Develop imaging technology with sufficient sensitivity such that even a single molecule can be detected. If a single antibody or a nucleic acid sequence can be characterized and located, one can envision greatly enhancing the capability of clinical diagnostic systems to detect and identify many infectious and genetic diseases. The dynamics and structures of these single protein molecules characterized by fluorescence spectroscopy will provide a new angle to study problems such as protein folding. Proteins are nature's smallest machines. Understanding protein functions will impact micromachine design.
Proteins are in fact ready made nanomachines.
Some function as motors and some function as gated valves. Incorporating proteins into traditional micomachines can greatly their range of functions. New methods to handle extremely small objects are emerging from our single molecular studies. A collaborative project with Prof. Mahadevan involves developing the technology required to control protein motion on biological membranes. This study will form the basis for fabricating protein patterned membranes which may function as novel biological sensors.