ChE Department is hosting Professor Jun-Li Hou, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai, China, on Friday, April 7 to present his seminar titled “Unimolecular Channels in Lipid Bilayer: Mimics of Channel Proteins”.
The seminar will be in 58 Greenberg Complex (off Hastings Road) at 10:00 am.
Professor Jeffrey Rimer, University of Houston, will be presenting his seminar titled “Identifying New Paradigms in Crystal Engineering for Energy and Biomedical Applications” on Thursday, March 30th, at 9:30 am in 102 Chemistry.
His research website: http://rimergroup.com/
We have asked each member of Dr. Gomez’s lab to share a bit about themselves and their research. Here are their responses.
I am working on characterization structure of different biological assemblies using synchrotron sources which involve a novel technique: Resonant Soft X-ray Scattering (RSoXS). This technique enhances the contrast between different components in a complex system by tuning X-ray energies to elemental absorption edges. Since the absorption spectra of each species are chemical specific, we can generate scattering contrast targeting specific chemical moieties. I have studied the structure of proteins in solution. Now I am moving forward to investigate the structure of virus particles using RSoXS to aid the design of vaccines. Another part of my project is to study the microscopic structure of plant cell walls to understand plant growth and the interactions between different components in the cell wall. This microscopic picture is going to facilitate the process of using biofuel as a major alternative energy source.
I am a member of Center for Lignocellulose Structure and Formation (CLSF). I am working with Dr. Daniel Cosgrove and Dr. Sarah Kiemle from Penn State Biology Department to study the structure of plant cell walls. I am also collaborating with Dr. Susan Hafenstein and Lindsey Organtini from Penn State College of Medicine to study the structure of CVB3 viruses. I am also working very closely with Dr. Cheng Wang from Advanced Light Source in Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to explore the potential of RSoXS on characterizing biological materials.
Conference Presentations:
My research is regarding fully conjugated donor-acceptor block copolymers for organic photovoltaics. These enable us to tune donor/acceptor interfaces and adopt the mesoscale structure within the active layer of organic photovoltaic devices. The ability to control and modify the micro-phase separation of the block copolymer can offer a useful platform for understanding the relationship between chemical structure, nanoscale morphology, and photovoltaic device performance. Furthermore, they may serve as model systems to study fundamental questions regarding optoelectronic properties and charge transfer.
Publications:
My project uses fully-conjugated block copolymers as model systems to examine current generation in organic solar cells. Despite tremendous advances in recent years, it is difficult to extract a set of design rules for higher performing devices as the mechanism for photocurrent generation is not fully understood. I synthesize block copolymers and then use absorbance and emission spectra of dilute solutions to quantify intramolecular charge transfer between the blocks. The same materials are incorporated as the active layer of organic solar cell devices, fabricated and measured in-house. I also characterize the solid-state solar cells using x-ray scattering techniques at the Advanced Light Source in Berkeley, CA. By following the properties of these carefully designed block copolymers from dilute solutions to solid-state devices, we can reveal unknown aspects of the current generation mechanism in organic solar cells.
I have presented my work at annual meetings of the American Physical Society, American Chemical Society, and Materials Research Society.
My research project focuses on using analytical characterization techniques such as transmission electron microscopy, soft X-ray scattering, and atomic force microscopy to study structure-property relationships in polyamide active layers used in thin film composite membranes for reverse osmosis and nanofiltration. Currently, I am using these techniques to obtain a 3D structure of the membrane to quantify functional group distributions present in the polymer.
I presented at the GRS and GRC conferences for membranes: materials and processes in New London, NH in August 2016. I’ll be presenting at the APS conference in New Orleans this March as well.
My research focuses on the computational design of semiflexible conjugated polymers. I use molecular simulations and analytical theories to predict various properties and behaviors of polymers, such as the persistence length and the nematic phase behaviors. Our overall work can help screen novel semiconducting polymers for high-performance electronic devices.
