Research Interests

A The development of novel nanomaterials and nanostructures for the development and application of biosensors in environmental, clinical and research environments.
In the area of Biosensors we are interested in the development of novel substrates based on nanomaterials and nanostructures for the enzyme stabilization. Our studies have concentrated in the use of a novel carbon dots and quantum dots that have also been used with great success in the development of chemical sensors. Theses matrices are suitable for biosensor applications due to their stability, hydrophilicity, controlled size, high conductivity as well as novel optoelectrochemical characteristics. The immobilization of enzymes and selective chemical carriers into these structures can be achieved either by direct adsorption to their, or by covalent bonding, giving biosensors with exceptional stability, selectivity and lifetimes.

B The development of chemical sensors and microsensors for ions, gases and other redox species as stand alone devices, or sensing elements in analytical instrumentation.
In order to develop novel selective and sensitive sensors for the in-situ or in-vivo measurements, it is mandatory to have the appropriate chemical compound that will perform the recognition of the analyte without interference from other similar species present in the solution. The major section of our activity in this area is devoted to the design and synthesis of novel organic and organometallic compounds, the so-called carriers, since they are the basis for the development of novel chemical sensors. The main transduction mechanisms used for measuring the signal are the electrochemical and the optical ones. Sensors for the measurement of salicylate, thiocyanate, nitrite, fluoride, phosphate, and ammonia, have been developed and utilised with success both for earth and space applications.

C The development of analytical methodologies for direct and indirect chemical analysis
A variety of applied research projects relating the development of new analytical instrumentation as well as method optimization and application in a range of analytical disciplines are under way. The combination of direct and selective detection with separation methodologies (GC-MS, HPLC-MS, and PCD-HLPC-MS have been accomplished.