Summary
The aim of this research network is to establish a European platform for achieving convergence of the physical, optical, and biological sciences at the nanoscale within the context of optical molecular sensing with nanoscopic structures. This will be achieved throughout a series of open workshops, schools, and exchange visits between leading European groups and end-users on the international arena, and interfaces with clusters of excellence in North America and far-East Asia.
The advent of nanotechnology has opened up the fascinating possibility to interface (bio)molecules with designed nanostructures, thereby creating new functionality for photonic, electronic, and health-care applications in a highly integrated environment. At the same time, the recent fast development of plasmonics is providing clear guidelines to focus light to the nanometre scale, i.e. true nano-optics, far beyond the diffraction limit of conventional optics. It is the intention of this network to exploit the unique potential of combining nano-optical technology with plasmonics and initiate a decisive advance in European-wide research in nanotechnology at the biological interface, with a focus on the development of truly nanoscale optical biosensors allowing ultimately routine detection and recognition of single molecules in their natural environment.
Given the significant European expertise in the areas of nanotechnology, single-molecule science, biophysics and plasmonics, the essential infrastructure for the development of easy-to-use highly integrated biosensors is present. Still focused action is required, together with the inclusion of concrete end-users, to generate a multidisciplinary interface of the physical and engineering sciences with chemistry and biology. Our network, including both the European academic key players in the field and one internationally leading nanotech company (Oxonica), aims to create such synergy in order to establish Europe as a leader in photonic bionanotechnology.
Duration: 5 years (April 2010 - April 2015)
Keywords
Nanobiophotonics, biochemical sensing, plasmonics, single molecule science
Duration
5 years from April 2010 to April 2015
