Julia Xiaojun Zhao

Title : Development of graphene-based nanomaterials for biomedical applications

Abstract:

We have developed a few new graphene-based nanomaterials, including graphene-based fluorescent quantum dots, reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/metal (oxide) (e.g. RGO/Au, RGO/Cu₂O, and RGO/Ag) nanocomposties, graphene-silica core-shell nanostructures, and 3-D graphene scaffold. In this presentation, the methods of making these new graphene-based materials will be introduced. A series of characterizations of these nanomaterials using STEM, FE-SEM, EDS, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, XRD, FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy will be discussed. Finally, the applications of these nanomaterials in the fields of biomedical study will be reported including fluorescence imaging using graphene quantum dots, cell culture using 3D graphene, anti-bacterial applications of graphene-metal nanocomposite, and photothermal therapy and drug delivery of the graphene nanostructures. For example, a facile bottom-up method for the synthesis of highly fluorescent graphene quantum dots (GQDs) will be discussed using a one-step pyrolysis of a natural amino acid, L-glutamic acid, with the assistance of a simple heating mantle device. The feasibility of using the GQDs as a fluorescent biomarker was investigated through in vitro and in vivo fluorescence imaging. The results showed that the GQDs could be a promising candidate for bioimaging.

Audience take away:
• Application of the new graphene based nanomaterials.
• New methods for making new graphene based nanomaterials. 
• New properties of the graphene based nanomaterials that will be useful for bioapplications.

Biography:

Dr. Zhao is a professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of North Dakota, USA. She has worked in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology for 18 years. She has authored for more than 90 publications and holds seven issued patents. Currently, she is the Principle Investigator for three major research grants from the US National Science Foundation, the US Department of Energy, and the North Dakota Industrial Commission. Dr. Zhao’s research group is focused on the development of various nanomaterials and applications of these nanomaterials in biological studies. Dr. Zhao received both her BS and Ph.D. degree from Jilin University, China.