Molecular Engineering

Interfacial interaction involves energy transfer and has very seldom been investigated as a mechanical phenomenon. However, interaction energy density is a stress and often manifests itself as a mechanical effect. Although this aspect has been known for over a hundred years, investigation has been retarded by two technologically intertwined reasons. First, until recently, tools and instrumentation capable of nanoscale measurements did not exist. Secondly, nanoscale structures and devices with high precision were not available until recently. The shift in paradigm into nanoscale mechanics offers an unprecedented opportunity for breakthrough research in the discipline of nanoscience.

Design and synthesis of chemical and biological interfaces and their immobilization of substrates for enhanced chemical and biological adsorption will have multitude of application in chemical and biological sensor development. Molecular adsorption on these interfaces leads to mechanical forces that can be observed as bending of cantilever substrates. We have been designing molecular interfaces for developing highly selective sensors for chemical and biological detection.