Conjugate Addition Products of Primary Amines and Activated Acceptors  This technology is based on an organic synthesis method of reacting amines with alpha, beta unsaturated compounds to produce dendrimer structures. The overall reaction mechanism produces Michael addition products that include double Michael additions and vicarious Michael additions. The potential for this synthetic process lies in its flexibility to introduce new geometric/amplification, structural parameters into the core, and interior or terminal components of a dendrimer architecture. Importantly, this allows for the design or creation of new tunable dendritic properties. |
Methods of Dendritic Drugs for Controlled Release in Drug Delivery This technology enables a novel drug delivery method that utilizes dendrimers as a quantitative and controlled mechanism of delivery; biocompatible linkers with biodegradable bonding allow drug molecules to be incorporated into a dendritic structure to form a dendritic drug that consists of a known amount of drug molecules. Each layer of the cascade structure of the dendrimer is designed to contain a known amount of drug, with the largest amount at the periphery and the lowest amount at the core. The dendrimer delivery platform appears to be very flexible with application for many classes of drugs including anti-fungals, anti-inflammatory agents, anticancer drugs and anti-bacterials. The platform could be designed for diverse administration paths: oral, rectal, or parenteral, intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intraspinal, intracranial, topical, ocular, and subcutaneous routes. |
PiezoBiosensor for Detecting Complex Environmental and Chemical Agents  This technology is an apparatus with multiple piezoelectric mass sensors for use in immunochemical detection of diagnostically relevant analytes. The detection is in real time, and each piezoelectric mass sensor comprises a piezoelectric crystal with a receptor surface containing recombinant antibodies that are specific for a particular antigen. The technology measures the binding of antigens to the recombinant antibodies by tracking a change in mass on the receptor surface which is detected as a change in resonant frequency. This technology emerged from a research program oriented toward developing piezobiosensors and electrochemical sensors for detection in complex environmental and clinical samples. The research program is focused on combining the excellent sensitivity of electrochemical and mass sensing with the superb selectivity of biological recognition processes (e.g., protein-protein interactions, DNA-protein interactions, carbohydrate-protein interactions). |
Low Temperature Silicon Film Deposition By Pulsed Cathodic Arc Process for Microsystem Technology  Researchers at Michigan Tech demonstrated for the first time the deposition of doped silicon films by pulsed cathodic vacuum arc techniques. The development of silicon thin films is attractive for many applications in the field of microelectronics and micromechanics such as thin film transistors, solar cells devices, and structural elements in microelectromechanical system (MEMS). The production of MEMS device quality silicon film materials at low temperature would further enable the integration of microsystems with microelectronics. To meet a growing variety of device technology requirements, attention is given to the processing methods to control the materials' growth and properties. As a technique for high quality film growth, cathodic vacuum arc deposition is characterized by low deposition temperature, high deposition rate, relatively low operational cost and high-energy process capabilities due to the nature of arc plasma discharge.
The direct current (D.C.) and pulsed current vacuum arc comprise two approaches implemented for film deposition. Compared with D.C. arc, pulsed arc has the advantages of higher ion energies and higher deposition rate as well as the reduction of macro droplets intrinsically associated with the cathodic arc process. However, two main issues limit the utilization of vacuum arc on silicon material. One is that the arc cannot be initiated on the intrinsic silicon unless it is heavily doped or is heated to increase the intrinsic electric conductivity substantially. The other problem with silicon is low thermal conductivity compared with most metals. The local heating at cathode spots and the resulting thermal shock can cause the silicon target to crack. Previous reports of cathodic vacuum arc on silicon film deposition were focused on the D.C. arc operation only. Pulsed technology is more appropriate for silicon cathodic arc deposition.
