Computational Bioengineering and Biophysics Research - Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering

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Science formula and math equation abstract background. concept of machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Visual of a cell membrane cut showing the lipid bilayer with some cell membrane proteins. Focus is on the tyrosine receptor (left, blue). A growth hormone is about to dock into.

Genetic engineering and digital technology concept.

Faculty conducting research in this area include Steven Abel, Paul Dalhaimer, Manolis Doxastakis, Bamin Khomami, and Cong Trinh.

The research seeks to develop and apply theoretical and computational methods across scales to fundamentally address physical, chemical, and biological phenomena and translate them into rational design and engineering of biological systems. Applications range from the development of advanced bio-based materials, biochemicals, and novel biocatalysts to disease prevention.

Topics include structure, dynamics, and rheology of soft matter (Khomami), antigen recognition by immune cells, intracellular transport, biochemical reaction networks (Abel), membrane and polymer biophysics, protein assemblies (Doxastakis, Abel), and metabolic network modeling, modular design of biological systems, and CRISPR-based genome editing (Trinh).

Related News

Steve Abel leans against a brick fence.

Abel Receives 2018 NSF CAREER Award
Assistant Professor Steven Abel has been selected to the receive a CAREER award, given by NSF in recognition of young faculty members making an impact in their field.

Manolis Doxastakis.

Building Bridges to the Future of Modeling
Manolis Doxastakis’ research in multiscale computational modeling is building bridges between what exists and what’s possible.

Bamin Khomami.

Khomami Elected to Fellowship
Bamin Khomami, CBE department head and Granger and Beaman Distinguished University Professor, is a newly elected Fellow of the Society of Rheology (SoR).

Featured Publications

Cells under a microscope.

Lipid Droplets Form from Distinct Regions of the Cell in the Fission Yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Eukaryotic cells store cholesterol/sterol esters (SEs) and triacylglycerols (TAGs) in lipid droplets, which form from the contiguous endoplasmic reticulum (ER) network. Paul Dalhaimer’s research team used fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe cells to discover if droplets preferentially form from certain regions of the ER over others. This research is published in Traffic.

Computer generated image of microbe.

Multiobjective Strain Design: A Framework for Modular Cell Engineering
Cong Trinh’s research team developed a Modular Cell (ModCell) design computational tool that helps guide rapid generation of novel microbial biocatalysts and shed light on modular design principles of biological systems. This research is published in the journal of Metabolic Engineering.