ORCID Profile
0000-0001-8822-1024
Current Organisations
University of Technology Sydney
,
University of Western Australia
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Research Topics
In Research Link Australia (RLA), "Research Topics" refer to ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes. These topics are either sourced from ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes listed in researchers' related grants or generated by a large language model (LLM) based on their publications.
Top 5 Research Topics
ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)
Medical Biotechnology | Biomedical Instrumentation | Condensed Matter Physics | Medical Biotechnology Diagnostics (incl. Biosensors) | Nanoscale Characterisation | Condensed Matter Imaging | Condensed Matter Characterisation Technique Development |
ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)
Veterinary Diagnostics | Diagnostic Methods | Expanding Knowledge in the Chemical Sciences | Expanding Knowledge in the Physical Sciences | Scientific Instruments | Expanding Knowledge in Technology
Related Links
Publications
Facile Self-Assembly of Quantum Plasmonic Circuit Components
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-06-2015
Abstract: A facile and cost-effective self-assembly route to engineering of vital quantum plasmonic circuit components is reported. By modifying the surface energy of silver nanowires, the position and density of attached nanodiamonds can be maneuvered leading to silver nanowire/nanodiamond(s) hybrid nanostructures. These structures exhibit strong plasmonic coupling effects and thus hold promise to serve as quantum plasmonic components.
Blood-brain barrier–penetrating single CRISPR-Cas9 nanocapsules for effective and safe glioblastoma gene therapy
Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Date: 22-04-2022
Abstract: We designed a unique nanocapsule for efficient single CRISPR-Cas9 capsuling, noninvasive brain delivery and tumor cell targeting, demonstrating an effective and safe strategy for glioblastoma gene therapy. Our CRISPR-Cas9 nanocapsules can be simply fabricated by encapsulating the single Cas9/sgRNA complex within a glutathione-sensitive polymer shell incorporating a dual-action ligand that facilitates BBB penetration, tumor cell targeting, and Cas9/sgRNA selective release. Our encapsulating nanocapsules evidenced promising glioblastoma tissue targeting that led to high PLK1 gene editing efficiency in a brain tumor (up to 38.1%) with negligible (less than 0.5%) off-target gene editing in high-risk tissues. Treatment with nanocapsules extended median survival time (68 days versus 24 days in nonfunctional sgRNA-treated mice). Our new CRISPR-Cas9 delivery system thus addresses various delivery challenges to demonstrate safe and tumor-specific delivery of gene editing Cas9 ribonucleoprotein for improved glioblastoma treatment that may potentially be therapeutically useful in other brain diseases.
Ultra-bright emission from hexagonal boron nitride defects as a new platform for bio-imaging and bio-labelling
Publisher: SPIE
Date: 09-12-2016
DOI: 10.1117/12.2242988
Subcompartmentalized polymer hydrogel capsules with selectively degradable carriers and subunits
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-07-2010
Abstract: Subcompartmentalized hydrogel capsules (SHCs) with selectively degradable carriers and subunits are designed for potential applications in drug delivery and microencapsulated biocatalysis. Thiolated poly(methacrylic acid) and poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) are used to assemble 3-microm-diameter carrier capsules and 300-nm-diameter subunits, independently stabilized by a erse range of covalent linkages. This paper presents ex les of SHCs with tens of subcompartments and their successful drug loading, as well as selective degradation of the SHC carrier and/or subunits in response to multiple chemical stimuli.
Study of narrowband single photon emitters in polycrystalline diamond films
Publisher: AIP Publishing
Date: 03-11-2014
DOI: 10.1063/1.4901083
Abstract: Quantum information processing and integrated nanophotonics require robust generation of single photon emitters on demand. In this work, we demonstrate that diamond films grown on a silicon substrate by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition can host bright, narrowband single photon emitters in the visible—near infra-red spectral range. The emitters possess fast lifetime (∼several ns), absolute photostability, and exhibit full polarization at excitation and emission. Pulsed and continuous laser excitations confirm their quantum behaviour at room temperature, while low temperature spectroscopy is performed to investigate inhomogeneous broadening. Our results advance the knowledge of solid state single photon sources and open pathways for their practical implementation in quantum communication and quantum information processing.
