Wayne develops novel single-molecule methods to study biology at its most fundamental level. His research focuses on label-free sensing platforms that use optical or ionic current-based approaches to identify and map biopolymers and protein dynamics. These techniques enable the investigation of biological processes at the single-molecule scale. He is interested in emerging sensing technologies based on new physical principles and materials, including two-dimensional (2D) materials. His past achievements include the first demonstration of DNA translocation in 2D slits, the development of a nanopore-based CRISPR-dCas9 biosensing approach for DNA-typing diagnostics, direct label-free sensing of DNA interactions with 2D materials, and other solid-state nanopore concepts for DNA/protein sensing. Most recently, his lab has been developing next-generation sensors to explore complex biological systems such as biomolecular condensates—membraneless organelles that play essential roles in cellular function and are increasingly implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. 

His lab welcomes scientists interested in playing at the intersection of disciplines, including biology, physics, materials science, biochemistry, and nanofabrication!