Optical microcavity biosensors are emerging as one of the most sensitive microsystem biodetection technology that does not require amplification or labeling of the analyte. I will give an overview of the exciting possibilities provided by this highly sensitive technique for molecular diagnostics, nanoparticle detection and -manipulation. I will then talk about the prospects of boosting sensitivity with plasmonic nanoantennas - bringing label-free single molecule detection within reach. I will also introduce DNA nanotechnology as a means for increasing sensitivity, specificity and versatility of nucleic acid detection with label-free biosensors.

报告人简介: Frank Vollmer obtained his PhD in ‘Physics & Biology’ from the Rockefeller University, NYC in 2004. He then became leader of an independent research group at the Rowland Institute at Harvard University where he was appointed Rowland Fellow from 2004 to 2009. In 2010 he joined the Wyss Institute for Bio-Inspired Engineering at Harvard University as a Scholar-in-Residence. In 2011 he was appointed group leader of a Max Planck Research Group at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light in Erlangen, Germany. Since 2011 he is also appointed Associate Biologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, USA where he runs a satellite laboratory. He is associate Editor Optics Express (OSA Journal) and recently received NIH-R01 grant award for constructing highthroughput biosensors. He also holds an external appointment as Associate Biologist and Instructor in Medicine (PI) at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, USA. http://mpl.mpg.de/mpf/php/bfp/index.html