Microscopic inspection and tracking of single upconversion nanoparticles in living cells
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-01-2018
DOI: 10.1038/LSA.2018.7
Stable and Highly Efficient Antibody–Nanoparticles Conjugation
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 20-05-2021
Dispersion stability and biocompatibility of four ligand-exchanged NaYF4: Yb, Er upconversion nanoparticles
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1016/J.ACTBIO.2019.11.048
Abstract: Surface modification to obtain high dispersion stability and biocompatibility is a key factor for bio-application of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs). A systematic study of UCNPs modified with four hydrophilic molecules separately, comparing their dispersion stability in biological buffers and cellular biocompatibility is reported here. The results show that carboxyl-functionalized UCNPs (modified by 3,4-dihydrocinnamic acid (DHCA) or poly(monoacryloxyethyl phosphate (MAEP)) with negative surface charge have superior even-distribution in biological buffers compared to amino-functionalized UCNPs (modified by (aminomethyl)phosphonic (AMPA) or (3-Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES)) with positive surface charge. Subsequent investigation of cellular interactions revealed high levels of non-targeted cellular uptake of the particles modified with either of the three small molecules (AMPA, APTES, DHCA) and high levels of cytotoxicity when used at high concentrations. The particles were seen to be trapped as particle-aggregates within the cellular cytoplasm, leading to reduced cell viability and cell proliferation, along with dysregulation of the cell cycle as assessed by DNA content measurements. The dramatically reduced proportion of cells in G
Exonuclease III-Assisted Upconversion Resonance Energy Transfer in a Wash-Free Suspension DNA Assay
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 19-12-2018
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.ANALCHEM.7B04240
Abstract: Sensitivity is the key in optical detection of low-abundant analytes, such as circulating RNA or DNA. The enzyme Exonuclease III (Exo III) is a useful tool in this regard its ability to recycle target DNA molecules results in markedly improved detection sensitivity. Lower limits of detection may be further achieved if the detection background of autofluorescence can be removed. Here we report an ultrasensitive and specific method to quantify trace amounts of DNA analytes in a wash-free suspension assay. In the presence of target DNA, the Exo III recycles the target DNA by selectively digesting the dye-tagged sequence-matched probe DNA strand only, so that the amount of free dye removed from the probe DNA is proportional to the number of target DNAs. Remaining intact probe DNAs are then bound onto upconversion nanoparticles (energy donor), which allows for upconversion luminescence resonance energy transfer (LRET) that can be used to quantify the difference between the free dye and tagged dye (energy acceptor). This scheme simply avoids both autofluorescence under infrared excitation and many tedious washing steps, as the free dye molecules are physically located away from the nanoparticle surface, and as such they remain "dark" in suspension. Compared to alternative approaches requiring enzyme-assisted lification on the nanoparticle surface, introduction of probe DNAs onto nanoparticles only after DNA hybridization and signal lification steps effectively avoids steric hindrance. Via this approach, we have achieved a detection limit of 15 pM in LRET assays of human immunodeficiency viral DNA.
Gliadin-coated gold nanoparticles for rapid colorimetric test for celiac disease
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1039/D0MA00495B
Abstract: We developed a genuinely non-invasive option for accurate, cost-effective, and ready for clinical translation test for celiac disease.
Systematic investigation of functional ligands for colloidal stable upconversion nanoparticles†
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.1039/C7RA13765F
Abstract: Here we quantitatively investigate the competitive adsorption of polymers bearing phosphate, carboxylic acid and sulphonic acid anchoring groups onto the surface of UCNPs and study their binding strength to identify the best conjugation strategy.
