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CHENG NanoBionics Group
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overall research theme

2

Project #1 - Soft Plasmonics

Thinnest Possible Free-standing 2D Plasmonic Superlattice nanosheets (soft 2D metamaterials)

Subtantialy progress has been made in the wet chemistry synthesis of metal nanoparticles in order to tailor their unique size- and shap-dependent plasmonic properties, enabling the formulaiton of 'plasmonic periodic table' described in our paper (Nat Nano 2011, 6, 268). However, thess artificial 'meta-atoms' are extremely difficult to manipulate due to complext nanoscale forces.

In this project, we are interested in developing low-cost soft-liand-based self-assembly approach to manipulate plasmonic nanopartilces into free-standing monolayered 2D arrays. Such the thinnest possible 2D plasmonic nanosheets have a number of applications in elastic nanophotonics, sensing and diagnostics.

wearable sensor

Project #2 - Soft Electronics

Wearable Pressure Sensors for Real-time Health Monitoring Anytime Anywhere

Soft skin-like electronics can offer applications that are impossible to achieve with conventional rigid wafer and planar circuit board technologies, due to their unique capacity to integrate with soft materials and curvilinear surfaces. However, it is difficult to realize such future soft electronics with traditional materials and conventional manufacturing methodologies.

In this project, we are interested in developing nanotechnological approach (particular, using ultrafine metal nanowires) to fabricate elastic conductors (e-Skins) for wearable sensors. Such sensors can be used for monitoring human blood pulse rates, body motions and hand gestures in real-time and in-situ.
plasmonics nanocage

Project #3 - Soft Energy Devices

Soft stretchable wearable capacitors and batteries

Conventional energy devices are usually rigid and non-wearable.

In this project, we are interested in the development of low-cost functional electrodes using the bottom-up self-assembly. Variety of building blocks from 'plasmonic peoridic table' described in our paper (Nature Nanotech 2011, 6, 268) allow us to tailor percolation conductivities allowing the design of soft wearable energy devices.

electrocatalysis

Project #4 - Targetted Cancer Theranostics

Targetted Plasmonic Photothermal Cancer Therapeutics

Parenteral drug delivery system is typically based on liposomal or polymeric carriers. Despite their excellent drug loading/release performance, the release process is often lack of control.

In this project, we are interested in developing plasmonic hollow particles for targeted, light-controlled drug delivery for cancer killing.

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