Korea University · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
Professor Man Bock Gu's research lab specializes in the development and application of nanomaterials and biomolecular tools for environmental sensing, biocatalysis, and sustainable technology. The lab focuses on enzyme immobilization using advanced nanomaterials to enhance stability and efficiency in green chemical processes, while also pioneering label-free aptamer selection platforms using graphene oxide for high-affinity detection of small molecules and proteins. A key research direction involves understanding the biological impacts of nanomaterials—particularly silver nanoparticles—through real-time bioluminescent monitoring of oxidative stress and cellular damage mechanisms. The lab also develops ultrasensitive, colorimetric biosensors based on truncated aptamers for rapid detection of antibiotics and pesticides.
Figures are computed from collected data and may differ slightly.
Every cell has a silver lining! The toxicity of Ag nanoparticles is investigated using a panel of recombinant bioluminescent bacteria. The presence of the nanoparticles leads to the production of a superoxide radical (see figure). Furthermore, the Ag nanoparticles damage the cellular membranes, causing a disruption in the ion efflux system. Thus, the cells cannot effectively extrude the Ag ions and, hence, Ag nanoparticles cause more damage than do Ag ions. Supporting information for this articl
Immobilization is a key technology for successful realization of enzyme‐based industrial processes, particularly for production of green and sustainable energy or chemicals from biomass‐derived catalytic conversion. Different methods to immobilize enzymes are critically reviewed. In principle, enzymes are immobilized via three major routes (i) binding to a support, (ii) encapsulation or entrapment, or (iii) cross‐linking (carrier free). As a result, immobilizing enzymes on certain supports can e
Graphene oxide (GO) has the ability to separate free short ssDNA in heterogeneous solution. This feature is applied as a label free platform for screening of aptamers that bind to their target with high affinity and specificity. Herein, we report an aptamer selection strategy for Nampt protein based on GO.
A shortened 8-mer ssDNA aptamer was successfully truncated for four different tetracyclines with high affinity. The ultrasensitive colorimetric detection of oxytetracycline using this shortened aptamer was possible, which was about 500-fold enhanced compared to that obtained using the original 76-mer aptamer.
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