Plasma Catalytic Synthesis of Ammonia Using Functionalized-Carbon Coatings in an Atmospheric-Pressure Non-equilibrium Discharge
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-05-2016
Development of a templated approach to fabricate diamond patterns on various substrates
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 30-05-2014
DOI: 10.1021/AM5016556
Abstract: We demonstrate a robust templated approach to pattern thin films of chemical vapor deposited nanocrystalline diamond grown from monodispersed nanodiamond (mdND) seeds. The method works on a range of substrates, and we herein demonstrate the method using silicon, aluminum nitride (AlN), and sapphire substrates. Patterns are defined using photo- and e-beam lithography, which are seeded with mdND colloids and subsequently introduced into microwave assisted chemical vapor deposition reactor to grow patterned nanocrystalline diamond films. In this study, we investigate various factors that affect the selective seeding of different substrates to create high quality diamond thin films, including mdND surface termination, zeta potential, surface treatment, and plasma cleaning. Although the electrostatic interaction between mdND colloids and substrates is the main process driving adherence, we found that chemical reaction (esterification) or hydrogen bonding can potentially dominate the seeding process. Leveraging the knowledge on these different interactions, we optimize fabrication protocols to eliminate unwanted diamond nucleation outside the patterned areas. Furthermore, we have achieved the deposition of patterned diamond films and arrays over a range of feature sizes. This study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the mdND-substrate interaction that will enable the fabrication of integrated nanocrystalline diamond thin films for microelectronics, sensors, and tissue culturing applications.
Challenges with Point-Of-Care Tests (POCT) for Celiac Disease
Publisher: IntechOpen
Date: 30-01-2019
Celiac disease: from etiological factors to evolving diagnostic approaches
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-06-2017
DOI: 10.1007/S00535-017-1357-7
Abstract: Celiac disease has advanced from a medical rarity to a highly prevalent disorder. Patients with the disease show varying degrees of chronic inflammation within the small intestine due to an aberrant immune response to the digestion of gliadin found in wheat. As a result, cytokines and antibodies are produced in celiac patients that can be used as specific biomarkers for developing diagnostic tests. This review paper describes celiac disease in terms of its etiological cause, pathological effects, current diagnostic tests based on mucosal biopsy, and the genetic basis for the disease. In addition, it discusses the use of gliadin-induced cytokines, antibodies and autoantibodies as a diagnostic tool for celiac disease. Despite good initial results in terms of sensitivity and specificity, when these immunological tests were used on a large scale, even in combination with genetic testing, the results showed lower predictive value. This review addresses that issue and ends with an outlook on future work required to develop diagnostic tests with greater accuracy in predicting celiac disease in the general public, thus avoiding the need for endoscopy and mucosal biopsy.
Ultra-high-density 3D DNA arrays within nanoporous biocompatible membranes for single-molecule-level detection and purification of circulating nucleic acids
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1039/C4NR07351G
Abstract: Single-molecule-detection, selectivity, broad-range detection and biocompatibility are achieved using nanoporous diamond-like carbon coated oxide membranes.
Advanced Subcompartmentalized Microreactors:
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-04-2013
Abstract: The design of compartmentalized carriers for advanced drug delivery systems or artificial cells and organelles is of interest for biomedical applications. Herein, a polymer carrier microreactor that contains two different classes of subcompartments, multilayered polymer capsules and liposomes, is presented. 50 nm-diameter liposomes and 300 nm-diameter polymer capsules are encapsulated into a larger polymer carrier capsule, demonstrating control over the spatial positioning of the subcompartments, which are either 'membrane-associated' or 'free-floating' in the aqueous interior. Selective and spatially dependent degradation of the 300 nm-diameter subcompartments (without destroying the structural integrity of the enzyme-loaded liposomes) is also shown, by performing an encapsulated enzymatic reaction using the liposomal subcompartments. These findings cover several important aspects toward the development of engineered compartmentalized carrier vessels for the creation of artificial cell mimics or advanced therapeutic delivery systems.