Publications:
My main research project is on finding structure-property relationships in thin film transistors fabricated via ZnO deposition. ZnO transistors have been of interest over amorphous Si transistors for their high charge mobility and single crystalline structure. ZnO exhibit semiconducting property since it is a compound of group 16 and 20 elements. However, only a little is known about the relationship between the single crystalline structure of ZnO transistors and their electronic property. My goal is to utilize various characterization tools to investigate the material properties of the semiconductor at the nanoscale and to further develop their electronic performance.
My research project is using Resonant Soft X-Rays Scattering (RSOXS) to study Biological Assemblies. We propose to establish RSOXS as a standard characterization technique to investigate multicomponent biological assemblies like viral cells and plant cell walls. The project is co-advised by Dr. Esther Gomez as well.
Professor Manos Mavrikakis, University of Wisconsin, will be presenting his seminar titled “Reaction Mechanisms and Structure Sensitivity for Materials Discovery from first-principles in Heterogeneous Catalysis” on Thursday, March 2 in 102 Chemistry beginning at 9:30 am. His research website is http://manos.engr.wisc.edu/
We have asked each member of our lab to share a bit about themselves. Learn more about our team’s research, publications, collaborations and hobbies.
My research is the computational study of nanoparticle self-assembly. Self-assembly can be a very powerful method to organize nanoparticles into the structures we desire. Theoretical studies can help us get a better understanding of this process and provide us with ideas of how to control it. Currently, I am constructing a coarse-grained model of the system of silica-coated Au nanowires assembled over a gold stripe and perform Monte-Carlo simulation of the assembly process. We expect that, beyond reproducing the experimental assembly pattern, this model can help predict new patterns of interest.
My research focuses on modeling the solution-phase synthesis of metal nanocrystals to understand their shape-control mechanism. Metal nanocrystals can form unique shapes such as nanocubes, nanowires and nanoplates. Although numerous syntheses can be found in the literature, the atomistic understanding of their shape-control mechanism remains elusive.
I use multi-scale modeling tools to advance our knowledge of the shape-control machinery and the interfacial phenomena involved in nanocrystal growth. Collaborating closely with Zhifeng Chen from Prof. Robert Rioux’s group, they bring my theoretical knowledge to life.
In my spare time, I enjoy dancing, cooking, eating and coding. I also participate in Penn State’s hip-hop dance club, “RAM Squad.” We are a group of friends that just can’t stop dancing! You can read more about my dance hobby on Her Campus, where I was featured as a campus celebrity.
Publications:
Conference Presentations:
The goal of my project is to use molecular dynamic simulations to understand the mechanisms of shape-controlled nanocrystal growth, and ultimately to predict effective structure-directing agents before experimental testing. In my spare time, I love crafting and baking lovely, sweet treats.
Publications:
Conference Presentations:
My research project is multiscale modeling [density-functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD)] of the solution-phase syntheses of Au and Cu nanocrystal catalysts mediated by polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and hexadecylamine (HDA) organic capping agents, respectively. This project aims at resolving structure-property relationships of PVP and HDA on Au and Cu surfaces respectively with DFT as well as MD to predict optimal parameters in the synthesis process.
I collaborated with Dr. Wissam Saidi, an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science at the University of Pittsburgh, to analyze electronic structures and the implicit solvent effect of PVP on Au surfaces.
In my free time, I jog and weight train to maintain my body strength and fitness. I also like photography, stargazing and enjoying the beautiful scenery of Happy Valley, Pennsylvania.
Publications:
Conference Presentations:
Our lab group works on creating biomimetic membranes, in which a chemically and mechanically stable block copolymer is the matrix and a transmembrane protein is the functional component. These membranes have application in water treatment, electricity generation, sensors, and medicine. I’ve done something of a variety of projects — examining the mechanism of the MOCP antimicrobial peptide (used to treat water in developing countries) using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations; developing a coarse-grained MD model for poly(1,2-butadiene)-poly(ethylene oxide), a polymer frequently used for creating biomimetic membranes; examining the mechanism of biomimetic membrane formation by dialysis, the method our group uses to synthesize these membranes, using small-angle neutron scattering; and attempting to form membranes from poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide), a cheap and biocompatible block copolymer.
