Choi Takes 4th in SAMSUNG Competition

Size control of silicon nanocrystals (SN) provided size-dependent tuning of fluorescence. Higher quantum yield (~40%) and narrower size distribution (3.0 ± 1.0 nm) of SN have been achieved. HrTEM, SANS, light scattering, photoluminescence and optical transmission spectroscopy on the size measurements of SN helped determine the average size accurately. Fuctionalization of a surface prepares SNs as a platform for bio conjugating applications. Streptavidin has been successfully conjugated to SNs. Cytotoxicity of SNs starts showing at 20 μg/ml, which is a comparable amount for common usages in bio applications.

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (ChBE) graduate student and Ph.D. candidate Jonghoon Choi, advised by Professor Nam Sun Wang, has won 4th place in the annual SAMSUNG Electronics Human-Tech Thesis Prize competition. His paper, titled "Study on the New, Biocompatible Fluorescent Nano Materials: Synthesis, Characterization and Bio Application of Silicon Nanoparticles," competed with over 900 entries submitted by researchers from around the world and was among eight finalists in its field. Choi received a cash prize of $1000 and a trip to Korea for the award ceremony.

Founded in 1994, the Human-Tech Thesis Prize competition has three goals: to search for creative young students who have the potential to become the future scientific leaders of Korea, to encourage research at the collegiate level, and to emphasize the integral role technology plays in modern society. The competition is open to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students in Korea and abroad.

Choi's paper focused on nanoparticles with unexpected but potentially useful properties. Bulk silicon is unable to emit fluorescence. However, it has been reported that nano-structured silicon can be fluorescent when properly excited. Silicon nanocrystals have received attention not only because scientists do not know exactly why they are capable of fluorescing, but also because of their advantages over fluorescent dyes. Choi's paper summarizes his studies on the synthesis, characterization and bio-applications of fluorescent silicon nanocrystals. and describes many potential bio- and optoelectric applications of new, biocompatible, and fluorescent silicon nanoparticles.

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Published February 7, 2008