The goal of this research project is to develop a nanoparticle-based photonic sensing platform for detecting alpha-synuclein phase separation at the single-molecule level. Alpha-synuclein aggregation is a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease, and early detection is crucial for diagnosis and treatment. The project leverages the expertise of Prof. Hye Yoon Park’s lab in single-molecule imaging and Prof. Yongdae Shin’s lab in liquid-liquid phase separation. The proposed platform will utilize advanced nanofluidic channels to enhance optical contrast, enabling rapid detection of alpha-synuclein oligomers in human blood samples. This innovative approach could transform Parkinson’s disease diagnostics by providing a sensitive and specific tool for detecting pathogenic protein aggregates, enhancing our understanding of disease mechanisms, and paving the way for earlier intervention. The outcomes are expected to advance biosensing technology, foster high-impact research, and strengthen international scientific collaboration.
Project Details
Budget
$30,986
Final report
The Experts & Partners involved with this Project
Hye Yoon Park
Associate Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Yongdae Shin
Associate Professor, Laboratory for living systems engineering, SNU