The work on MOCP has been published in Langmuir and the neutron scattering work is in review by Macromolecules.
I’ve presented my work at the Gordon Research Seminar on Polymer Physics (2014), Penn State Graduate Research Symposium (2015), and American Physical Society March Meeting (2016).
My PB-PEO modeling and neutron scattering work has been a collaboration between the Kumar and Janna Maranas groups (I’m co-advised by these two professors), and I’ve worked with Dr. Paul Butler at the NIST Center for Neutron Research on the SANS project (he’s been a great resource, and is one of the corresponding authors on the upcoming paper).
Outside of research, my biggest hobby has been caving. I started by first year at PSU, and took over as club president a few years ago. I like being able to explore new places underground, get some exercise crawling and climbing around, and see an unusual side of nature.
My research project is studying lipid bilayer formation on graphene, a 2D material. The aim of this work is to determine the structure of lipids on graphene, a highly hydrophobic substrate with appealing properties such as high surface area, high conductivity, and flexibility. The purpose of this project is to create a nanoscale, biocompatible platform for enzymatic fuel cells that can be used for diverse applications in the medical, energy, and environmental fields.
I was a supporting author for one of my labmates, Patrick Saboe, recently published paper on incorporating a membrane protein, Photosystem I, into a conductive polymer bilayer for enhanced photocurrent generation.
I will be attending the APS conference in March 2017.
I collaborate with Dr. Golbeck’s lab in the Biochemistry Department at Penn State and Dr. Robinson’s lab in the Material Science Department at Penn State.
My favorite restaurant is Sakura because I love sushi. My favorite hobby after work is shopping.
My research project is to understand the chemical/physical transformation of polymers used in hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) under downhole conditions and its impact on subsequent membrane fouling during treatment. Ultra-high molecular weight (>million Dalton) polymers (guar gum and polyacrylamide) are the major ingredients used in fracking; however, their fate during fracking conditions and impact on membrane treatment has not been investigated. The size / structure of the initial and degraded (post-fracking) polymers governs their likelihood of being trapped in the small pore spaces in porous membranes. My work will significantly contribute to develop sustainable water management strategies and understand the unknown risks to water quality impacted by hydraulic fracturing activities. In addition, I also work on engineering a Moringa Oleifera seed modified sand filter for affordable point-of-use drinking water purification.
An initial study on membrane fouling by actual Marcellus shale wastewater has been published in Water Research. I have presented my work at ACS (2015 & 2016), NAMS (2015&2016), Gordon Research Seminar/Conference (2016), PennTech (2016). I have collaborated with Dr. Bill Burgos in Department of Environmental Engineering and Dr. Alexey Silakov from Department of Chemistry. My hobby after work is weightlifting.
My research project focuses on using analytical characterization techniques such as transmission electron microscopy, soft X-ray scattering and atomic force microscopy to study structure-property relationships in polyamide active layers used in thin film composite membranes for reverse osmosis and nanofiltration. Currently, I am using these techniques to obtain a 3D structure of the membrane in order to quantify functional group distributions present in the polymer.
I presented at the GRS and GRC conferences for membranes: materials and processes in New London, NH in August 2016. I’ll be presenting at the APS conference in New Orleans next March as well.
I am co-advised by Dr. Enrique Gomez in the chemical engineering department at Penn State and work in collaboration with the Dow Chemical Company. My favorite places to go out are probably Liberty or Local Whiskey.
My research project is about artificial biomimetic membranes. Biomimetic membranes should revolutionise water separation membrane technology, because they utilise a highly optimised water separation concept of nature. I’m trying to spincoat a polymeric thin layer that serves as a matrix for less stable cell components. Later artificial channels that mimic water separation membrane proteins of cells will be incorporated in that film. The film will be transferred on a porous membrane support to finally end up in an artificial biomimetic membrane. Without artificial channels, the polymeric layer is thought to get the support water and solute impermeable. With the channels, the polymeric layer is highly water permeable but impermeable to anything else.