Compared with the D.C. arc process, more uniform target erosion and better control of the silicon spots were achieved by adjusting the pulsed arc current parameters. The deposition rate was high at 0.2nm/A.s in comparison with other available technologies. The microstructure of the films was dense with polycrystalline macro droplets embedded in an amorphous silicon matrix. |
Magneto-Photonic Crystal Isolators This technology allows for the development and fabrication of an ultra-short optical isolator that can be integrated onto a microchip. Isolators created with this technology could be used in integrated photonic circuits and are smaller and more inexpensive than isolators fabricated by traditional means. |
Frontier Carbon Materials Dr. Yap leads a very focused effort in the atomic bonding control of frontier carbon materials. The majority of his time is specifically spent improving recent innovations in the field such as growing carbon-nitride crystals at 800C and 15 atm. Approximately half of Dr. Yap’s work could be classified as highly theoretical with a 10-15 year discovery horizon and the other half being directed in the general direction of a more near term application (5 year horizon). |
MEMS Center in Wireless Integrated Microsystems A multi-university National Engineering Research Center in Wireless Integrated Microsystems funded by the National Science Foundation gives MTU a strong base for microtechnology research. Among its first projects, the center will design a next generation cochlear implant for which MTU will design and build a |
Coatings for Carbon Nanotubes Research allows attachment of polymers to carbon nanotubes in a manner that preserves their conductivity and strength while permitting the nanotubes to support sensors. Functional conjugated polymers are designed and synthesized to modify carbon nanotube electrodes via strong pi-pi stacking interaction between the polymers and the nanotubes. Artificial and biological receptors, such as enzyme, antibody, and single strand DNA can be incorporated into the synthetic functional conjugated polymers. Electrochemistry [labeled biosensors] is employed to detect chemical or biological recognition. |
Magnetic Photonic Crystals Researchers are in the process of developing important materials research solutions that will enable the application of thin film magnetic photonic crystals to high performance electro-optical devices. Of great interest is a process that allows characterization and measurement of properties of novel materials that can simultaneously show piezoelectric properties, and change their index of refraction. These materials are used as [photonic crystals], materials that selectively filter frequencies of light and are tunable with an electric field. |
Coatings Research Institute  The CRI's two-fold mission is to be a leading academic organization that develops relevant scientific knowledge for understanding and for expanding the science and technology of paints, coatings, inks, adhesives and related nano-based materials. Areas of expertise represented in the CRI include, among others, coating technologies and formulation, polymer modification, cross-linking mechanisms and enabling technologies such as nanotechnology (nanoparticle materials), polymer structure/property relationships, characterization, vibrational spectroscopy (Raman and FT-IR), thermal analysis (DSC,DMA,TGA, DEA) and nanotribology. |
Surface Science and Nano-Tribology Laboratory (SSNTL) The Surface Science and Nano-Tribology Laboratory (SSNTL) is equipped with a Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM), a Scanning Probe Microscope (SPM), a Nano Indenter XP system, a Localized Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (LEIS) and other major equipment. Ongoing activities includes studies of surface mechanics and nano-tribology, as well as surface structure of polymeric coatings and other molecular films, and corrosion mechanisms at the micro and nano-scale. For example, a modified SPM has been used to study mechanical properties of nanomaterial and the newly developed Localized Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscope (LEIS) enables measurement of the impedance dot by dot with a resolution of microns while it scans across the surface of sample. Combined with Scanning Probe Microscope (SPM), that can image surface morphology with nano and sub-nano resolution, this technology allows investigation of corrosion mechanism in micro and nano-scale. Other areas of expertise include the mechanisms of fouling release coatings (nanotribological properties of non-toxic fouling release coating systems) and micro mar resistance (MMR), and different responses of the coatings/materials to scratch stress. |
National Dendrimer and Nanotechnology Center The National Dendrimer and Nanotechnology Center is the catalyst for dendrimer-based research initiatives. The Center’s current research agenda focuses on several types of dendrimer and nanoscale sciences: Drug encapsulation, release and disease targeting protocols are being established and tested for cancer therapy and anti-flammatory drug systems using a range of dendrimer carrier structures; researching cytotoxicity of dendrimers and other nanoscale structures; the use of dendrimers as a catalyst in the production of carbon nanotubes at the lowest temperatures recorded; the attachment of oligonucleotides to dendrimers for targeting, amplification or detection in biological systems; development of nuclear magnetic reagents which allow higher resolution and site specific targeting to disease or inflammation; stabilization of nano-crystals or quantum dots with unique optical, electronic or other properties for use in bio-labeling, and flat panel display technologies; development of lower-cost synthetic routes to new proprietary dendrimers and dendritic polymers; development of dendrimers as in-vivo nano-diagnostic agents and devices. |
Applied Chemical and Morphological Analysis Laboratory The Applied Chemical and Morphological Analyses Laboratory (ACMAL) is a university facility that houses an extensive array of electron microanalytical and x-ray instruments. Electron beam instrumentation includes two scanning electron microscopes (SEM), a high-resolution transmission electron microscope (TEM) and a focused ion beam milling system (FIB). X-ray equipment includes a sequential x-ray fluorescence spectrometer and five x-ray diffractometers. |
Integrated Photonics and Materials Integration Laboratory The equipment in the laboratory serves the fabrication, testing and analysis of photonic and piezoelectric structures, materials and film-based devices. Research in integrated photonics centers on the use of magneto-optic and electro-optic materials. Recent work has centered on the development and fabrication of magnetic photonic crystals. A second thrust involves the development and fabrication of optical and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) based on novel highly efficient piezoelectric films.
