Molecular detection and quantification are integral to an improved understanding of biological and physiological processes. Research in the areas of Imaging and Sensing is concerned with developing methods and instrumentation to detect and probe specific reactions or molecules in chemically dense environments. Researchers at UVA couple an understanding of efficient and selective chemical and biological reactions with sensitive analytical techniques and manufacturing processes to realize fundamental advancements in our ability to detect and quantify molecules and processes of interest.
Specific approaches include the development of small-molecule probes, responsive dyes, molecular sensors, biomaterials, nanoparticles, and nanotube electrodes which are sensitive to detection methods based on luminescence, magnetism, electrochemistry, microscopy, and mass spectrometry. There is a complementary interest in integrating these methods with advanced microfabrication, bioengineering, and microfluidics techniques to minimize the invasiveness of imaging and sensing, decrease required sample sizes, and accurately characterize interrelated chemical pathways. Overall, the development of new sensing and imaging technologies is enabling important advancements in biology, medicine, forensics, environmental science, and other fields. For more information on current research underway in the various labs, please visit their faculty websites below.
- Huiwang Ai
- Andreas Gahlmann
- Ian Harrison
- James Landers
- Kevin Lehmann
- Marcos Pires
- Rebecca Pompano
- Lin Pu
- Cliff Stains
- Jill Venton