Professor Liu’s overall research objective focuses on the development of nanotechnology and potential applications to bioanalytical chemistry. One important aspect of the research is the design and engineering of nanostructures which position bioreceptors and chemical reaction sites on surfaces with high precision. The exquisite precision attainable by the nanolithographic methods developed allows complex multivalent interactions typical of biorecognition to be controlled, by varying the separation and local environment of the binding sites. Current projects include: (1) development of state-of-the-art imaging tools for high-resolution imaging of ligands, DNA, proteins and cells; (2) advanced methodologies for production of arrays of nanostructures; (3) single-cell imaging and mechanics; (4) using nanostructures of antibodies produced to investigate hypersensitivity reaction or allergy; (5) using nanostructures of ligands for study of the initial HIV infection of human T-cells; and (6) using nanostructures of ligands for the investigation of cancer cell signaling.