Enzyme-Responsive Surfactants for Carbon Nanotubes
This is a collaboration with Dr Ian Kinloch and Professor Ian Hillier, University of Manchester. We have demonstrated the use of 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) protected amino acids as cost-effective and versatile surfactants for carbon nanotubes. Quantum mechanical computations were used to model these interactions. These surfactants were then converted into enzymatically activated CNT surfactants which create homogeneous aqueous nanotube dispersions on-demand under constant and physiological conditions.
Liquid Crystal Arrays for Detecting Protease Activity
Methods for the parallel screening of protease activity are of great importance, both for activity profiling and in the development of inhibitors. A novel approach to this problem is under development in collaboration with Dr Simon Webb. Our approach involves enzymatic cleavage of peptide surfactants from hydrogel surfaces, whereby the surfactant re-aligns the liquid crystal, resulting to a light to dark transition that is readily observed. Funded by: EPSRC/RSC analytical chemistry.
Enzyme Triggered Nanoparticle Assembly
Nanoparticles are increasingly utilized as core components of biosensors, due to their size- and environment-dependent optical properties. Indeed, colorimetric sensors of high sensitivity have been described for detection of DNA, proteins, enzyme activity, etc. We have, in collaboration with Dr Molly Stevens (Imperial College London) developed a highly sensitive system that makes use of peptide actuators designed to switch from self-assembling to self-repelling upon enzyme action.