In the Dutcher group (www.physics.uoguelph.ca/psi), we use a wide range of state-of-the-art,
surface-sensitive nanoscience tools in newly renovated laboratories to study polymers, biopolymers and
bacterial cells at surfaces and interfaces. Our goal is to achieve a fundamental understanding of these
systems which have direct industrial applications such as remediation of bacterial contamination of surfaces,
delivery of bioactive compounds, development of novel biosensors, and improvements on the efficiency of
producing ethanol from cellulose. Potential graduate student projects include (1) using single molecule
techniques such as atomic force microscopy, optical tweezers and total internal reflection fluorescence to
study the nanomechanical properties of live bacterial cells under different environmental conditions and
their response to novel antimicrobial compounds, (2) using techniques such as surface plasmon resonance
microscopy and quartz crystal microbalance techniques to measure the kinetics of protein and peptide
adsorption and enzymatic degradation of biopolymers such as cellulose, and (3) developing new biosensors
and delivery vehicles for bioactive compounds using novel polysaccharide nanoparticles. These projects will
involve direct interactions with world-class scientists in biophysics and other disciplines, both within universities
and industry. If you are a highly motivated student who is interested in pursuing leading edge nanobiophysics
in an interdisciplinary research environment, please contact Professor John Dutcher (dutcher@physics.uoguelph.ca) directly.
