Dr. Aicheng Chen
Innovation on the nano-scale: Research looking for a little sugar
Dr. Aicheng Chen reviews images from an Atomic Force / Scanning Tunneling Microscope
Dr. Aicheng Chen is focusing on the very small to do very large things. His research group at
Lakehead
University is investigating exciting new nano-materials that can be utilized for efficient electrochemical sensors.
These sensors could be used to detect glucose, ethanol and even carbon monoxide. In fact, the novel nanoporous electrodes developed by the Chen group have shown excellent sensitivity and accuracy as a glucose sensor. This could have important consequences for the multi-billion dollar glucose monitor industry, as the group is developing materials that last longer, are more sensitive and are cheaper to manufacture than commercially-available materials.
Through a tangle of hoses, Lakehead master's student Kallum Koczkur examines an electrochemical cell.
Dr. Chen and graduate student Kallum Koczkur, with the assistance of Lakehead’s Innovation Management Office (IMO), are seeking to commercialize this exciting research breakthrough. Filing for patent protection, the group eventually hopes to license this technology to industry, allowing their research outcome to be utilized for public benefit.
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Lakehead Innovators Showcase regularly features faculty, staff and students who have innovative ideas.