Nanomanipulation

Abstract: The aim is to combine the high resolution imaging which has been achieved by SPM for biological specimens with the growing field of SPM-based nanomanipulation. To achieve efficient and reliable manipulation in a micro/nano environment, it is essential to possess capabilities of sensing, processing and actuation in dynamic interactions. We acquire the signals which would normally be projected as an SPM image and use them as the sensing component within a feedback control loop formulation to accurately steer the probe’s tip along a prescribed trajectory. We are developing an adaptive on-chip learning process in the context of a modular neural network circuit architecture, which may contain elements of landmark recognition by 'feel'.

We are developing the SPM-based robotic system concurrently with investigations of two applications. One is an investigation of nanomanipulation of DNA for improved gene chip processing. The other is investigation of RNA functionality by a functionalized tip steered along the bio-specimen.

Researchers: Dr. Virginia Ayres Dr. Fathi Salam Dr. Ning Xi Dr. Wei Keung Fang Li Guangyong

        Publication:

V.M. Ayres, N. Xi, F. Salam, K.Gilgenbach, H.Saglik and D. Wang, “SPM-Based Investigation of Site Specific Biological Interactions”, Proceedings of the 2001 1st IEEE Conference on Nanotechnology

V. M. Ayres, H. Hummert, B. Goolsby, F. Salam, Ning Xi “Micro/Nano Motion Control for Biological Specimen Handling”, Proceedings of International Symposium on Smart Structures and Microsystems, Hong Kong, October, 2000.

V. Ayres, H. Hummert, B. Goolsby, and F. Salam, N. Xi “Micro/Nano Motion Control for Biological Specimen Handling”, Proceedings of the IEEE International Symposium on Smart Structures and Microsystems, Hong Kong, October 19-21, 2000, pp. G1-1 (CD-ROM).

V. M. Ayres, H. Hummert, B. Goolsby, F. Salam, N. Xi “Micro/Nano Motion Control for Biological Specimen Handling”, Proceedings of IEEE International Symposium on Smart Structures and Microsystems, Hong Kong, October 19-21, 2000, Abstract Book p. 39 (2000).

V. Ayres, F. Salam, N. Xi “Sensing, Planning and Control for Nano-Manipulation Probes”, Conference Record of the NIH BECON Symposium, Nanoscience and Nanotechnology: Shaping Biomedical Research, June 25-26, 2000, Bethesda, MD, Devices for Early Detection and Single Cell and Molecule Measurements, p. 3 (2000).

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