Somes Kumar Das Email & Phone Number

San Diego, California, United States

Long DNA assembly in CMOS chip

San Diego Metropolitan Area

Worked on multiple research projects (i) Isothermal amplifications, qPCR, (ii) CRISPR-Cas system-based assays for diagnostics (iii) Glass surface modifications. Immobilization of biomolecules on glass surfaces: (iv) platform for spatial multiplexing: Proof of concept (v) Nanopore based multiplexed detection of amplified target sequences: proof of principle work. (vi) fluorescence based multichannel detection platform development (vii) Lyophilization of reagents.

South San Franisco

Worked on a project of lipid bilayer formation and stabilization on nanopore arrays, surface modifications (functionalization, coating, molecular layers) and characterizations (XPS, Ellipsometry/ surface energy/contact angle, EIS, CV) of nanopore devices. Additionally, helped in the development of sequencing technology by single molecule detection using fluorescence or electrical signals.

Greater St. Louis Area

Led multiple R&D projects (finished/continuing): (i) Biochemical assays, biophysical analysis methods for NAs; multiplexing assay of tens of NAs by nanopore based single molecule counting; (ii) key role in instrument and nanopore arrays device development and their integration in the point-of-care diagnostics tool (iii) Trained junior scientists (iv) Prepared SBIR/STTR grant proposals as PI, served as Co-PI of an NSF Grant. (v) Collaborated with renowned scientific leaders and organizations

Lexington, Kentucky Area

Led multiple research projects including (i) photohysical characterizations of carbon nanodots, and (ii) conformational dynamics and mechanism of interactions of ion channel membrane proteins in live cells by single molecule fluorescence imaging and ion channel electrophysiology on nano-apertures based zero-mode-wave-guides (ZMW) and in in vitro lipid bilayers. Taking the lead in the nano-fabrication of structured devices (EBL, FIB, Sputtering system, E-beam evaporator, ion etching… Show more Led multiple research projects including (i) photohysical characterizations of carbon nanodots, and (ii) conformational dynamics and mechanism of interactions of ion channel membrane proteins in live cells by single molecule fluorescence imaging and ion channel electrophysiology on nano-apertures based zero-mode-wave-guides (ZMW) and in in vitro lipid bilayers. Taking the lead in the nano-fabrication of structured devices (EBL, FIB, Sputtering system, E-beam evaporator, ion etching, photolithography etc.), their surface modifications and immobilization chemistry for the analysis of bio-molecules. Managing currently running grants (as Co-PI) and preparing new proposals. Show less

• Strongly involved with the R&D team in method and assay development for the single molecule DNA structural analysis and mapping by fluorescence imaging in nano-fluidic channel arrays. • Took leading role in designing and developing new, highly efficient fluorescent labeling schemes compatible to the Company’s NanoAnalyzer and nanochannel chip for high content fluorescence imaging to extract the sequence information of DNA. • Acted as the key person in the advanced technology group to… Show more • Strongly involved with the R&D team in method and assay development for the single molecule DNA structural analysis and mapping by fluorescence imaging in nano-fluidic channel arrays. • Took leading role in designing and developing new, highly efficient fluorescent labeling schemes compatible to the Company’s NanoAnalyzer and nanochannel chip for high content fluorescence imaging to extract the sequence information of DNA. • Acted as the key person in the advanced technology group to explore and develop new technology, applications, assay and protocols by providing intellectual and creative solutions, and research support. Designed, implemented, and analyzed experiments to test the feasibility of new methods. Developed project plans collaboratively and assumed responsibility for timely project completion. Documented the work and research summaries, prepared SOP's and invention disclosures. • Established and optimized new method and protocols starting from the sample preparation to nano-channel loading (achieved maximum resolvable occupancy from 3% to ~10%) and fluorescence imaging of long DNA molecules for mapping to detect genetic variations.• Improved DNA polymer stretching efficiencies in nano-channel, assessed alternative high throughput DNA stretching strategies, and developed understanding of the fundamental physical principles relevant to DNA stretching and nano-fluidic device function.• Worked closely and iteratively with nano-fabrication, bioinformatics, instrumentation engineers and molecular biologists to optimize existing technologies; develop, optimize and validate new methods, applications and assay schemes .• Managed a number of research grants (NIH, NIST, STTR) by conducting research and preparing progress reports. Led the collaborative projects with UCSF, UPENN, Drexel University and Complete Genomics Inc. • Wrote one grant proposal, published/prepared peer-reviewed 4 articles and 2 patents.• Managed people, projects.. . Show less

