Our research uses biophysical &analytical approaches to characterize supramolecular structure and biological assemblies, based on mass spectrometry (MS) and allied techniques. We develop structural MS methods for challenging questions such as structural heterogeneity, conformational dynamics and (self-)assembly, to gain unique insights into e.g. membrane protein/lipid &drug interactions, amyloid assembly and oligonucleotide higher-order structure.
My research is focussed on chemical, enzymatic and genetic methods to re-engineer proteins and carbohydrates for new applications in targeted drug delivery and medical diagnostics. For example, we can repurpose the carbohydrate-binding domain of cholera toxin to create a non-toxic delivery vehicle to carry macromolecules into the central nervous system.
Our team studies the functions and interactions of proteins using structural, cell, chemical and computational biology approaches. We work towards understanding the molecular mechanisms that underpin cellular functions and how these events are altered in human diseases such as cancer. We are developing new approaches that combine synthetic and computational biology to investigate and overcome…
I lead a multidisciplinary research group to understand the hierarchical biomechanics of proteins and protein networks. We develop tools to explore multiscale mechanics, single molecule manipulation techniques, rheology and scattering to explore the structure, mechanics of living systems. We use an engineering biology approach to study programmable assembly of proteins into engineered living matrices, towards…
I designed and applied engineer biology to resolve the problem in neuroscience.
Amin Sadeghpour’s research focuses on designing and processing functional nanomaterials for food and health applications. He aims to decode how different nanostructures control the properties of biomaterials and their interactions with biological cells. Particular interest is in the sustainable processing of bio-inspired lipid-polymer hybrid networks with responsive nanoscale hierarchy for innovative applications in food biotechnology…
In our lab we are particularly interested in engineering the chassis (the microbial cell), its genome, and its protein synthesis machinery, alongside the genetic construct itself, to fine tune the performance of such microbial cell factories for a range of applications. We use both high-throughput screening and directed evolution, as well as biochemical and cell…
Presently, my research interests are at the intersection of food, health and environmental sustainability: 1) I am particular interested in exploring how food choices may provide cognitive benefits over age, influence risk of on-set and progression of dementia, memory loss, Alzheimer disease.; and 2) Explore new healthier and sustainable nutrient sources- namely non-meat alternative proteins. Microbes are a…
Nano-encapsulation of essential oils facilitates their entry into bacterial cells, producing a new paradigm for antibacterial agents. The developed nano-encapsulation technologies will be adapted to facilitate the insinuation of drugs into human cells. This would be an extension of an already existing collaboration in the School of Food Science and Nutrition at Leeds between Povey,…
My research interrogates the molecular/nanoscale interactions and processing of biomolecular systems with enzymes, focused on two areas. Designer DNA origami direct or resist nuclease digestion to develop them as delivery vehicles for cellular therapy and/or genome engineering. Processing of collagen structures by MMP enzymes in-vitro are investigated as simple models of complex inflammatory biology. The…