AFM is an imaging method capable of resolving features on the order of fractions of a nanometer. We utilize AFM to image biomolecules and their complexes (DNA, RNA, Proteins, and Assemblies)

Alexey Krasnoslobodtsev, Atomic Force Microscopy and its spectroscopic combinations for studying self-assembled nanostructures. Book Chapter in “Self-Assembled Materials”, Wiley & Sons, 2022, Volume TBA, p. TBA.

Alexander Lushnikov, Richard Hooy, Jungsan Sohn, and Alexey Krasnoslobodtsev, Characterization of DNA bound cyclic GMP-AMP synthase using atomic force microscopy imaging. Book Chapter in Methods in Enzymology, Academic Press, 2019, Volume 625, p. 2-281.

SMFS provides a way of measuring forces involved in inter- and intra-molecular interactions. Such direct characterization provides additional insights allowing the reconstruction of energy landscapes and contributing to a deeper understanding of functional mechanisms in biology. 

Krasnoslobodtsev, A.V., Zhang, Yu., Viazovkina, E., Gall, A., Bertagni, Ch., and Lyubchenko, Y.L., “A Novel Flexible Nanoarray Approach for the Assembly and Probing of Molecular Complexes”. Biophys. Journal, 2015; 108(9): 2333-2339.

Zenghan Tong, Andrey Mikheikin, Alexey Krasnoslobodtsev, Zhengjian Lv, Yuri L. Lyubchenko, “Novel Polymer Linkers for Single Molecule AFM Force Spectroscopy””. Methods, 2013; 60(2): 161–168.

We have advanced the Tip-Enhanced Raman imaging (TERS) technique to achieve sub-nanometer spatial imaging resolution. {Wiki/Tip-enhanced_Raman_spectroscopy} Further improvement of TERS probe preparation procedures allowed to achieve >2000 signal enhancement factor making possible the routine Hi-Res imaging of biological and 2-D materials.

Joseph Smolsky and Alexey Krasnoslobodtsev, “Nanoscopic imaging of oxidized graphene monolayer using Tip-Enhanced Raman Scattering”. NanoResearch, 2018; 11(12), 6346–6359.

Alexey V. Krasnoslobodtsev, Tanja Deckert-Gaudig, Yuliang Zhang, Volker Deckert, Yuri L Lyubchenko, “Polymorphism of amyloid fibrils formed by a peptide from the yeast prion protein Sup35: AFM and Tip-Enhanced Raman Scattering studies”. Ultramicroscopy, 2016; 165: 26-33.

Visco-Elastic properties of diverse biomaterials require a variety of complex characterization techniques. We utilize and improve existing techniques as well as invent novel methods of mechanical biomaterial characterization: 1) Nanoindentation (elastic), 2) Particle Tracking - passive rheology (viscous), 3) nFlex method to assess the flexibility of biomolecules.

Wang, Ying et al. "3D Bioprinting of Breast Cancer Models for Drug Resistance Study". ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering, 2018; 4, 12, 4401-4411.

Qi, Dianjun et al. "Establishment of a Human iPSC- and Nanofiber-based Microphysiological Blood-Brain Barrier System". ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2018; 10, 21825−21835.

Sameer Sajja et al. “Dynamic behavior of RNA nanoparticles analyzed by AFM on a mica/air interface”. Langmuir, 2018; 34, 49, 15099-15108.

This instrument was designed and built specifically for the fast detection of cancer biomarkers with the use of iSERS. 

Jamison Duckworth and Alexey Krasnoslobodtsev, “Modular Micro Raman Reader Instrument for Fast SERS-Based Detection of Biomarkers”. Micromachines, 2022; 13 (10), 1570. 

Synthesis and characterization of supra-atomic assemblies of silver atoms on the cytosine-rich DNA template.

Liam E. Yourston; Alexander Y. Lushnikov; Oleg A. Shevchenko; Kirill A. Afonin; Alexey V Krasnoslobodtsev, “First Step Towards Larger DNA-Based Assemblies of Fluorescent Silver Nanoclusters: Template Design and Detailed Characterization of Optical Properties”. Nanomaterials, 2019; 9(4), 613.

Liam Yourston, Lewis Rolband, Alexander Lushnikov, Caroline West, Kirill Afonin, Alexey Krasnoslobodtsev, “Tuning properties of silver nanoclusters with RNA nanoring assemblies”. Nanoscale, 2020; 12, 16189-16200.

Design and characterization of the new class of NIR emitters for the detection of cancer and image-guided surgeries. 

Enhanced by the active Al-anode Raman signal allowed us, for the first time, to identify triple-complex (Al3Cl10-) formation in addition to mono-complexed (AlCl4-) and duo-complexed ions (Al2Cl7-).  This new route contributes to a significant increase in the charging rate of the battery. 

Xuejing Shen, Tao Sun, Lei Yang, Alexey Krasnoslobodtsev, Renat Sabirianov, Michael Sealy, Wai-Ning Mei, Zhanjun Wu, and Li Tan, “Ultra-fast Charging in Aluminum-Ion Batteries: Nanofeatures of the Electric Double Layers on Active Anode”, Nature Communications, 2021, 12, 820.

Dual mode biosensing involving AgNCs@DNA as optical readout and electrochemical readout opens new prospects for the development of self-powered biosensor devices. The design of the biosensor is expected to help solve the world's most daunting health, energy, and environmental challenges.  

Shipra Solanki, Akhilesh Kumar Gupta,  Udiptya Saha, Alexey V. Krasnoslobodtsev, Rajinder K. Gupta, Bansi D. Malhotra, 

"Triboelectric Nanogenerator (TENG) Devices towards Next-Generation Era of Smart Biomedical Sensors", Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, 2023; 57, 103233.

Akhilesh Kumar Gupta and Alexey V. Krasnoslobodtsev, "Assemblies of DNA–silver Nanocluster as Sensitive probes in Active dual-mode Biosensor Self-powered by Glucose", Nanomaterials, 2023, 13(8), 1299. EDITOR'S CHOICE PAPER.

Joseph Carmicheal et al. “Label-free Characterization of Exosome via Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy for the Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer”. Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology and Medicine, 2019; 16, 88-96.

Advanced optical properties of AgNC's allow for the sensitive detection of heavy metals which quench the fluorescence of AgNCs.

L. Yourston et.al., ” Hg2+ detection with rationally designed DNA-templated fluorescent silver nanoclusters”, Processes, 2021; 9(10), 1699.

Utilization of AgNC's optical properties for detection of minute amounts of cancer-relevant miRNAs.

L. Yourston and A. Krasnoslobodtsev, ”miRNA sensing with fluorescent silver nanoclusters”, Molecules, 2020; 25(13), 3026.

D. Fredrick, L. Yourston, and A. Krasnoslobodtsev, ”Detection of cancer-associated miRNA using fluorescence switch of AgNC@NA and guanine-rich overhang sequences ”, Journal of  Biological and Chemical Luminescence, 2023; 1. https://doi.org/10.1002/bio.4471.