Worked as laboratory head to setup a research laboratory to study membrane proteins utilizing single molecule fluorescence and single channel electrophysiology techniques. Built setups for TIRF, FRET and patch clamp experiments. Designed and executed experiments and analyzed data. Drafted scientific proposals, managed research projects, and prepared scientific reports. Attended scientific meetings and gave talks. Supervised and trained graduate and under-graduates.Achievements: (i)… Show more Worked as laboratory head to setup a research laboratory to study membrane proteins utilizing single molecule fluorescence and single channel electrophysiology techniques. Built setups for TIRF, FRET and patch clamp experiments. Designed and executed experiments and analyzed data. Drafted scientific proposals, managed research projects, and prepared scientific reports. Attended scientific meetings and gave talks. Supervised and trained graduate and under-graduates.Achievements: (i) Developed a unique lipid bilayer setup to record the fluorescence and electrical signals originated from the structural fluctuations of single membrane protein molecule interacting with the bilayer. (ii) Correlated the voltage dependent structural dynamics of channel protein Colicin-Ia with the fluorescence and electrical signals. Both of these high-tech methods were unique to the scientific community. Show less

Research on the thermodynamics of membrane protein (bacterial toxins) binding to lipid membranes at different pH in presence of fluorinated surfactants using various spectroscopy tools including single molecule fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS, autocorrelation and cross correlation), fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) combined with steady state (emission and excitation, polarization) and time resolved fluorescence spectroscopy… Show more Research on the thermodynamics of membrane protein (bacterial toxins) binding to lipid membranes at different pH in presence of fluorinated surfactants using various spectroscopy tools including single molecule fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS, autocorrelation and cross correlation), fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) combined with steady state (emission and excitation, polarization) and time resolved fluorescence spectroscopy (TCSPC). Did experiments, analyzed data, prepared project reports and manuscripts for publications. Presented the research findings in scientific conferences.Achievements: (i) Was the first to show the application of fluorinated surfactants (non-invasive to membranes, solubilize and protect membrane proteins from aggregation or denaturation) in membrane protein research. (ii) Supervised a project on the determination of free energy change involved in binding of diphtheria toxin T-Domain to lipid membrane at different pH. Show less

Established single molecule imaging laboratory. Prepared a lipid bilayer setup to study oligomerization of pore forming toxins on lipid membrane using single molecule fluorescence microscopy (single molecule photobleaching, single particle tracking) and single channel electrophysiology. Designed and optimized experimental protocols, did experiments, analyzed experimental data, prepared project reports and manuscripts for publication. Trained and helped graduate and under-graduate… Show more Established single molecule imaging laboratory. Prepared a lipid bilayer setup to study oligomerization of pore forming toxins on lipid membrane using single molecule fluorescence microscopy (single molecule photobleaching, single particle tracking) and single channel electrophysiology. Designed and optimized experimental protocols, did experiments, analyzed experimental data, prepared project reports and manuscripts for publication. Trained and helped graduate and under-graduate students.Achievements: (i) Established a new and quick method for counting the subunits of membrane protein oligomers by single molecule photobleaching. (ii) Did spectroscopic screening of a large number of fluorescent dyes to find the suitable ones for specific single molecule fluorescence experiments. (iii) Designed and established several methods of making lipid bilayer for the study of membrane proteins by using fluorescence and electrophysiology detections separately or simultaneously. (iv) Designed and developed PDMS/photolithography based microchannel devices for single molecule studies. Show less

Ph.D, Biophysical Chemistry

Master Of Science (Ms), Physical Chemistry