Blood-brain barrier–penetrating siRNA nanomedicine for Alzheimer’s disease therapy
Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Date: 09-10-2020
Abstract: Glycosylated “triple-interaction” stabilized siRNA nanomedicine ameliorated AD neuropathology by targeting BACE1.
Versatile multicolor nanodiamond probes for intracellular imaging and targeted labeling
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.1039/C8TB00508G
Abstract: We report on the first demonstration of FNDs containing either silicon or nitrogen vacancy color centers for multi-color bio-imaging.
Shape-dependent cellular processing of polyelectrolyte capsules
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 12-12-2013
DOI: 10.1021/NN3046117
Abstract: Particle shape is emerging as a key design parameter for tailoring the interactions between particles and cells. Herein, we report the preparation of rod-shaped layer-by-layer (LbL)-assembled polymer hydrogel capsules with tunable aspect ratios (ARs). By templating spherical and rodlike silica particles, disulfide-stabilized poly(methacrylic acid) hydrogel capsules (PMA HCs) with different ARs (from 1 to 4) are generated. The influence of capsule AR on cellular internalization and intracellular fate was quantitatively investigated by flow cytometry, imaging flow cytometry, and fluorescence deconvolution microscopy. These experiments reveal that the cellular internalization kinetics of PMA HCs are dependent on the AR, with spherical capsules being internalized more rapidly and to a greater extent compared with rod-shaped capsules. In contrast, the capsules with different ARs are colocalized with the lysosomal marker LAMP1, suggesting that the lysosomal compartmentalization is independent of shape for these soft polymer capsules.
Robust, directed assembly of fluorescent nanodiamonds
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1039/C6NR05419F
Abstract: Arrays of fluorescent nanoparticles are highly sought after for applications in sensing, nanophotonics and quantum communications. Here we present a simple and robust method of assembling fluorescent nanodiamonds into macroscopic arrays. Remarkably, the yield of this directed assembly process is greater than 90% and the assembled patterns withstand ultra-sonication for more than three hours. The assembly process is based on covalent bonding of carboxyl to amine functional carbon seeds and is applicable to any material, and to non-planar surfaces. Our results pave the way to directed assembly of sensors and nanophotonics devices.
A Neuroethics Framework for the Australian Brain Initiative
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.NEURON.2019.01.004
Abstract: Neuroethics is central to the Australian Brain Initiative's aim to sustain a thriving and responsible neurotechnology industry. Diverse and inclusive community and stakeholder engagement and a trans-disciplinary approach to neuroethics will be key to the success of the Australian Brain Initiative.
Non-viral gene delivery utilizing RALA modulates sFlt-1 secretion, important for preeclampsia
Publisher: Future Medicine Ltd
Date: 09-2021
Abstract: Background: Overexpression of sFlt-1 or modulation of FKBPL, key antiangiogenic proteins, are important in the pathogenesis of preecl sia. Methods: A newly developed nonviral gene-delivery system, RALA, capable of overexpressing sFlt-1 (e15a isoform) was delivered in vivo in transgenic haploinsufficient ( Fkbpl +/− ) mice. RALA was also used in vitro to deliver human Flt1 (hFlt1) in trophoblast cells. Results: Serum stable and nontoxic RALA/DNA-based nanoparticles induced an increase in sFlt-1 protein levels in the blood and total protein in the urine the effect was more pronounced in Fkbpl +/− mice. In vitro, RALA-hFlt nanoparticles significantly reduced secretion of sFlt-1 in trophoblast cells. Conclusion: The RALA-based genetic nanodelivery system can be safely and effectively applied to emulate preecl sia-like features or reduce sFlt-1 levels in vitro.
A supramolecular self-assembly strategy for upconversion nanoparticle bioconjugation
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.1039/C8CC00708J
Abstract: An efficient surface modification and bioconjugation strategy for upconversion nanoparticles is reported via supramolecular host–guest self-assembly.