Tools consist of an rf magnetron sputtering system for the fabrication of magneto-optic films; an electron-beam writing system housed in a JEOL 6400 SEM and a Hitachi Focused Ion Beam (FIB) System for nano-patterning of photonic structures, both housed in the Applied Chemical and Morphological Analysis Laboratory; a metal evaporator for the deposition of electrodes; a micro-manipulator; a prism-coupler for the study of refractive indices and film thickness; an optical testing laboratory for the analysis of waveguide devices that includes HP and Ando infrared tunable laser sources. |
Atomic and Molecular Laser Spectroscopy Laboratory The objective of the research in the atomic and molecular laser spectroscopy laboratory is to gain knowledge about the basic properties of ions and neutral atoms and molecules, with a particular emphasis on the properties of molecules in electrical discharges.
A tunable CW diode laser of bandwidth better than 1 MHz and stability on the order of 100 MHz per hour was designed and built in the laboratory. Additional equipment includes a high power, high resolution tunable dye pulsed laser pumped by the third harmonic of an Nd-YAG laser along, with electronics capable of processing events as fast as half a nanosecond and detecting a single photon. |
Multi-Scale Technologies Institute (MuSTI) Multi-scale technologies are those that bring together functional elements to form systems where the relative size of components within the system spans from the nano through the micro and into the macro domain. The systems-focus of MuSTI emphasizes the challenges associated with integrating technologies that have relative feature sizes orders of magnitude apart and operating characteristics that are size dependent. This presents many problems that must be addressed by interdisciplinary teams of researchers using specialized equipment. Research focuses on engineered systems and components such as nanoelectronics, nanosensors and systems, and associated materials. |
Center for Nanomaterials Research The Center for Nanomaterials Research is an interim center at Michigan Tech leading to a more comprehensive center focusing on the science and applications of technologies across many orders of dimensional magnitude and integrating nanotechnologies with microtechnologies and conventional systems. The interdisciplinary research can be summarized in three areas. The first is the modeling and development of room-temperature single electron transistors coupled with proteins to form nanosensors and electronics for sensing applications. These components are based on quantum effects that dominate at component sizes of approximately 10 nanometers or less. Biological proteins offer many sensing advantages including narrowly defined sensitivity, no power consumption, and self-assembly. The second area is the modeling and development of magnetic nanophotonic devices for optical communications and navigation systems. These devices literally grow and shrink under the influence of a magnetic field changing the transmission properties of light. These are efficient filters and modulators that can operate over a wide spectrum in a single device. The third area is the physical and functional integration of these devices with microscale and conventional systems through interconnection technologies. The electrical and mechanical behavior of connections that operate at both the nanoscale and microscale will be systematically evaluated. Component feature sizes may be as small as several nanometers in devices with dimensions of micrometers driving a system with dimensions of millimeters. The thrust of the center is to develop technologies that exploit the advantages of small size and low power of nanoscale components and yet retain the functionality of conventional-sized systems. |
Ultrafine Grained and Nanostructured Ceramics: Influence of Processing Grain Size and Strain Rate on Fracture Characteristics The goal of this project is to investigate the processing-structure-property relationships in bulk ultrafine grained (20-200 nm in grain size) ceramics that are rapidly consolidated to near theoretical density using novel synthesis and processing methods. The rate-dependent indentation fracture characteristics and the implications of these results to material removal during high-rate processes such as impact, dynamic wear and high speed grinding will be investigated. Based on the experimental and microscopic observations, analytical and numerical models will be developed to provide better insight into the effect of grain size on the mechanical response of this unique class of materials.
