Synthesized 0–3D nanostructures of gold and utilized them for biological and chemical applications such as biosensing, protein separation, carbohydrate synthesis, and anti-cancer therapy.NANOFABRICATION• Developed stable thin films of Au on a Si substrate without intermediate adhesion layer• Fabricated localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR)-active thin films of Au on solid supports• Synthesized nanostructures of nanoporous gold (np-Au) such as colloidal nanoparticles, core-shell rods, wires, and thin filmsPROTEIN/CARBOHYDRATE SEPARATION AND DETECTION• Demonstrated the advantages of monolithic np-Au over polymers as a regenerable and highly pH stable column for the affinity chromatography to separate glycoproteins• Developed np-Au as a column for the high-performance anionic-exchange chromatography to separate unmodified carbohydrates and detected using pulsed amperometry• Functionalized gold nanostructures using different conjugation methods, captured and detected glycoproteins, monitored their real-time interactions with antibodies, and studied their binding kinetics • Developed LSPR-based high-throughput drop test technique for biomarker detection • Constructed np-Au electrodes for non-enzymatic electrochemical detection of glucoseDRUG DELIVERY• Utilized np-Au nanostructures as an anti-cancer drug carrier to improve efficacy and decrease toxicity • Elucidated affinity of unmodified doxorubicin toward np-Au and its ability to sustained release under physiological conditionsMANAGEMENT, COLLABORATION AND TEACHING• Managed and maintained the Microscope Imaging and Spectroscopy Technology Laboratory• Provided expertise in electron imaging and analytical techniques to local companies• Collaborated with carbohydrate chemists for HPLC-based automated solid-phase synthesis• Frequently taught undergraduate analytical chemistry courses (5 semesters)• Trained and assisted graduate students in their research projects

The research objective was to electrochemically synthesize 2D and 3D nanostructures of noble metals for improving optical and electrochemical biosensing and assays.• Engineered LSPR-active thin films of gold and designed a label-free assay on its surface to study real-time protein-protein interactions• Synthesized and modified np-Au electrode for improving stability and effective surface area• Developed enzyme-linked lectinsorbent assays on np-Au for detecting glycoprotein biomarkers• Mentored 1 to 3 undergraduates each semester, designed subprojects, and guided students to achieve goals• Assisted in the preparation and execution of laboratory sections of Analytical and Physical Chemistry