Single-molecule Biophysics, Nanofluidics, Biosensing, 2D Materials, Super-resolution Microscopy

My laboratory works in the research field of single-molecule biophysics, with a strong emphasis on nanofluidics, advanced microscopy, and nanoscale device engineering. Together with my students and collaborators, we have contributed to four major research directions:

(i) Nanopores and 2D materials for sensing and energy applications.
We introduced transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) membranes, particularly MoS₂, into nanofluidics and nanopore sensing. Our work demonstrated their potential for single-molecule detection, osmotic energy harvesting, and filtration. 

(ii) Microscopy innovations for materials and biological interfaces.
Our work applies SMLM to characterise optically active defects in 2D materials, resolve nanoscale emitter distributions, and probe interfacial dynamics such as proton transport and liquid–solid interactions. We also introduced parameter-free image analysis tools and combine SMLM with complementary techniques (e.g., SOFI, AFM, SICM) to extract quantitative, high-resolution information across complex nanoscale systems.

(iii) Nanocapillary-based single-molecule characterisation.
Recent advances include the development of scanning ion conductance spectroscopy (SICS), which enables repeated, label-free measurements of the same molecule and opens new possibilities for biomarker detection and future sequencing technologies.

(iv) Neuromorphic iontronics and nanopore-based computing.
Our research explores ionic analogues of electronic computation using nanopores and nanofluidic systems. We demonstrated nanofluidic logic based on mechano–ionic memristive switches and identified memristive behaviour in biological nanopores governed by lumen charge. 

Our mission is to uncover and control the complex behaviour of biomolecules at the single-molecule level by developing and integrating advanced nanoscale technologies. Biological function often arises from rare, transient molecular states that remain hidden in ensemble-averaged measurements; capturing these dynamics requires tools capable of probing, manipulating, and engineering matter at the ultimate limit of resolution.

We therefore focus on the development of next-generation experimental platforms that combine nanopores, nanofluidics, super-resolution optical microscopy, and force-based manipulation. By leveraging solid-state and biological nanopores, low-dimensional materials, and nanocapillary-based approaches, we aim not only to sense and analyse single molecules with high precision, but also to control their transport, interactions, and functionality in real time.

A central goal of our work is to bridge disciplines—linking biophysics, materials science, and nanoelectronics—to enable new paradigms such as high-throughput molecular sensing, quantitative imaging of dynamic processes at interfaces, and iontronic systems inspired by biological function. Through continuous innovation in instrumentation and methodology, we seek to transform our ability to observe, understand, and ultimately harness molecular behaviour for applications in biology, energy, and information processing.