The proposed investigations are of significant practical interest, because they will assist in optimal design, successful use and exploitation of the full technological potential of these ceramics in dynamic applications. Insight gained will facilitate exploration of the ‘nano-scale materials design space’ for optimizing the grain size and the properties to meet specific challenges. |
Synthesis, Characterization and Application of Novel Materials This research program has been focused on the synthesis, characterization and application of various novel materials including thin films, nanotubes, and new nanostructures of carbon, boron nitrides (B-N), carbon nitrides (C-N), and boron-carbon nitrides (B-C-N); single crystals and nanowires of wide band-gap semiconductors (AlN, GaN, ZnO); and new nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals (CLBO, GdYCOB, KAB). The methodology incorporates a Dual-RF-plasma Pulsed-Laser Deposition (PLD) System used to coat catalyst thin films for the growth of carbon nanotubes. |
Ultra High Density Electronic Components Molecular Electronics (Moletronics) has opened up a new frontier aiming at ultimate miniaturization of electronic circuits with ultra high density electronic components. This research program is primarily focused on addressing the fundamental challenges in molecular electronics by understanding the complex phenomena like "controlled electron transport" in molecular wires, which forms the basis of molecular electronics. One recent outcome was the finding of a "conformational molecular switch"--a molecular wire exhibiting current switching between the planar and perpendicular orientations of the two pi-electron moieties with planar configuration (ON state) giving significantly higher current than the perpendicular conformation (OFF state). |
Nanostructural Materials The objective of this research is to design new and improved routes to interesting and industrially useful nanostructural materials and thin films. This program of research has produced a discovery in the field of carbon nanotubes that is likely to allow for the low-cost and marketable fabrication of plastics that are lightweight, dependable, and extremely resistant to fracturing. Fahlman's recent breakthrough - growing amorphous carbon nanofibers from iron-encapsulated dendrimer catalysts at ambient temperature - means that, for the first time, the complexity associated with carbon nanostructural growth has been simplified to mixing the reactants and stirring them at room temperature. |
Rheological Properties of Dendrimer Suspensions This research is focused on the effect of electromagnetic fields on the rheological properties of dendrimer suspensions. |
Assessing Intra- and Inter-molecular Interactions The main focus of this research program is the development of accurate methods for assessing intra- and inter-molecular interactions in molecular simulations with empirical force fields. High-level ab initio quantum data are used as a source of fitting data and as a benchmark for testing the resulting techniques. Explicit treatment of electrostatic polarization and other many-body interactions receives a very special level of attention. This methodology is then employed in various applied projects such as computer simulations of proteins and protein-ligand complexes. This area is crucial in modern computer-aided drug design. Another important application is simulating surfaces of thin films (Langmuir mono- and multi-layers) and processes upon or under such surfaces. A variety of self-assembly events can take place in these systems. The applications range from synthesis of self-assembling compounds to creation of new materials and nano-scale molecular electronics devices (molecular computers). |
Development of Green Organic Catalysts This research program is focused on development of green organic catalysts based on an architecture of buckminsterfullerene (C60) molecules surrounding either a polymer resin bead or dendrimer. These catalysts are activated by light and can function in either organic or aqueous media. We hope to further develop the catalysts to the point where we can carry out stereoselective oxidations and/or decontaminate water. |
X-ray Diffraction of Polycrystalline, Nanocrystalline and Amorphous Materials This research program is focused on x-ray diffraction of polycrystalline, nanocrystalline and amorphous materials. Additional work is directed toward computer simulations (Monte Carlo and Molecular Dynamics. Another facet of the ressearch is exploration of the the magnetic properties of materials. |
Spin Wave Spectrum in Micro-sized Arrays of Magnetic Wires and Dots This program of research emerged from an investigation of the linear and nonlinear dynamics of magnetic excitation in magnetic films, multilayers and finite-size samples—spin waves, solitons and parametric instabilities. The program is designed to yield applications of linear and nonlinear spin waves to microwave signal processing as well as data relevant to a variety of problems including bright and dark spin envelope solitons in magnetic films. |
Exact Diagonalization Methods for Understanding Nanostructures, Spin Chains, High-Tc Cuprates, Ladders and Frustrated Spin Systems This research program, oriented toward understanding strongly correlated condensed matter, involves apply numerical techniques to probe and understand the properties of strongly correlated electronic systems. The research is focused on Exact Diagonalization methods as a tool for understanding nano structures, High-Tc cuprates, ladders, spin chains and frustrated spin systems. |
