Bhaskar Datta
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Temple 419
417/836-5444
BhaskarDatta@missouristate.edu
Office Hours: MW 1:00 - 2:30; T 12:00 - 2:00, and by appointment
PhD, Carnegie Mellon University, 2004
Citizenship and Service Learning (CASL) Faculty Fellow for 2009
Classes for Fall 2009
CHM 452 Biochemistry I
CHM 453 Biochemistry Laboratory I
Research Interests
The combinatorial selection strategy known as systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) has made it possible to isolate oligonucleotides sequences with the capacity to recognize virtually any class of target molecules with high affinity and specificity. DNA and RNA sequences selected by this process are known as aptamers and rival antibodies in therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Aptamers have been introduced into advanced clinical trials for treatment of a variety of diseases. My research interests cover various aspects of the chemistry and biology of aptamers. My main goals are to discover and optimize aptamer based optical sensors, develop ‘switches’ that can turn aptamer binding on (or off), use aptamers to create peptide and antibody arrays, and to study the physical biochemistry of aptamer-target interactions. Students will be exposed to a variety of disciplines including molecular biology (PCR, gel electrophoresis), biochemistry (nucleic acid science), biotechnology (sensor development), materials science (micro- and nanoarrays) as well as physical chemistry (optical spectroscopy) and organic chemistry (modified nucleic acids). The multi-disciplinary nature of research will highlight the pre-eminent role of chemistry in bridging diverse fields.
Professional Affiliations