BIST-Dolors-Aleu-Graduate-Centre
Gonzalo Podgaezky

Gonzalo

Podgaezky

MMRES student at DCEXS and ICFO
Class 2017-2018

After MMRES:

Entrepreneur

Characterization of pH nanosensors via Surface Enhanced Raman Light Sheet Microscopy

Summary

A combination of Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) and Light Sheet Microscopy (LSM) is reported. We combine Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy and Light Sheet Microscopy because SERS corrects the intrinsically low Raman Signal of molecules and LSM decreases photo toxicity and increases the speed in image and spectral acquisition. Therefore, this non-invasive novel technique would allow studying dynamic processes of living organisms. Furthermore, bigger specimens such as tissues and full organisms could be studied taking advantage of LSM configuration. As proof of concept, we will use pH nanosensors. They consist in Hollow Capsules covered with a thin silica shell. Inside, we find Gold nanoparticles to produce SERS effect and the pH sensor, a molecule with strong pH sensitive and insensitive characteristic peaks in the Raman Spectrum used for tracking the pH.

Major project supervisor

Pilar Rivera Gil
MELIS-UPF

Minor project supervisor

Pablo Loza
ICFO