Biophysics & Biomedical Physics
Biophysics is an interdisciplinary field that applies the theories and methods of physics to study how biological systems work. It covers life at all scales, from atoms and molecules to cells, organisms, bodies, and even populations. This field has significant overlap with many other fields, such as math, biochemistry, chemistry, biology, engineering, nanotechnology, physiology, pharmacology, etc.
The lab led by Dr. Susanne Ullrich uses modern time-resolved pump-probe spectroscopies to study the function and dynamics of photoexcited biomolecules. Experimental facilities include a high energy femtosecond laser system and photoelectron photoion coincidence spectrometer.
The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) physics lab, led by Dr. Qun Zhao, has been focusing on innovating novel approaches to improve MRI at cellular levels. Advanced applications include tracking of stem cells labeled with iron oxide nanoparticles (IONP), early detection of cancers and IONP-based therapeutic treatment. Recently, deep learning (a statistical machine learning approach) has been integrated with MRI to map structural and functional connectivity in human and animal brains, which will open a new door for neuroimaging.
The Nanolab led by Dr. Yiping Zhao develops novel nanomaterials, devices and systems for antimicrobial applications, new chemical and biological sensors, cell growth and manipulation, and disease treatment and drug delivery with nanoparticles.
Researchers
Recent Publications
Differentiation and classification of bacterial endotoxins
Yanjun Yang, Beibei Xu, James Haverstick, Nabil Ibtehaz, Artur Muszyński, Xianyan Chen, Muhammad E. H. Chowdhury, Susu M. Zughaier, and Yiping Zhao, “Differentiation and classification of bacterial endotoxins based on surface enhanced Raman scattering and advanced machine learning,” Nanoscale 14, 8806-8817 (2022).
Silver nanotriangle array based LSPR sensor for rapid coronavirus detection
Yanjun Yang, Jackelyn Murray, James Haverstick, Ralph A. Tripp, Yiping Zhao, “Silver nanotriangle array based LSPR sensor for rapid coronavirus detection,” Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, 359, 131604 (2022).
Multiplex detection of cancer-related biomarkers
Yanjun Yang, Chunyuan Song, Jingjing Zhang, Jie Chao, Hoang Mai Luong, Yiping Zhao, Lianhui Wang, “DNA self-assembled Au nanoparticle clusters on the silver nanorod array for high-sensitive and multiplex detection of cancer-related biomarkers,” Nanoscale 14, 4538-4547 (2022).
Internal conversion and intersystem crossing dynamics of Uracil upon double thionation: A time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy study in the gas phase.
A. Mohamadzade, S.Ullrich: Internal conversion and intersystem crossing dynamics of Uracil upon double thionation: A time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy study in the gas phase. Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 2020, 22, 15608.