Current Research

Our research group is interested in elucidating the fundamental mechanisms of biomolecular recognition and applying the unique capabilities of biological molecules to biotechnologies. We would like to bridge the gap between understanding molecular structure-function relationships, and to be able to utilize proteins/peptides/DNA for in vivo drug therapies, bioseparations, diagnostics, and biomaterial development.

"Smart" Biotechnology

In collaboration with Professor Allan Hoffman, we are developing new biomolecular mechanisms designed to "talk" and "listen." These "smart" materials with streptavidin, antibodies, and enzymes are designed for affinity separations, diagnostic, and drug delivery technologies. Gene therapy is also an important application.

Biocompatible Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering

We are working in collaboration with the Biomaterials group to develop a better understanding of the mechanisms by which materials can be engineered to control cellular responses. We are utilizing microfabricated, genetically engineered self-assembled recognition surfaces to systematically define the molecular properties that give rise to either healing or non-healing cellular responses. The work is also directed toward engineering tissue development for tissue engineering application. These biomolecular assemblies, which are engineered on the nanoscale, will also provide tools for studying biological events at interfaces and provide new opportunities for medical diagnostics that utilize organized protein arrays.

Biomineralization

We are interested in elucidating the fundamental design principles used by nature to engineer composite materials such as bone and teeth. We are investigating the molecular mechnisms used by proteins to control the heirarchical structure of biological calcium composites such as hydroxyapatite and calcium oxalate. These studies are important to both materials science and biomedicine where we are designing biomineralization promoters and inhibitors for biomaterials and tisue engineering uses.

Molecular Recognition

The detailed molecular mechanisms by which proteins regulate small molecule recognition are of great fundamental and applied interest. We are using a combination of site-directed mutagenesis and biophysical characterization to detail the thermodynamic and kinetic properties responsible for high-affinity and slow off-rates in model protein-ligand systems. Another fundamental reserach interest involves the elucidation of the structure-function relationsips controlling the stability of engineered antibodies.

Targeted Drug Delivery

Targeting of therapeutics and imaging agents to specific sites in the body is an imprtant aspect of drug delivery systems. We are using site directed mutagenesis techniques to engineer antibodies and steptavidin systems for improved performance in targeted drug delivery systems. Our model systems are designed for in vivo delivery of therapeutics and radionucleotides to carcinomas.