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Chemical Engineering Grain Processing Seminar Series

Bruce P. Lee

Associate Professor, Biomedical Engineering
Michigan Technological University

Abstract: Marine mussels secrete adhesive proteins that enable these organism to anchor themselves to various substrate (i.e., ship hull, rock) in a rough, intertidal zone. These mussel foot proteins contain a unique amino acid, L-3, 4 dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), that is responsible for strong interfacial binding. Specifically, the catechol side chain of DOPA is capable of participating in reversible interactions and covalent crosslinking. We are interested in designing bioadhesives by incorporating the catechol side chain into a polymer system. In this presentation, I will describe our efforts in designing bioadhesives using catechol chemistry. Additionally, catechol generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as hydrogen peroxide, when it becomes oxidized. I will also present our recent activities in design antipathogenic biomaterials based on catechol’s ability to generate (ROS).

Bio: Prof. Lee joined Michigan Tech in the Fall of 2011. Prior to his current appointment, he co-founded a start-up company, Nerites Corporation, and contributed to its successful acquisition by Kensey Nash Corporation (currently a part of Royal DSM, a global life science company) in 2011. His current lab is interested in using the mussel adhesive chemistries in designing materials for various applications. He received the Young Investigator Award from the Office of Naval Research in 2016 and the Bhakta Rath Research Award in 2019.