Our goal is to understand the interfacial properties of water-soluble
polymers and principles of macromolecular assembly at interfaces, and
to apply this knowledge to produce surfaces with desired properties,
such as control of protein and/or nanoparticle attachment, or designed
environmental response of surface films.
Using several complementary techniques, which include in situ
attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
(ATR-FTIR), in situ surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS),
phase-modulated ellipsometry and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy
(FCS), we set up experiments to give unique information about the
conformation, charge distribution and dynamics of polymers
encountering a surface.
We then build, using surface-mediated layer-by-layer self-assembly of
hydrogen-bonding water-soluble polymers, polymeric films and capsules
which are responsive to environmental stimuli, such as pH, temperature
or ionic strength. Through manipulating properties of multilayers at
the nanoscale level during self-assembly, a whole range of new
advanced materials can be produced. One example of these materials is
polymeric hollow particles which may be used for controlled delivery
of drugs or other functional molecules (pesticides, fertilizers or
fragrances).
We are also interested in exploring surface modification routes for
controlled attachment of noble metal nanoparticles and/or biomolecules
at surfaces, and in understanding and rational design of SERS activity
of nanoparticle-modified substrates useful for SERS-based chemical and
biological sensing.
Our research is interdisciplinary and presents a combination of
physico-chemical and synthetic ideas involving water-soluble
polymers. The expected applications of results such as the design of
drug delivery systems also classify it as biomaterials research.
Students with diverse backgrounds -- in chemistry, physics and
materials science -- work together and form a stimulating environment
in the group.
Our goal is to understand the interfacial properties of water-soluble
polymers and principles of macromolecular assembly at interfaces, and
to apply this knowledge to produce surfaces with desired properties,
such as control of protein and/or nanoparticle attachment, or designed
environmental response of surface films.