RESEARCH
Our research uses molecular biology techniques, synthetic biology, systems biology (omics), metabolic engineering, protein engineering, bioprocess and environmental engineering principles to solve emerging environmental problems.
1. Waste-to-energy/value biotransformation and resource recovery
There is an ongoing paradigm shift to view wastes as renewable resources rather than economic burdens. Waste-based biorefining is of growing interest and significance to provide new sources of fuels and valuable chemicals while valorizing wastes and meeting environmental quality goals. Under this topic, our research is focused on developing novel whole cell/enzyme biocatalysts, biomaterials, or bio-nano hybrid materials for resource recovery from waste streams. Specific research topics include i) plastic depolymerization and upcycling, ii) REEs recovery, and iii) P recovery.
2. Renewable biocatalysis for water reclamation and reuse
Water scarcity and pollution are among the greatest engineering challenges of the 21st century. While the improved use of existing freshwater sources can assist in meeting the growing demand for clean water, these resources are already stressed and cannot be stretched to meet the demands of society. Therefore, the production of clean water from non-traditional sources, such as wastewater, is necessary. The development of technologies that mitigate the risks associated with wastewater micropollutants, by transforming them to environmentally-benign products, is critical to advancing water reclamation and reuse. Research in my group explores biocatalysis as a green chemistry alternative for efficient degradation of recalcitrant contaminants.
3. Disease control to protect public health
One research thrust in our lab is focused on developing biosensors and bioinspired materials using synthetic biology for monitoring and control of pathogens and disease vectors. We, together with collaborators, have developed iRNA mosquito larvicidal agents. The research is critical step for advancement toward the long-term goal of including cost-effective species-specific larvicides in integrated mosquito control programs. Our ongoing research is focused on engineering whole-cell biosensors and antimicrobial biomaterials for point-of-care detection and control of pathogens, with the goal to create affordable, sensitive, rapid, user-friendly and potable platform for resource-limited areas.
1. Waste-to-energy/value biotransformation and resource recovery
There is an ongoing paradigm shift to view wastes as renewable resources rather than economic burdens. Waste-based biorefining is of growing interest and significance to provide new sources of fuels and valuable chemicals while valorizing wastes and meeting environmental quality goals. Under this topic, our research is focused on developing novel whole cell/enzyme biocatalysts, biomaterials, or bio-nano hybrid materials for resource recovery from waste streams. Specific research topics include i) plastic depolymerization and upcycling, ii) REEs recovery, and iii) P recovery.
2. Renewable biocatalysis for water reclamation and reuse
Water scarcity and pollution are among the greatest engineering challenges of the 21st century. While the improved use of existing freshwater sources can assist in meeting the growing demand for clean water, these resources are already stressed and cannot be stretched to meet the demands of society. Therefore, the production of clean water from non-traditional sources, such as wastewater, is necessary. The development of technologies that mitigate the risks associated with wastewater micropollutants, by transforming them to environmentally-benign products, is critical to advancing water reclamation and reuse. Research in my group explores biocatalysis as a green chemistry alternative for efficient degradation of recalcitrant contaminants.
3. Disease control to protect public health
One research thrust in our lab is focused on developing biosensors and bioinspired materials using synthetic biology for monitoring and control of pathogens and disease vectors. We, together with collaborators, have developed iRNA mosquito larvicidal agents. The research is critical step for advancement toward the long-term goal of including cost-effective species-specific larvicides in integrated mosquito control programs. Our ongoing research is focused on engineering whole-cell biosensors and antimicrobial biomaterials for point-of-care detection and control of pathogens, with the goal to create affordable, sensitive, rapid, user-friendly and potable platform for resource-limited areas.