological structures, ranging from DNAs, Proteins, cells and sub-cellular organelles.

Our approach is focused on synthesis of physical and hybrid nanostructures anchored by biological recognition units (e.g., antibodies) to target specific molecular and cell markers.

In one such scheme, we synthesize high susceptibility magnetic nanostructures for contrast enhancement in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and targeted therapeutics facilitated by thermal activation by external RF field.

We collaborate and interact with biomedicine and clinical faculty across NU campus, as well as local area hospitals (ENH, NMH, CMRC) for advancing medicine through materials research.

Representative Publications:

1. Aslam M, Dravid VP et al., "Controlled Large-scale synthesis and magnetic properties of single-crystal cobalt nanorods", J. Appl. Phys., 98 (7): 074311 (2005).
2. Aslam M, Dravid VP et al., "Silica encapsulation and magnetic properties of FePt nanoparticles", J. Coll. Surf. Chem., 290 (2): 444-449 (2005).
3. Vidovich ML, Myers BD, Dravid VP et al., "Effects of magnetic resonance imaging and balloon inflation on stability of drug-eluting stent polymer: An in vitro study", Amer. J. Cardiology 94 (6A): 157E-158E Suppl. S (2004).

Links to Other Dravid Group Research Themes:

Spatially and Dimensionally Confined Structures
Interfaces and Defect Phenomena
Synthesis, Patterning and Microscopy of Nanostructures
Integrated Nanosystems for Biochemical Sensing & Diagnostics
Novel microscopy and Analysis