Optimizing Force and Displacement Measurements for Nanomechanical Devices This research program emerged from a focus on properties of correlated electrons and electron transport at low temperatures. Value insights have emerged from the program including discovery of the effect of non-dissipative drag (NDD) on superconductors and mesoscopic systems that results from the coupling of the zero point charge fluctuations between two systems with no tunneling from one to the other. This discover has led to potential application in the form of an eddy current coupling mechanism between a superconductor and a normal metal. Importantly, studies of phonon squeezing and ways of controlling zero point noise by applying pulses are yielding quantum non-demolition force and displacement measurements in nanomechical devices. |
Ionic Liquid Chemical Sensing Devices This technology emerged from a long-term effort devoted to developing piezobiosensors and electrochemical sensors for detection in complex environments. The technology is designed to detect chemicals using novel ionic liquid technology. Critical features of the technology include: (1) methods to immobilize ionic liquids on solid supports, (2) capabilities for characterizing and elucidating the physicochemical properties of immobilized ionic liquids, (3) new ionic liquids incorporating functional groups capable of acting as anchors or tags for surface immobilization, and (4) ionic liquid thin films for array-based gas sensing and high-temperature gas sensing. |
Using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) to Analyze Surface Energy of Pull-off (Adhesion) Forces Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is capable of characterizing solid surfaces at the microscopic and sub-microscopic scales. As demonstrated in several laboratories in recent years, it can also be used to determine the surface tension of solids based on adhesion (pull-off) force measurements. Before AFM force measurements can become an accepted technique for particle-substrate adhesion characterization, individual problems causing irreproducibility of the measurement must be resolved. This is particularly important in the measurement of pull-off forces in very complex geometry systems that are of importance to the industry. For example, this research program has resulted in measures of the adhesion forces between pharmaceutical particles with irregular geometry and polymeric surfaces of varying roughness in a gas of controlled humidity level. |
Heteroepitaxial growth on compliant substrates This program of research is focused on the fabrication, characterization, and properties of nanoscale layered structures. Additional concentrations include the integration of dissimilar materials through wafer bonding and the relationship between structural, optical and electronic properties of heterostructures. |
Fibers and Composites for Orthopedic Applications This program of research interests is oriented toward fabrication and characterizing polymeric fibers and composites, particularly focused on orthopedic applications. As such, the program incorporates expertise for designing assistive technology devices. Extended capabilities include research on the nanomechanical properties of hot compacted composites and wear of hot compacted composites for total hip replacements, particularly, fabrication of low-wear materials for total hip replacements. The research program offers expertise in nano-mechanical properties of materials, the thermomechanical properties of polymers, fabrication and hot compaction of polymer fiber composites. |
Exploiting Low-density Intermetallic Alloys New cubic trialuminides based on titanium have been formed recently by selective alloying with chromium or manganese. These new low density alloys have good strength at high temperatures and excellent oxidation resistance. In this research program, ductility enhancement is being established through determination of the nature of the dislocations carrying the deformation by means of transmission electron microscopy and computer simulation of images. Exploitation of these materials as thermally sprayed protective coatings for a variety of materials is also being studied, as is their use in intermetallic composites formed with various ceramic reinforcements. Finally, ultrahigh pressure hot isostatic pressing of mechanically alloyed trialuminides is being examined as a means of producing nanostructured versions of these materials. |
Periodic patterns and Relationships of Well-Defined Nano-Building Blocks Based on unique nano-periodicity patterns that have been observed and documented for two well defined nano-modules (i.e., dendrimers and colloidal metal clusters/quantum dots) there is substantial optimism that a unifying strategy for defining "nano-periodicity" either within or between certain quantized nano-modules may be possible. Success in this endeavor would provide new perspectives and strategies for predicting physico-chemical properties, as well as risk/benefit parameters in the field of nano-materials. It is proposed that a two day NSF Workshop meeting be organized which is composed of (10-15) interdisciplinary, "nanoscale module experts" and certain interested NIH, NCL, FDA and/or EPA representatives. The objective of the workshop would be to examine documented examples of nano-periodicity patterns existing within known nano-building block categories (i.e., dendrimers, quantum dots, nanotubes, fullerenes, viruses, proteins, DNA/RNA and other well defined colloidal materials), as well as nano-patterns that exist between these building blocks categories. This focus would include critical nano issues such as; size scaling, architecture, self assembly processes, chemical reactivities, chemical bond formation, stoichiometries, shape relationships, physical/chemical properties and nano-characterization methodologies.
