Our group employs coordination and supramolecular chemistry to solve medical and environmental problems. We exploit siderophores, natural products synthesized by bacteria to chelate iron, as new diagnostic and theranostic tools for bacterial infections. We design and synthesize analogues of these natural products that can rapidly detect, quantify and identify bacteria in complex media. We design unique metal-based receptors to modernize dialysis and treat hyperphosphatemia - a condition affecting millions of patients with kidney diseases. As part of our environmental efforts, we are designing new complexes, supramolecular receptors and polymeric membranes that can catch pollutants from lakes and rivers. Our current goal is to design new tools that can economically remove phosphates and nitrates from surface water contaminated with agricultural run-offs.
