Chad Mirkin

Chad Mirkin CHF-Heritage-Day-AIC-2016-004

American chemist and nanotechnologist

Chad A. Mirkin

Nationality	American
Known for	Nanoparticle-based biodetection, Dip-Pen Nanolithography

Chad A. Mirkin is an American chemist and a pioneer in the field of nanotechnology. He is the Director of the International Institute for Nanotechnology and the George B. Rathmann Professor of Chemistry at Northwestern University. Mirkin is known for his development of nanoparticle-based biodetection and Dip-Pen Nanolithography.

Early Life and Education

Chad Mirkin was born in America. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Dickinson College in 1986. He then pursued his Ph.D. in Chemistry at Pennsylvania State University, where he worked under the supervision of Mark S. Wrighton.

Career

After completing his Ph.D., Mirkin joined the faculty at Northwestern University in 1991. He has since become a leading figure in the field of nanotechnology, holding multiple positions and directing significant research initiatives.

Research Contributions

Mirkin's research has led to significant advancements in nanotechnology and chemistry. He is particularly known for his work on nanoparticle-based biodetection methods, which have applications in medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring. Another notable contribution is the development of Dip-Pen Nanolithography, a technique that allows for the precise placement of molecules on a substrate.

Nanoparticle-Based Biodetection

Mirkin's work in nanoparticle-based biodetection involves using gold nanoparticles to detect specific sequences of DNA and RNA. This technology has been instrumental in developing new diagnostic tools for detecting diseases at an early stage.

Dip-Pen Nanolithography

Dip-Pen Nanolithography (DPN) is a technique invented by Mirkin that uses an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) tip to "write" with molecules on a substrate. This method allows for the creation of nanoscale patterns and has applications in materials science, electronics, and biotechnology.

Awards and Honors

Chad Mirkin has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science and technology. Some of these include:

• National Medal of Science
• American Chemical Society Award in Pure Chemistry
• Feynman Prize in Nanotechnology

Personal Life

Mirkin resides in Evanston, Illinois, where he continues his research and teaching at Northwestern University.

See Also

• Nanotechnology
• Chemistry
• Northwestern University
• Dip-Pen Nanolithography
• Nanoparticle-based biodetection