Novel core-corona hybrid nanomaterials based on the conjugation of amphiphilic polymeric diblocks to the surface of multifunctional nanodiamond anchors
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2017
Porous poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) hydrogels synthesized within high internal phase emulsions
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2007
DOI: 10.1039/B711610A
Gold nanoparticles with organic linkers for applications in biomedicine
Publisher: CRC Press
Date: 03-10-2017
A graphene field-effect transistor as a molecule-specific probe of DNA nucleobases
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-03-2015
DOI: 10.1038/NCOMMS7563
Abstract: Fast and reliable DNA sequencing is a long-standing target in biomedical research. Recent advances in graphene-based electrical sensors have demonstrated their unprecedented sensitivity to adsorbed molecules, which holds great promise for label-free DNA sequencing technology. To date, the proposed sequencing approaches rely on the ability of graphene electric devices to probe molecular-specific interactions with a graphene surface. Here we experimentally demonstrate the use of graphene field-effect transistors (GFETs) as probes of the presence of a layer of in idual DNA nucleobases adsorbed on the graphene surface. We show that GFETs are able to measure distinct coverage-dependent conductance signatures upon adsorption of the four different DNA nucleobases a result that can be attributed to the formation of an interface dipole field. Comparison between experimental GFET results and synchrotron-based material analysis allowed prediction of the ultimate device sensitivity, and assessment of the feasibility of single nucleobase sensing with graphene.
Novel screening test for celiac disease using peptide functionalised gold nanoparticles
Publisher: Baishideng Publishing Group Inc.
Date: 21-12-2018
Versatile multicolor nanodiamond probes for intracellular imaging and targeted labeling
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 15-02-2018
DOI: 10.1101/108720
Abstract: Diamond nanoparticles that host bright luminescent centers are attracting attention for applications in bio-labeling and bio-sensing. Beyond their unsurpassed photostability, diamond can host multiple color centers, from the blue to the near infra-red spectral range. While nanodiamonds hosting nitrogen vacancy defects have been widely employed as bio-imaging probes, production and fabrication of nanodiamonds with other color centers is a challenge. In this work, a large scale production of fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) containing a near infrared (NIR) color center – namely the silicon vacancy (SiV) defect, is reported. More importantly, a concept of application of different color centers for multi-color bio-imaging to investigate intercellular processes is demonstrated. Furthermore, two types of FNDs within cells can be easily resolved by their specific spectral properties, where data shows that SiV FNDs initially dispersed throughout the cell interior while NV FNDs localized in a close proximity to nucleus. The reported results are the first demonstration of multi-color labeling with FNDs that can pave the way for the wide-ranging use of FNDs in applications, including bio-sensing, bio-imaging and drug delivery applications.
Systematic Investigation of Functional Ligands for Colloidal Stable Upconversion Nanoparticles
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 14-12-2017
DOI: 10.26434/CHEMRXIV.5701156.V1
Abstract: Despite intense efforts on surface functionalization to generate hydrophilic upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), long-term colloidal stability in physiological buffers remains a major concern. Here we quantitatively investigate the competitive adsorption of phosphate, carboxylic acid and sulphonic acid onto the surface of UCNPs and study their binding strength to identify the best conjugation strategy. To achieve this, we designed and synthesized three di-block copolymers composed of poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate and a polymer block bearing phosphate, carboxylic or sulphonic acid anchoring groups prepared by an advanced polymerization technique, Reversible Addition Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT). Analytical tools provide the evidence that phosphate ligands completely replaced all the oleic acid capping molecules on the surface of the UCNPs compared with incomplete ligand exchange by carboxylic and sulphonic acid groups. In the meanwhile, simulated quantitative adsorption energy measurements confirmed that among three functional groups, calculated adsorption strength for phosphate anchoring ligands is higher which is in good agreement with experimental results regarding the best colloidal stability especially in phosphate buffer solution. The finding suggests that polymers with multiple anchoring negatively charged phosphate moieties provide excellent colloidal stability for lanthanide ion-doped luminescent nanoparticles for various potential applications.
