I am committed to creating sensing materials for point-of-care devices that will make analytical & diagnostic testing more accessible to the public. My research interests also include developing catalytic biomaterials using immobilized enzymes for applications in synthesis & remediation of contaminated water and soil.

 

 I develop responsive polymer & pure protein biopolymer composite materials for applications in chemical or biological sensing & catalysis. The sensors utilize 2D or 3D photonic crystals which diffract light to produce an optical or colorimetric response to a specific target.

  

 Advanced functional biopolymers that enable the utilization of protein chemistries in harsh environments will facilitate their use in novel applications. Pure protein biopolymers are a network of crosslinked proteins, which can be utilized in aqueous and non-aqueous environments. Polymerization of proteins in aqueous solution immobilizes the native protein structure, improving their chemical & thermal stability. These polymerized proteins retain much of their binding affinity or enzymatic activity in organic solvent.

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