Bioinspired nanomaterials: synthetic nanomaterials whose structure, properties, or function mimic those of natural materials or living matter.
Bioinspired nanomaterials have the potential to enhance analytical and materials chemistry by outperforming their natural analogs. However, there remains a critical research gap regarding the rational design and controlled syntheses of bioinspired nanomaterials because their formation-structure-function relationships are unknown. This is largely due to the inherent challenges of studying nanomaterial formation, structure, and function. The numerous synthetic parameters available to tune results in an exciting number of possible structures, but without a set of ‘instructions’ to put the building blocks together, we end up getting structures via inefficient trial-and-error methods.
The Ogata lab investigates the structure-function mechanisms of biominerals (i.e., bone and biosilica) and bioinspired nanomaterials (i.e., metal-organic frameworks) using a new complementary approach that integrates single-molecule fluorescence (SMF) and cryotransmission electron microscopy (cryoTEM). We also aim to determine fundamental principles of material formation in these systems to establish strategies for designing new bioinspired nanomaterials with optimal properties16.
The bioinspired nanomaterials discovered here will be implemented into analytical assays to improve sensitivity, specificity, or dynamic range, critical assay parameters to realizing biomarker-based diagnostics for diseases.
Research Team: Justin Van Houten, Jared King, Melissa D’Amaral
Related Publications: Langmuir 2024 & Material Advanced 2024


02.
Research Areas

User-centered Design
Using user-centered design to increase translation and impact of bioanalytical technologies.

Bioinspired Nanomaterials
Strategically design and discover bioinspired nanomaterials for bioanalytical technologies.

Biosensors: Simple and Sensitive
Develop simple, rapid, and quantitative biosensors for point-of-care applications.

Diagnostics for Gynecological Diseases
Innovate a diagnostic pipeline for gynecological diseases.