(4cf) Use DNA to Probe the Molecular Deformation at Micro/Nanoscale and Design Novel Nanochip Devices for Drug/Gene Delivery and Biosensing

Polymer behavior under different flow conditions has long been research interest due to its fundamental and practical applications of these materials in our daily life. The main aim in polymer rheology is to link the macroscopic properties with microscopic changes. DNA became one of the best candidates as a model system to examine flow features of entangled polymer including stress overshoot in startup shear and shear thinning phenomenon. Recently, stretching and aligning DNA molecules also provide new opportunities to develop/design nanotemplates for next generation biomedical devices and key steps in developments of single-DNA sequencing and gene delivery techniques. I have worked previously in two areas of interest related to understanding the flow behavior of DNA as polymer model and development of nanochip based devices by DNA combing and imprinting (DCI). First, my past research at the University of Akron, advised by Prof. Shi-Qing Wang in polymer science, focuses on investigating fundamental questions in polymer/DNA dynamics such as how entangled polymeric liquids response fast external deformation. By integrating confocal fluorescent microscope with rotational rheometer, the moleualr picture behind flow instabilities such wall slip and shear banding was captured, with simultaneous velocimteric and rheometric measurement. This unique set-up provides new insights into the phenomenology of entangled fluids in presence of flow [1-9]. Second, my postdoctoral research at the Ohio state University advised by Prof. James Lee in Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center (NSEC) focuses on the developing novel and unique approach to produce nanochip based devices for many challenging biomedical applications. In one of my unique nanostructure, arrays of DNA nanostrands were generated on micro-patterned PDMS stamp and they were transferred to confined nanoscopic elements by imprinting method, to fabricate sealed arrays of nanochannels/nanowires [10]. This fabricated nanochip was used for localized gene, drug and nanoparticle delivery to individual cells with precise control of dose, composition, and location. The delivery is achieved by the focused electric field through a nano-channel. By adjusting the voltage level, pulse duration and pulse number, dose and location control of the delivery can be precisely controlled. This approach is a benign process that can achieve perfect cell viability and transfection with much less gene/drug/nanoparticles than conventional delivery methods [11].

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