Engineering Biomolecular Interfaces
We develop predictive and mechanistic strategies to engineer biomolecular interfaces, enabling control over protein behaviour for next-generation therapeutic systems.
Understanding Interfaces
Our foundation is mechanistic. We study how molecular interactions at biomolecular interfaces govern protein behaviour — uncovering the rules that determine stability, structure, and function in complex environments.
- Protein–lipid interactions — how proteins interact with lipid membranes and nanocarrier surfaces, shaping structural and functional outcomes
- Hydrophobic ion pairing (HIP) — understanding how ion pairing modifies protein solubility, membrane permeability, and stability at interfaces
- Structure–function relationships — linking molecular conformation at interfaces to biological activity and therapeutic performance
- Mechanistic characterisation — biophysical techniques to probe interaction dynamics, thermodynamics, and structural changes at the interface
Predicting Interfaces
Understanding is only the beginning. We build predictive tools that allow us to model, anticipate, and rationally design protein–interface interactions — moving formulation from trial-and-error to principled design.
- PRELYM — a computational framework for predicting protein–lipid interaction outcomes to guide formulation decisions
- Lipid Logic — a design-rule toolkit to systematically select and optimise lipid components based on predicted interactions with target proteins
- Interface modelling — computational approaches to simulate protein behaviour at material surfaces and within delivery systems
- Reaction prediction — applying predictive models to formulation chemistry to achieve reproducible, scalable outcomes
Controlling Interfaces
Mechanistic understanding, made predictive, becomes actionable. We engineer interfaces to produce functional therapeutic systems — designed from first principles to perform reliably in complex biological environments.
- Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) — engineering lipid-based nanoparticle systems with controlled protein–interface properties for improved biological performance
- Oral biologics — developing interface strategies to protect and deliver therapeutic proteins via the oral route, including oral insulin platforms
- Ferritin nanocages — exploiting protein self-assembly at interfaces for targeted delivery and controlled cargo loading
- Stabilisation strategies — applying interface engineering to maintain protein structure and activity in non-native environments encountered during formulation and delivery
Our Research Vision
We are establishing new principles for how biomolecular interfaces can be engineered to control protein behaviour — bridging molecular chemistry, materials science, and therapeutic application.
Proteins are inherently difficult to stabilise and deliver in non-native environments. Our approach addresses this fundamental challenge by developing mechanistic insight into interface behaviour and translating it into predictable formulation strategies and new therapeutic delivery routes.
"We develop predictive and mechanistic strategies to engineer biomolecular interfaces, enabling control over protein behaviour for next-generation therapeutic systems."
Why This Matters
More Stable Biologics
Interface engineering enables proteins to retain structure and activity in formulation and delivery contexts where they would otherwise degrade or aggregate.
Predictable Formulation
Tools like PRELYM and Lipid Logic move formulation design from empirical screening to principled, hypothesis-driven strategies.
New Delivery Routes
Our oral biologic platforms open patient-friendly delivery routes for therapeutic proteins — including oral insulin — that were previously inaccessible.
Work With Us
We welcome collaborators, students, and researchers who share our curiosity about how interfaces shape biological function. If our work resonates with you, get in touch.
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