This work was partly published in Yuexiao Shen’s PhD thesis and presented at the Gordon Research Conference & Seminar of Membranes: Materials and processes in summer 2016.
I collaborate with the group of Mihai Barboiu at the Institute des Membrane in Montpellier, France, who synthesize the artificial channels.
My favorite restaurant is The Corner Room. I like to explore music from all other the world, playing piano, writing short stories and swimming.
My research project is membrane proteins based biomimetic membranes performance quantification and improvement. The major problem my research is trying to understanding what properties of biomimetic membrane will influence membrane protein incorporation, which will provide directions on developing functional biomimetic membranes with higher membrane protein compatibility.
This work has been presented at Biophysical Society Annual Meeting (2015), North American Membrane Society Annual Meeting (NAMS, 2016), Gordon Research Conference (GRC, 2016), it will also be presented in AICHE this coming November.
In Penn State, I collaborate with Professor Peter Butler’s group (Biomedical Engineering), Professor Costas Maranas group (Chemical Engineering). I also have collaborations with Professor Guillermo Bazan from UCSB.
I enjoyed reading detective fictions (the Tragedy of Y is my favorite book).
I work with membrane protein characterization and ultrafiltration. My work focuses on making the first direct measurement of ion transport of light-driven chloride ion pump, halorohodopsin.
I have published one paper on the ultrafiltration of membrane proteins.
I have attended NAMS, BPS, Gordon research conference for membranes in 2013-2016. I worked with Prof. Andrew Zydney in chemical engineering and Prof. John Golbeck lab in BMB at Penn State. We also collaborate internationally with Prof Mike Blatt’s lab at University of Glasgow along with other schools in UK and USA as part of the MAGIC consortium (a BBSRC/NSF funded project).
I love Little Szechuan, because the food is spicy!
My PhD research topic is developing artificial channel-based membranes for water purification. The major challenges include finding more optimized channel designs for selective water separation and developing fabrication process for channel-embedded two dimensional membranes.
I am first year PhD student who joined Prof. Kumar’s lab very recently and have no relevant progress at here. Rather than, I worked in research fields at interface between nanomaterials and biomedical sciences before joining Penn State in Fall 2016. At that time, I developed self-illuminating nanoparticles which can actively release anti-cancer drugs within tumorigenic environments.
I had several opportunities to present my works in domestic (South Korea) and international conferences, including MRS in Spring 2014 and Fall 2012 and The Korean Society for Biotechnology and Bioengineering Fall Meeting in 2013.
I collaborated with several research groups, including Dr. Cho’s research group (Seoul National University), Dr. Min’s group (Sogang University) and Dr. Ahn’s group (Korea Institute of Science and Technology). They are experts in biochemistry, nano colloids and organic chemistry respectively.
I often enjoy Five Guys burgers since I came to USA, it’s not been a while though. I’ve never experienced such like an awesome burger in my home country. I really like it!
I just started with Kumar lab at the last week of October, and my project is on light driven ion transport membrane proteins: fundamental biophysics, biomedical applications and beyond. One of the areas we are looking into are methods to transport bicarbonate into plants for increased uptake of CO2. Since I just started I have not published, presented, or collaborated yet. My favorite State College restaurant is probably the Corner Room, and my favorite hobby is Tae Kwon Do.
My research is focused on the protein purification by ultrafiltration membrane. We are interested in evaluating the intermolecular interaction and its relationship with the membrane performance behavior and developing the models. I have presented my research at Gordon Research Conference in New London 2016 and would be presenting my work in AIChE meeting this year in San Francisco. My favorite equation would be Hagen-Poiseuille equation because it serves to predict a flux through the membrane.
