Research
Biofunctional Metal-Catalyzed Reactions
Despite the wide ranging synthetic scope of organometallic reactions, many of them have limited yields in the presence of water, let alone physiological conditions. The aim of this research stream is to explore and identify new transition metal catalyzed reactions that can be performed within biological systems in vivo.

Objectives are to develop methodologies related to:
⧫ drug release and/or synthesis
⧫ bioactive polymerization




Protein Chemistry and Enzymology
The intricacies of protein structure and function are one of the main driving forces behind virtually all life processes. The focus of this research stream is to develop alternative methodologies related to biocatalysis, controlled activity, and selective cell recognition via exploiting various protein properties.

Objectives are to create:
⧫ biocatalysts (artificial metalloenzymes)
⧫ trigger-responsive enzymes (artificial zymogens)
⧫ cancer targeting mechanisms




Bioapplications
Ultimately, the desire is to innovate into areas that can be beneficial to biotechnology or pharmaceutical industries. With the tools that we develop, our group will constantly be exploring different ways of solving unique and difficult challenges.

Focus areas will include, but are not limited to:
⧫ protein therapeutics
⧫ microbial cell factories