Nanotechnology has become a widely studied subject across many disciplines. Unification will become increasingly necessary in order to realize the potential achievements promised. The invited speakers are among the top experts from various sectors, selected to cover various angles of this topic from multi-disciplinary perspective. Important outcomes of the proposed workshop include the articulation of the potential evolution of a universal nano-materials nomenclature., which will have wide ranging impact on the science and on industrial applications. The results of discussion will be summarized in a final report which will consist of recommendations to sponsoring agencies, proposed roadmap and R/D needs and priorities in related areas, formation of task forces for follow up on action items and recommendations. |
Magneto-Electric Nanostructures for Novel Microwave The objective of this collaborative research is to fabricate and study the magneto-electric interactions in novel one-dimensional ferromagnetic-ferroelectric nanostructures, and to exploit them for innovative device applications. The program is motivated by theoretical models that suggest much stronger interactions in such nanostructure geometries than in standard thin films and laminate structures. The approach is to synthesize nanowire and nanotube composites consisting of ferroelectric materials, such as lead zirconium titanante or barium titanate, with ferrimagnetic nickel- or cobalt ferrite.
A comprehensive research program is planned consisting of the following components: sample fabrication, structural characterization, magneto-electric interaction studies spanning a wide frequency range, device studies, and theoretical modeling. Efforts will focus on the creation of novel nanostructures using innovative processing methods and examine their use for a new class of microwave devices that are both electric and magnetic field tunable. At the University of Alabama, the PI will lead the sample fabrication, structural characterization and device fabrication efforts; while the physical property measurements, theoretical studies and device applications will be led by the PI at Oakland University.
The efforts will bring together a multidisciplinary team of investigators that will make significant contributions to scientific knowledge, education outreach and infrastructure, and potentially lead to a host of next-generation devices for the national defense and consumer electronics. The program will provide support for graduate and undergraduate students, including underrepresented minorities, and contribute to their broad interdisciplinary training. Project personnel will collaborate with local schools to facilitate participation by high school students in research. |
An Investigation of the Mechanism Producing Rhythmic Beating in Cilia and Flagella Flagella and cilia are self-contained biological machines (micro in scale in the aggregate but consisting of nanoscale mechanical parts) that convert chemical energy from ATP into useful mechanical work. These are highly conserved eukaryotic organelles that are found in plants, protistans, and animals (including humans). The general function of flagella and cilia is nearly always to move in a rhythmic fashion (although the nonmotile "sensory cilia" represent a notable exception). These rhythmic movements play important roles in various life processes such as reproduction, embryonic development, and movement of fluids across cell surfaces in contexts as varied as protozoan feeding and mucus clearing in the trachea and bronchi of lungs. We still do not fully understand how this basic component of a living eukaryotic cell works. This project is directed at understanding, at a precise molecular and physical level, how cilia and flagella work. The major goal is to experimentally gather critical physical information about the flagellum and to incorporate it into a theoretical and computational model of flagellar mechanics. To accomplish this goal, Dr. Lindemann has developed a unique set of tools that will aid him in this endeavor. One such tool is a novel method, based on force-calibrated glass microprobes, for measuring small forces, which enables the measurement of force actively produced by flagella and the passive mechanical stiffness of a flagellum. This novel methodology permits the acquisition of new and useful information that can be used to describe the mechanical behavior of flagella. Another tool is a detailed computational model of the mechanics of the axoneme (the mechanostructural component of the flagellum or cilium) that Dr. Lindemann has developed, termed The Geometric Clutch model. This simulation model has successfully duplicated, and even predicted, the behavior of cilia and flagella. The computer model provides a framework that can be used to build toward a more complete picture of the mechanics of the axoneme. Dr. Lindemann will use the data from his force measurement experiments to improve the computer model. When experimental results and computed simulation are in agreement, the model often provides a means to understand the mechanism behind the observed result; in other words, the combination of experimentation and modelling can help us learn how the flagellum works.