My research project is purification of plasmid DNA using ultrafiltration membranes. Plasmids are circular double-stranded extrachromosomal DNA that are produced by many bacteria – they can be used as vectors for delivering target genes in DNA therapeutics applications. It is particularly challenging to purify supercoiled plasmid DNA from other undesired isoforms using traditional separation methods such as chromatography. The objective of my research is to demonstrate the potential of UF membranes in purifying plasmid DNA – with focus on developing new strategies to enhance the selectivity between plasmid isoforms and reduce membrane fouling during the filtration process.
I have presented my work at AIChE, ACS, NAMS and Gordon Research Conference. This year I am fortunate to be selected as one of the finalists for MilliporeSigma Life Science Award and invited to present my research at their facility in Bedford, MA.
My favorite equation is Fick’s law(s). It’s a fundamental equation in mass transfer.
I am studying the use of ultrafiltration membranes for the purification of therapeutic grade RNA. These molecules are of special interest since the discovery of RNA interference and their potential use in the treatment of genetic disorders, cancer and other diseases. I have not published my ongoing research, but I have the sense that something will come out soon. I am looking forward to present my recent findings in the next AIChE meeting in San Francisco, CA this November.
I also conducted a research project with Colton Lagerman, a visiting student from The University of Kansas in collaboration with Dr. Salis. The project studied the influence of RNA structure in the transmission through narrow membrane pores.
My favorite equation is the resistance model, based on Darcy’s Law. This is a very helpful equation when studying membrane systems, with a simple experiment you can obtain a lot of information about the membrane integrity and any polarization effects.
My research is about ultrafiltration of pneumococcal polysaccharides and conjugate vaccines using membranes. In production procedure of conjugate polysaccharide vaccine, 98% of unreacted polysaccharides need to be separated due to quality purposes. Different membranes have been used for separation of the unreacted polysaccharide from conjugated ones. Our effort is to characterize the behavior of polysaccharides and conjugated polysaccharides during ultrafiltration in order to increase the yield of the process. By enhancing the efficiency of the separation process, the vaccine would be more accessible for worldwide use especially for developing countries.
Stagnant film model is one of my favorite equations since it has a broad application in explaining the bulk mass transfer in membrane base filtration systems. We can use this model to check the existence of concentration polarization phenomena in the system. This phenomenon occurs when there is a highly concentrated particle layer on the surface of the membrane which affects the performance of the membrane.
My research project is how to achieve continuous coupled precipitation-filtration process for the capture of recombinant proteins. This is a collaborative project with Dr. Todd Przybycien and his student Qin Gu at CMU. The achievement of the proposed research would provide a much lower cost for the initial purification in a fully continuous (steady-state) format, give much higher volume reduction and thus potentially lower cost for all subsequent steps than any of the currently used technologies for recombinant protein purification. This could essentially revolutionize downstream processing.
There are two major challenges that we need to address. First, it is of great importance to find precipitation conditions that not only give high yield and purity but also allow easy re-dissolution of an active protein product (without generation of denatured material or significant amounts of protein aggregates). Second, it is critical to find operation conditions that can permit processing the precipitate in a continuous manner using membrane filtration. These include achieving good separation between the precipitate and the impurities, getting high permeate flux (to minimize membrane area), and minimizing membrane fouling (to minimize membrane replacement).
My favorite equations are Filtration equation and Poiseuille’s law.
Professor Sankar Nair of Georgia Tech will be presenting his seminar titled “Towards MOF Membrane Technology: High-Performance Separations via Mixed-Linker ZIFs and Membrane Processing on Polymeric Hollow Fibers” on Thursday, October 20th, in 102 Chemistry at 10:50 am.
Michael A. Reynolds, Staff Production Engineer for Shell Oil Company, will be presenting his seminar on Thursday, October 13th, 2016 in 102 Chemistry Building at 10:50 am. The title of his seminar is “A Day in the Life of a Production Chemist: Applying Chemistry to Hydraulic Fracturing”.
Professor Maciek R. Antoniewicz of the University of Delaware will be here Thursday, October 6th to present his seminar titled “Towards a Holistic Understanding of Cellular Metabolism” in 102 Chemistry at 10:50 am.
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