Yan Zhao

People
Professor
Yan Zhao picture

The biological world has unparalleled abilities to control structures, functions, reactions, and energy transfer with great efficiency and accuracy. We are interested in biomimetic chemistry to “abstract good design from nature.” One of our main research goals is to design molecules that functionally mimic certain biological systems, and in turn to prepare molecules, polymers, and materials that have useful and superior properties. Our imprinted nanoparticles mimic natural antibodies in their molecular recognition of small-molecule drugs, peptides, and carbohydrates. They serve as excellent supramolecular hosts, specific biomimetic sensors, and smart materials useful for chemistry and biology. They enter cells readily and use their superb molecular recognition to intervene biological processes (e.g., apoptosis, drug efflux, etc.).  Our enzyme-mimetic catalysts carry out highly selective chemical transformations in water under mild conditions. They break down cellulose with enzyme-rivaling efficiency but can tolerate harsh reaction conditions while being recycled (https://www.news.iastate.edu/news/2023/08/17/catalysts).  With tunable chiral space near the catalytic center, our synthetic aldolase enables poor chiral (prolinamide) catalysts to achieve up to 99% ee and even racemic catalysts >70% ee.      

For a detailed description of our research, see: https://www.chem.iastate.edu/yan-zhao-research-interests

List of publications: https://www.chem.iastate.edu/yan-zhaos-publications

Recent group photos: https://www.chem.iastate.edu/zhao-group

Department: 
Chemistry
Area of Expertise: 
Biomaterials
Catalysis
biomimetic polymers
Biomass Conversion
Organic Synthesis
Fluorescent Sensing
Supramolecular chemistry
Nanoscience
Contact
515-294-5845
3101D Hach, 2438 Pammel Dr
Ames
Iowa
50011-1079