Research Supervisor Connect
Nature is a master of self-assembly, constructing complex functional architectures from simple protein building blocks. Using protein engineering, we can harness the power of self-assembling proteins to create new functions, from carbon capture to drug delivery and more.
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Masters/PHD
We have several projects available that involve engineering of encapsulins, bacterial cage-forming proteins that can house enzymes and other proteins inside them (see Nat. Commun. 2018, 9, 1311).
Ongoing areas of encapsulin research include:
- Carbon capture: using Rubisco-containing encapsulins to capture carbon dioxide and convert it into plant biomass for boosting agricultural crop productivity (Nat. Commun. in revision)
- Drug delivery: using in vitro assembly to package and deliver drugs to their target cells (Angew. Chem. 2025, 64, e202422459)
- Controlling geometry: engineering new cage architectures that are not found in nature (PNAS 2024, 121, e2321260121)
These projects are suited for students who are interested in the interface between biology and chemistry. Previous experience in protein biochemistry or molecular biology is desirable. Feel free to contact Assoc. Prof. Lau to learn more about the project, the application process, and potential funding opportunities.
The projects are for both PhD and MPhil.
NO associated scholarship opportunity.
Project Keywords: biochemistry; synthetic biology; bioengineering; biomolecular engineering; proteins; self-assembly; capsid; cage; protein cage; molecular biology; synbio; virus; enzymes; rubisco; photosynthesis; plants; carbon capture; CO2 capture; C1 metabolism; drug delivery; vaccines; nano; nano-bio; nanoscience; nanoparticles; electron microscopy; climate change.
The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 2400