Advancements in Plasmonic Nanobiosensing: From Maple Syrup to Neurochemicals
This presentation will highlight our research activities in plasmonic nanobiosensing, focusing on plasmonic materials, low-fouling surface chemistry, and instrumental design for biosensing applications. We will explore how these concepts are applied across various sensor types, including those for detecting off flavors in maple syrup, identifying proteins in clinical samples, and measuring neurochemicals in tissue.
In our first example, we optimized gold nanoparticles (AuNP) to aggregate in the presence of maple sap or syrup with off flavors. This sensor was extensively tested with over 35,000 maple syrup samples in both laboratory settings and by producers at maple sugar shacks. In the second application, we developed tests to monitor protein presence in individuals infected or vaccinated against COVID-19. Utilizing a custom-built portable surface plasmon resonance (SPR) platform, we screened for antibodies in sera and assessed immune response quality through affinity and pseudo-neutralization tests. These tests have potential for miniaturization, enabling health status monitoring for astronauts.
Lastly, we are exploring optophysiology using plasmonic nanopipettes to monitor secretion events from living cells. Given the scarcity of analytical techniques for detecting metabolites near living cells, our plasmonic nanopipettes—created by decorating patch clamp nanocapillaries with Au nanoparticles—offer a dynamic solution for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) measurements in liquid environments. By integrating this technique with machine learning, we can identify spectral differences in analytes under various conditions. This nanobiosensor has been tested for detecting proteins, small metabolites near living cells, and neurotransmitters released by neurons.
Jean-François Masson
Full Professor, Chemistry, Université de Montréal on October 25, 2024 at 10:15 AM in EB2 1231
Jean-François Masson is a Professor of Chemistry at the Université de Montréal, known for his expertise in analytical chemistry and biosensing. His research focuses on the development of innovative sensor technologies, particularly surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors and nanostructured materials, for applications in medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and biotechnology. Masson’s work has led to breakthroughs in real-time, label-free detection of biomolecules, making significant impacts in clinical and industrial fields. A prolific researcher and respected educator, he has published extensively and is recognized for his contributions to advancing sensor technologies.
This lecture series features exciting and dynamic visiting and virtual speakers from across the range of ECE disciplines. Take some time every Friday morning to be inspired by these great scientists and engineers before heading into the weekend!