General Interests:
        The research focus of this laboratory (IR-Lab) is in Nanotechnology and Nanobioechnology. We are specialized in spectroscopic studies of nano materials carbon related materials, such as single crystal diamond, diamond films, diamond-like carbon films (DLC), nano-crystalline diamonds (NDs) and carbon nano tubes, nano capsules, c-BN, etc. SEM, TEM and XRD.  IR-Lab has well equipped Fourier Transform IR spectrometer (FTIR) combined with Ultra High vacuum chamber (UHV), Raman spectrometer and Ultra High Vacuum (UHV) chambers capable for in-situ spectroscopic studies of the interested physical systems. Efforts have been focused on the growing mechanism, characterization and spectroscopic properties of these materials using techniques including IR, Raman (Raman mapping), SNOM, Confocal Fluorescence, Femto second laser system for Fluorescence Lifetime Microscopy (FLIM, 2P-FLim) investigation/imaging of biological system.

   Focus I: Surface hydrogenation mechanism
        In this paper, the reaction dynamics of hydrogen termination of nanodiamond annealed at low temperature (500C) in molecular hydrogen atmosphere is reported. In-situ residual gas analysis of nanodiamond particles (4-5 nm) during annealing/hydrogenation indicates C3-radical desorption which incites a free radical reaction through the reduction of molecular hydrogen to atomic hydrogen. Consequently, as released atomic hydrogen facilitates CeH adsorption on the surface of nanodiamond which was confirmed using infrared spectroscopy. This explains how nanodiamond particles can play a key role in hydrogen (H2) dissociation and be terminated by the hydrogen (H) at relatively low temperature.

   Focus II: To combine nano-technology and biotechnology to develop “Nanodiamond-Protein complex development, manipulation and applications in biological and medical systems”. We focus on, (A) Immobilization of bio-molecules on nano particles: Fundamental research and applications, (B) Development of image mapping systems and laser treatment techniques on biological systems and (C) Nano-bio-probes imaging and manipulation in biomedical systems three sub-projects. It is intended to use advanced spectroscopic techniques (Raman, FTIR, and laser, Scanning Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy, Fluorescence Lifetime Microscopy, etc.), surface techniques (SEM, TEM, AFM), imaging (laser fluorescence imaging, scanning near field optical microscopy) and bio-techniques to engage a full spectrum research to elucidate and develop nano-bio-robe and related research in physics, chemistry, biology and life science. The program will target the most promising biocompatible and nanotechnology applicable material, nano-diamond (~average diameter range 5-100 nm), as our candidate to conduct the immobilization of bio-molecules and to develop detecting technique for bio and medical applications. The developed nano-bio-robe will have tremendous contribution in medical physics and great impact in nanobiotechnology. We intend to address different issues that are grouped into the above-mentioned tasks.

Focus III: To  study “The preparation, characterization, manipulation and applications of target-specific nanodiamond-biomolecule/drug composites” as our next phase of research plan. The tasks will involve developing more general target-specific conjugation methods of ND with biomolecules or drugs. This includes the characterization methods development and the functional tests of the developed composites. We will develop methods for direct functionalization of ND to produce hydroxy-ND (ND-(CH₂OH)_n) for different function-oriented conjugations. Preliminary results suggest that this ND derivative shows an ability of performing as a nucleophile (ND-alkoxide). These methods precipitated the idea of conducting a wet chemical reaction between hydroxy-ND and the substrates with terminal electrophilic groups of the functionality. Covalent C-O-C bonds will form between the linker and the ND. Subsequent conjugation of biomolecules will follow. The method can be used to develop ND-biomolecule/drug conjugates in a target specific manner, but its bio functionalities determine the success. Therefore, our specific research goals will also on the functionalities evaluation of the developed ND-bio/drug composites.

   Focus IV: Effect of nanoparticles on red blood cells microrheologic properties and on blood rheology. This project is focused on the investigation of interaction of nanoparticles (NP) such as nanodiamond, CNT, titanium dioxide (TiO₂) of different nature and various sizes with red blood cells (RBC), which can result in impairment of the microrheologic properties of RBC and blood rheology both in vitro and in vivo. Alterations of blood rheology at the micro- and macro levels can cause numerous diseases and even the elevation of death rates within the population. These alterations are caused in particular by NP pollutions penetrating inside the human organism with water, air, food as well as during various, e.g. medical, interventions into human body. In this project we intend to conduct a comprehensive study on the nanoparticles (NP) and red blood cells (RBC) interaction. We focus on the effect of these particles on the mechanical and rheologic properties of RBC that define the fluidity of blood, its ability to transport oxygen to terminal capillaries where major exchange of oxygen and other gases with tissues takes place.
The effects of NP on RBC and, consequently, on the alteration of RBC microrheologic properties both in stasis and in conditions of local flow will be studied systematically and detailed. IR, Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy will be used for observation of the nanoparticles interaction with blood serum proteins (the protein adsorption on NP), RBC membranes (NP adsorption on the membrane, penetration through membrane) and with hemoglobin inside cell will be studied. The effect of NP on the deformability and aggregation properties of RBC also will be analyzed. The RBC deformability index and aggregation parameters will be measured optically with diffractometry, diffuse backscattering, interference and confocal microscopy, and also using optical trapping (in vitro). Alteration of macrorheologic properties of blood as a result of RBC interaction with NP will be measured by viscometry and capillaroscopy (in vitro) and by capillaroscopy (in small animals in vivo). Alterations of the optical properties of RBC and their aggregates as a consequence of their interaction with NP, in particular of their scattering phase functions, will be also modeled by using original numerical algorithms.

   Focus V: Science and Technology of New Generation of Nanostructured Visible-light Potocatalysts
       Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) has a wide range of applications in industry and daily life. The most interesting aspects of TiO₂ are the properties of photo-induced semiconductor, including photocatalysis and hydrophilicity. However, the key issues for those photocatalytic applications are the specific surface area, the absorption range of solar light spectrum and the charge separation of the photo-induced electrons and holes.  In this proposal we are aiming to create better and new photocatalyst materials and structures to enlarge the specific surface area, to broaden the absorption spectrum, and to enhance the efficiency of charge generation and separation.  In the past few years, our research team members have made significant progress related to the study of TiO₂ including: (1) preparation of crystalline films of anatase TiO₂ , having the best UV-induced photocatalysis, by sputtering and evaporation at ambient temperature, as well as by CVD at 350℃, (2) synthesis of nitrogen doped TiO₂ films, which exhibit visible light induced photocatalysis, by ion beam assisted evaporation, and (3) identification of a new uncommon phase of TiO₂ in α-PbO₂ structure.  With these results as the solid foundation, we are proposing to launch an integrated program on new generation of visible light photocatalysts by studying their preparation, structure, properties, applications, growth mechanism, computer modeling and photocatalytic behaviors and mechanisms.