Micro-, Nano-, and Quantum Engineering

Interdisciplinary Areas: Micro-, Nano-, and Quantum Engineering, Others

Project Description

The proper functioning of cells and the stimulation of metabolism depend on mitochondria. To comprehend a wide range of cellular malfunctions, precise imaging of mitochondrial activity is required. However, when exposed to light, a number of the mitochondria-targeted probes that are currently on the market become unstable. Because of this, they can't be used for long-term, dynamic research. Photobleaching, autofluorescence, short scanning durations, and a restricted array of fluorescence probes are only a few of the issues that make it difficult to gain a complete picture of enzyme activity in mitochondria.
Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are a promising new alternative to current methods of mitochondrial imaging, and future studies will attempt to remedy these shortcomings by designing suitable CQDs. The remarkable photostability, the ability to emit light across a wide spectrum of wavelengths (from ultraviolet to near-infrared), and the adaptability to alter the surface for improved imaging accuracy are just a few areas where CQDs outperform conventional probes. To improve the accuracy and dependability of long-term monitoring of mitochondrial activity, their unique blinking behavior makes them ideal for high-resolution single-molecule localization imaging. Our ability to manufacture CQDs with a range of sizes and fluorescent characteristics makes them a great choice for imaging mitochondria.

Mitochondrial targeting should be improved by surface functionalization using peptides or polymers. To determine the light-sensitivity, brightness, and possible use of CQDs in tracking mitochondrial activity over time, cellular imaging studies are crucial. Thus, these CQDs will improve the photostability and adaptability of modern imaging technologies by surpassing the restrictions of standard organic probes. This study has the ability to shed light on cellular dysfunctions such as Alzheimer's disease by allowing for the more accurate detection of mitochondrial activity.

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) will be a reliable tool for high-resolution imaging that will help researchers in the fields of cellular biology and disease study. To do this, we will use experimental methods and their results that have been obtained to resolve difficulties with existing mitochondrial probes.

Start Date

March 1, 2025

Postdoc Qualifications

My research interests center on fluorescence probes in zero- and two-dimensional materials, along with the optical properties of metal-based nanoparticles and nanoclusters. During my doctoral studies, I focused on carbon-based nanodots, investigating their applications in phosphorescence encryption, lighting, and microbial detection. Currently, as a postdoctoral researcher, I am working on the development of novel fluorescence probes and metal nanoclusters, with a particular focus on enhancing super-resolution imaging techniques and fluorescence/phosphorescence sensing through various spectroscopic methods. Additionally, I collaborate on research involving dye degradation and detection using fluorescence and phosphorescence in porous materials such as COFs, MOFs, and CMPs. 

Co-advisors

Shengwang Du
Arezoo Ardekani 

Bibliography

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2.  M. Madhu and W.-L. Tseng. NaCl nanocrystal-encapsulated carbon dots as a solution-based sensor for phosphorescent sensing of trace amounts of water in organic solvents. Anal. Methods, 2021,13, 4949-4954.

3.  M. Madhu.; A.Santhana Krishna Kumar.; C.-Y-Lu.; W.-L.Tseng. Peptide-modified carbon dot aggregates for ultrasensitive detection of lipopolysaccharide through aggregation-induced emission enhancement. Talanta 253 (2023) 123851.

4.  M. Madhu.; C.-M. Chao.; Q.-Y. Xue.; W.-B.Tseng,;T-H-Chen,;A.S.K-Kumar.; W.-L.Tseng. MoS2 and MoSe2 Nanosheets as Triggers for Glutathione Dimerization in Solution and Glutathione Oxidation in Live Cells. ACS Applied Nano Materials, 5(8), 10583-10595.

5.  M.Madhu.; W.-B.Tseng.; Y.-S. Chou.; A. S.K.-Kumara.; C.-Y-Lu.; P.-L.Chang.; W.-L.Tseng. Peptide-Directed Synthesis of Aggregation-Induced Emission Enhancement-Active Gold Nanoclusters for Single-and Two-Photon Imaging of Lysosome and Expressed αvβ3 Integrin Receptors. Anal. Chem. 2024, 96, 22, 9007–9015.