The goal of the project is to understand how flagella and cilia work. Therefore, the project will contribute basic scientific knowledge about the living eukaryotic cell. There are very few research programs that are combining computer modeling with laboratory experiments to study the mechanical workings of flagella. The mechanical and physical information obtained from these studies complement the remarkable advances in understanding the flagellum at the molecular level. The Geometric Clutch model allows the physical properties of many specific axoneme structures to be identified with the appropriate molecular components. This has already yielded concrete predictions about properties that the various molecular components, including spokes, the dynein heads and the nexin links, must have in order to be functional in a flagellum. Dr. Lindemann's research program has a well-established base of experience with mammalian sperm. He is now developing a computer model specific to the mouse sperm flagellum. The mouse is one of the primary research model systems and, as such, a large data base is available on the genome and molecular biology of this animal. A working model of the mouse sperm axoneme will position Dr. Lindemann's laboratory as the only research program that can do experimental measurements on mouse sperm and also examine the results in a theoretical framework. Dr. Lindemann is also embarking on a collaboration with Dr. David Mitchell that will involve the analysis of Dr. Mitchell's remarkable transmission electron micrographs of Chlamydomonas flagella, obtained by Dr. Mitchell through the use of his innovative methods of rapid fixation and orientation of samples for sectioning. Again, the large data base of molecular and genetic information about the structure and properties of the flagella of this model unicellular organism will assist in the analysis and interpretation of the images in terms of mechanism.
Dr. Lindemann's work applies physics and computational modeling to a biological system. It has drawn the interest of people in the mathematics, physics and engineering communities because it is a successful melding of ideas from different disciplines. The flagellum is nature's own micro-machine, built of nanoscale parts. Despite the extensive knowledge of the biochemistry of the flagellum that is available, it is only by understanding the mechanical properties that we can reach a full understanding of how it works. This understanding is crucial to the development of biomimetic devices that harness molecular motors to create new functional and useful nano- and micro-machines. We must observe and learn from nature to build tomorrow's nanotechnology. Dr. Lindemann has an extensive record of mentoring undergraduate students and introducing them to the principles and practice of laboratory research, and many of the undergraduates are co-authors on scientific reports and upon graduation, advance into careers in science, teaching and medicine. This project will continue to be a vehicle for this integration of research with teaching and training. |
Interactions in Open/Shell Clusters This work involves ab initio studies of intermolecular forces in clusters of open-shell moieties. Three classes of chemically interesting systems are being examined, including pre-reactive complexes,clusters and complexes of transition metals with He. The work is being carried out in collaboration with co-PI Grzegorz Chalasinski, of the University of Warsaw in Poland, who also holds an appointment as Visiting Professor at Oakland. Broader impacts expected from theis work is expected in the industrial control of chemical reactions, in nanotechnology through the study of metallic clusters and, possibly, in long-term effects on the development of quantum computing devices. Other broader impacts are occurring through the extensive work of the PI with undergraduates at Oakland University. |
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