Rawle I. Hollingsworth Research Interests
Development of synthetic strategies for compounds in medicinal chemistry continued
We have ongoing programs in the development of new drug candidates using structure-based design guided by screening programs targeting several enzymes especially those involved in carbohydrate, glycoprotein, glycolipid and nucleic acid processing. Cancer, infectious diseases, amyloid disorders (e.g Alzheimer’s and diabetes) are included in this focus
Biomaterial design continued
In this effort we also utilize the phenomenon of self assembly. Here we use the innate propensity of molecules with certain structural properties to arrange themselves into specific ordered ensembles resulting in the formation of spheres, rods, wires, hexagons, fibers etc. These various assemblies can be used in a variety of applications including the design of sensors and micro-scaled reactors.
Structural attributes that regulate behavior and properties of biomolecules continued
Our work involves studies on molecular recognition using model systems such as the Rhizobium/legume symbiosis. Another area of study is the adaptive processes bacteria use in going from one set of environmental parameters to another. In both cases, the importance of membrane chemistry is stressed.
Full text of research interests