Stilbenes from Veratrum maackii Regel Protect against Ethanol-Induced DNA Damage in Mouse Cerebellum and Cerebral Cortex
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 30-04-2018
DOI: 10.1021/ACSCHEMNEURO.8B00006
Abstract: Ethanol is a principle ingredient of alcoholic beverages with potential neurotoxicity and genotoxicity, and the ethanol-associated oxidative DNA damage in the central nervous system is well documented. Natural source compounds may offer new options to protect the brain against ethanol-induced genotoxicity. Veratrum maackii Regel is a toxic rangeland plant linked to teratogenicity which is also used in traditional Chinese medicine as "Lilu" and is reported to contain a family of compounds called stilbenes that can have positive biological activity. In this study, nine stilbenes were isolated from the aerial parts of V. maackii Regel, and their structures were identified as cis-mulberroside A (1), resveratrol-4,3'- O-β-d-diglucopyranoside (2), mulberroside A (3), gentifolin K (4), resveratrol-3,5- O-β-d-diglucopyranoside (5), oxyresveratrol- 4'- O-β-d-glucopyranoside (6), oxyresveratrol-3- O-β-d-glucopyranoside (7), oxyresveratrol (8), and resveratrol (9) using ESI-MS and NMR techniques. The total concentration of extracted compounds 2-9 was 2.04 mg/g, suggesting that V. maackii Regel is a novel viable source of these compounds. In an in vivo comet assay, compounds 1-9 were observed to decrease DNA damage in mouse cerebellum and cerebral cortex caused by acute ethanol administration. Histological observation also revealed decreased brain injury in mice administered with compounds 1-9 after acute ethanol administration. The protective effects of compound 6 were associated with increasing T-SOD and GSH-PX activities and a decrease in NO and MDA concentrations. These findings suggest that these compounds are potent inhibitors of ethanol-induced brain injury possibly via the inhibition of oxidative stress and may be valuable leads for future therapeutic development.
Surface charge effects in protein adsorption on nanodiamonds
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1039/C5NR00250H
Abstract: An electrostatic model is developed to qualitatively explain the protein adsorption based on charge-induced pH modifications near the charged nanoparticles/surfaces.
Macromolecule Functionalization of Disulfide-Bonded Polymer Hydrogel Capsules and Cancer Cell Targeting
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 19-01-2012
DOI: 10.1021/NN204319B
Abstract: We present a generic and versatile method for functionalization of disulfide-stabilized PMA hydrogel capsules (HCs) with macromolecules, including a number of specific antibodies to cancer cells. Functionalization was achieved by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVPON), which introduced biorelevant heterotelechelic end groups (thiol and amine) to the polymer chain. The PVPON with heterotelechelic end groups was conjugated to the outermost layer of PMA HCs through the thiol groups and reacted with biotin via the amine groups to generate PMA/PVPON(biotin) HCs. On the basis of the high specific interaction and high affinity between biotin and avidin, and its derivates, such as NeutrAvidin (NAv), we functionalized the PMA HCs with biotinylated antibodies. We demonstrate significantly enhanced cellular binding and internalization of the antibody (Ab)-functionalized capsules compared with control human immunoglobulin (IgG)-functionalized capsules, suggesting these capsules can specifically interact with cells through antibody/antigen recognition. We anticipate that the versatility of the functionalization approach reported in this study will assist in targeted therapeutic delivery applications.
Localization of Narrowband Single Photon Emitters in Nanodiamonds
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 11-03-2016
Abstract: Diamond nanocrystals that host room temperature narrowband single photon emitters are highly sought after for applications in nanophotonics and bioimaging. However, current understanding of the origin of these emitters is extremely limited. In this work, we demonstrate that the narrowband emitters are point defects localized at extended morphological defects in in idual nanodiamonds. In particular, we show that nanocrystals with defects such as twin boundaries and secondary nucleation sites exhibit narrowband emission that is absent from pristine in idual nanocrystals grown under the same conditions. Critically, we prove that the narrowband emission lines vanish when extended defects are removed deterministically using highly localized electron beam induced etching. Our results enhance the current understanding of single photon emitters in diamond and are directly relevant to fabrication of novel quantum optics devices and sensors.
