When
Monday, December 2, 2024 - 12:00 p.m.
Swarna Ganesh
Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering
University of Arizona
"Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering: Bridging Nanotechnology and Disease Diagnostics"
Keating 103
Zoom link | Password: BearDown
Hosts: Alex McGhee and Swarna Ganesh
(Instructor permission required for enrolled students to attend via Zoom)
Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting the Disability Resource Center at 621-3268 (V/TTY).
Abstract: Surface-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) has emerged as a groundbreaking tool in healthcare diagnostics, offering extraordinary sensitivity and specificity. In this presentation, I will share our journey in developing and applying nano sensors crafted using multiphoton ionization with an ultrashort pulsed laser. These innovative nanoparticles have dramatically enhanced detection sensitivity, reaching the remarkable single-molecule level. Our research showcases the versatility and power of these ultrasensitive SERS sensors across diverse diagnostic applications. We have successfully employed these sensors for single-cell imaging, revealing intricate molecular insights at the cellular level. Additionally, we have harnessed these nano sensors for circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) analysis in liquid biopsy assays, enabling early and precise cancer diagnostics. The sensors have also demonstrated exceptional capability in detecting viruses from saliva samples, emphasizing their potential for rapid and non-invasive infectious disease diagnostics. This presentation will delve into the fabrication process of these advanced nano sensors, their remarkable detection capabilities, and their wide-ranging applications in healthcare diagnostics. These findings illuminate the tremendous promise of SERS as a transformative diagnostic tool, paving the way for future innovations in medical technology and personalized medicine.
Bio: Dr. Swarna Ganesh is an assistant professor of biomedical engineering at the University of Arizona. With a PhD in mechanical engineering, her research focuses on developing and applying advanced nanomaterials for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Her innovative work in Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) has led to significant advancements in detecting biomolecules at the single-molecule level. Dr. Ganesh's recent studies involve the fabrication of nano sensors using multiphoton ionization with ultrashort pulsed lasers, enhancing the sensitivity of SERS for various biomedical applications. Her research has demonstrated the potential of these ultrasensitive sensors in single-cell imaging, cfDNA analysis for liquid biopsy assays in cancer diagnostics and the detection of viruses from saliva samples. With a commitment to translating cutting-edge research into practical healthcare solutions, Dr. Ganesh's work is paving the way for more accurate, rapid and non-invasive diagnostic techniques.