Research Summary

My research interests are primarily in the field of design, development and analytical application of novel nano-optical sensors. The emerging field of nano-technology coupled with energy efficient, miniaturized detections systems (CCD, Charge Coupled Devices, PMT, Photo-Multiplier tubes) as well as solid state lasers provides the opportunity for multi-disciplinary explorations in chemistry, biology, environmental science, and physics. Though I reserve the right to pursue other interesting analytical problems as the need/opportunity arise

Selected Peer-Reviewed Publications

(* with student co-authors)

Xu, H., Buck, S. M., Kopelman, R., Philbert, M. A., Brasuel, M., Ross, B. D., and Rehemtulla, A., “Photoexcitation-Based Nano-Explorers: Chemical Analysis inside Live Cells and Photodynamic Therapy,” Israel Journal of Chemistry, 2004, 44, 317-337.

Behrend, C. J., Anker, J. N., McNaughton, B. H., Brasuel, M., Philbert, M. A., and Kopelman, R., “Metal-Capped Brownian and Magnetically Modulated Optical Nanoprobes (MOONs): Micromechanics in Chemical and Biological Microenvironments,” Journal of Physical Chemistry B, 2004, 108 (29), 10408 -10414.

Buck, S. M., Lee Koo, Y. E., Park, E., Xu, H., Philbert, M. A., Brasuel, M. and Kopelman, R., “Optochemical nanosensor PEBBLEs: photonic explorers for bioanalysis with biologically localized embedding,” Current Opinion in Chemical Biology 2004, 8, 540–546.

Buck, S.M., Xu, H., Brasuel, M., Philbert, M. A., and Kopelman, R., Nanoscale probes encapsulated by biologically localized embedding (PEBBLEs) for ion sensing and imaging in live cells, Talanta 2004, 63, 41–59

Presentations

PEW Midstates Science and Mathematics Consortium Undergraduate Research Symposia:
2005, Poster Presentation, “Optimization of the Synthesis of CdTe Quantum Dots in Non-Coordinating Solvent,” Joseph Forrester*, Murphy Brasuel, Nate Bower.

2005, Poster Presentation, “Dictyostelium Discoideum as a Robust Platform for Intracellular Nanosensor Characterization,” Kevin Rank*, Murphy Brasuel, and Phoebe Lostroh

*Denotes undergraduate researcher

Pittsburgh Conference (Pittcon):
2008, Poster presentation, Laura Sherman, and Murphy Brasuel “Statistical Optimization of a Single-Pot Synthesis of CdTe/CdS Core Shell Quantum Dots.”

Federation of Analytical Chemistry and Spectroscopy Societies (FACSS):
2008, Invited Oral presentation, The application of nano-sensors to the real-time monitoring of endosomal ion fluctuation in Dictyostelium discoideum during cAMP stimulation; Murphy Brasuel1, Phoebe Lostroh2, Jessica Hellyer1, Everett Moding1; 1Colorado College Department of Chemistry, 2Colorado College Department of Biology

ACS National Meeting:
2008, Poster Presentation, Jessica A Hellyer, Everett Moding, and Murphy G. Brasuel, “Application of PEBBLEs as a novel tool for pH and calcium measurement in Dictyostelium discoideum.”