Research summary
A nanostructure is a tiny, invisible structure whose size is somewhere between microscopic and molecular. Despite their small size, nanostructure surface characteristics can act as highly effective biosensors for detecting biomolecules-the molecules that are needed in biological processes like cell division. The ability to analyze biomolecules is essential for a range of scientific goals, from diagnosing disease to ensuring food safety, monitoring the environment and developing drugs. Nanostructure-based biomolecule sensing also holds the promise of new solutions to key areas in biomedicine.
As Canada Research Chair in Nano-Biosensing Devices, Dr. Sara Mahshid is exploring what can be achieved by combining nano-biosensing devices with fluidic sample deliveries to develop point-of-care devices to assess disease evolution and detect actionable molecular hallmarks. She and her research team are developing innovative nano-based devices and using prototypes for diagnostic applications that have the potential to be rapidly translated into clinical use.