Our research program lies at the interface of chemistry, materials science and biology with an emphasis on the molecular self-assembly of soft matter nanomaterials. Current research is primarily focused on the supramolecular assemblies based on peptides/polypeptides, proteins, and block-copolymers. The goal is to fundamentally understand the specific molecular interactions involved in the natural assembly and utilize the knowledge acquired to guide the synthesis and assembly of man-made materials to suit a wide range of applications in drug and gene delivery, tissue engineering, light harvesting, molecular transport and sensing. To accomplish the goal, we will employ a multi-disciplinary approach through combining de novo designed peptides and synthetic polymers to generate functional hybrid materials with well-defined hierarchical structures. We are also interested in understanding the static and dynamic interactions involved in a multi-component system to facilitate rational design and synthesis of more complex, smart materials with desired stimuli responsiveness. While our research emphasis is on the soft matter assembly, we also seek to integrate the study of inorganic colloid materials into our programs to broaden the utility of these hybrid materials in biominerallization and pattering of inorganic nanoparticles.