Nucleation and chemical vapor deposition growth of polycrystalline diamond on aluminum nitride: Role of surface termination and polarity
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 26-06-2013
DOI: 10.1021/CG400383T
Enhanced photoluminescence from single nitrogen-vacancy defects in nanodiamonds coated with phenol-ionic complexes
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1039/C4NR07510B
Abstract: Fluorescent nanodiamonds are attracting major attention in the field of bio-sensing and bio-labeling. In this work we demonstrate a robust approach to achieve an encapsulation of in idual nanodiamonds with phenol-ionic complexes that enhance the photoluminescence from single nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers. We show that single NV centres in the coated nanodiamonds also exhibit shorter lifetimes, opening another channel for high resolution sensing. We propose that the nanodiamond encapsulation reduces the non-radiative decay pathways of the NV color centers. Our results provide a versatile and assessable way to enhance photoluminescence from nanodiamond defects that can be used in a variety of sensing and imaging applications.
Fabrication of planarised conductively patterned diamond for bio-applications.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.MSEC.2014.07.016
Abstract: The development of smooth, featureless surfaces for biomedical microelectronics is a challenging feat. Other than the traditional electronic materials like silicon, few microelectronic circuits can be produced with conductive features without compromising the surface topography and/or biocompatibility. Diamond is fast becoming a highly sought after biomaterial for electrical stimulation, however, its inherent surface roughness introduced by the growth process limits its applications in electronic circuitry. In this study, we introduce a fabrication method for developing conductive features in an insulating diamond substrate whilst maintaining a planar topography. Using a combination of microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition, inductively coupled plasma reactive ion etching, secondary diamond growth and silicon wet-etching, we have produced a patterned substrate in which the surface roughness at the interface between the conducting and insulating diamond is approximately 3 nm. We also show that the patterned smooth topography is capable of neuronal cell adhesion and growth whilst restricting bacterial adhesion.
Distribution of Copper, Iron, and Zinc in the Retina, Hippocampus, and Cortex of the Transgenic APP/PS1 Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 13-04-2023
Abstract: A mis-metabolism of transition metals (i.e., copper, iron, and zinc) in the brain has been recognised as a precursor event for aggregation of Amyloid-β plaques, a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, imaging cerebral transition metals in vivo can be extremely challenging. As the retina is a known accessible extension of the central nervous system, we examined whether changes in the hippoc us and cortex metal load are also mirrored in the retina. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) was used to visualise and quantify the anatomical distribution and load of Cu, Fe, and Zn in the hippoc us, cortex, and retina of 9-month-old Amyloid Precursor Protein/Presenilin 1 (APP/PS1, n = 10) and Wild Type (WT, n = 10) mice. Our results show a similar metal load trend between the retina and the brain, with the WT mice displaying significantly higher concentrations of Cu, Fe, and Zn in the hippoc us (p 0.05, p 0.0001, p 0.01), cortex (p 0.05, p = 0.18, p 0.0001) and the retina (p 0.001, p = 0.01, p 0.01) compared with the APP/PS1 mice. Our findings demonstrate that dysfunction of the cerebral transition metals in AD is also extended to the retina. This could lay the groundwork for future studies on the assessment of transition metal load in the retina in the context of early AD.
Delivery of Fluorescent Nanoparticles to the Brain
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-09-2016
DOI: 10.1007/S12031-016-0833-5
Abstract: Nanotechnology applications in neuroscience promises to deliver significant scientific and technological breakthroughs, providing answers to unresolved questions regarding the processes occurring in the brain. In this perspective, we provide a short background on two distinct fluorescent nanoparticles and summarize several studies focussed on achieving delivery of these into the brain and their interaction with brain tissue. Furthermore, we discuss challenges and opportunities for further development of nanoparticle-based therapies for targeting delivery of drugs across the blood-brain barrier.
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