Fundamental Surface Science of Nanoscale Diamond and Their Interaction with Biological Surfaces
Abstract
In the proposed work, Fundamental surface science of nanoscale diamond and their interaction with biological surfaces, the Wolcott lab at San Jose State University is enhancing the research experience of underrepresented minorities in the STEM fields through basic research and access to state-of-the-art instrumentation. We accomplish these goals through an immersive research program that involves sample preparation, data collection/analysis, manuscript writing, conference presentations and interaction with the scientific community in the Bay Area. In this HBCU/MI proposal supported through the Department of Defense, we proposes to develop chemical methodologies for the functionalization of nanoscale diamond for fundamental science and probe their interaction with biomimetic surfaces. By focusing on basic surface science and nanostructure-biological interfaces we are supporting the goals of the Chemical Science and Engineering Sciences Divisions of the Army Research Office. Diamond hosts the fluorescent nitrogen vacancy center, an atomic defect capable of detecting magnetic and electric fields as well as thermal information. Together, robust surface science of diamond will aid in developing this stimuli responsive material. We propose using wet and gas phase chemistry to modify nanoscale diamond with amine, borane and silica chemistry that explores chemical reactivity of the inert diamond surface. We will use raster imaging correlation spectroscopy to track the diffusion, adsorption and desorption rates of FNDs with model biological surfaces and build a physical model of the nano-biointerface based on Coulombic interactions, hydrogen bonding van de Waals and hydrophobic interactions. Our aims include both fundamental studies and applied bioimaging investigations. The goals of the proposed work include: 1) modification of the FND surface with wet chemical and gas phase chemistry, (2) producing stable colloids in buffer and cell culture media and (3) understanding how FND constructs interact with surfaces. Our surface chemistry will focus on covalent bond formation of low-Z elements such as boron, nitrogen and silicon oxide to the ND surface. To probe the surface we will use overlapping techniques that are laboratory and synchrotron-based spectroscopies. Techniques include diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier spectroscopy (DRIFTS), wavelength dependent X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Surface information will then be used to direct our chemical methodology and protocol development. The covalent moieties will then act as the molecular anchors for colloidal stabilization and bioconjugation. Dynamic light scattering and fluorescence scanning confocal microscopy will be used to probe the FNDs in solution and near surfaces. The prime location of San Jose State University (SJSU) in the Bay Area provides unique opportunities for science to be accomplished at near-by research centers such as the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation and The Molecular Foundry (TMF) at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. A highly motivated team of undergraduate researchers at SJSU are taking full advantage of this environment and are advancing the initial aims of this proposal. 10 group members are active users at SSRL and 4 group members are trained to perform work at TMF. The quality of the research is amplified by the talent of our researchers and their access to world-class instrumentation in an invigorating environment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 14, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1810453
Entities
People
- Abraham Wolcott
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- San José State University