“Nanophotonics
and Nanomaterials for Energy and Healthcare”
Paras N Prasad
Institute for Lasers, Photonics and Biophotonics
Departments of Chemistry, Physics, Electrical Engineering and Medicine
State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo New York 14260
A major direction of our program is Nanophotonics which taps on nanoscale manipulation of optical
interactions, control of light propagation and energy flow on nanoscale for a whole range of applications
ranging from solar energy harvesting to Nanomedicine 1-3. We have placed a special emphasis on
harvesting of IR photons that provide deep penetration and thus volume photoactivation. This talk will
present our work on nanosilicon , plasmonics semiconductors , up-converting rare-earth ion doped optical
nanotranformers and switchable nanoassemblies as new generation nanophotonics materials.
Complex, hybrid nanostructures and their assemblies with their nanophotonic control will provide new
approaches for solar energy. We are developing new nanomaterial-based approaches for efficient
harvesting of solar photons over the entire solar spectrum and their efficient conversion to electrical
energy. Our emphasis is to enhance ultraviolet photon utilization, as well as to harvest IR photons that
are unutilized currently. A major approach by us is utilizing optical nanotransformers which shift photons
from UV and IR to visible to be efficiently absorbed by the existing solar devices.
Nanomedicine provides a global vision to produce breakthrough approaches for meeting our current and
future healthcare challenges such as cancer, neurological disorder, infectious diseases, age-related
diseases, addiction, chronic pain, depression and obesity1-3. It employs nanochemistry to specifically
engineer nanoplatforms for carrying various payloads for new, minimally invasive diagnosis, targeted
delivery of therapeutics, enhanced efficacy of existing treatments, and real-time monitoring of disease
treatment. It is an excellent example of how yesterday's fiction (1966 fiction "Fantastic Voyage by Isaac
Asimov”), transforms into today's reality (our 2002 patented “nanoclinics”). The Nanoclinic, our
revolutionary technology involving the use of nanoparticles as carriers for on-site diagnosis and needed
therapy, was licensed by a France based company, Nanobiotix which is now publically trading.
Our research in utilizing Nanophotonics for multimodal bioimaging (Fluorescence, CARS, SHG,
Photoacoustic), , sensing, and light-activated therapy will be highlighted. It will present nanotechnologybased and light-guided gene therapy, and stem cell therapy for repairing or replacing malfunctioning cells
and tissues in the aging population. It will also present a thought provoking revolutionary concepts of
rejuvenation therapy that may allow a human to live for 1,000 years or more, and of human-machine
interfacing using magneto-optic nanocomposites to measure brain waves and quantify mental capacity .
This talk will conclude with a discussion of future outlook and new opportunities in these fields.
1. P. N. Prasad “Nanophotonics” John Wiley & Sons, (2004).
2. P. N. Prasad “Introduction to Biophotonics” John Wiley & Sons, (2003).
3. P. N. Prasad “Introduction to Nanomedicine and Nanobioengineering” John Wiley & Sons,
(2012).