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We are designing materials that synergistically combine synthetic polymers and peptides to unlock new capabilities for the next generation of materials. Our specific interests include understanding and exploiting stereochemistry-driven interactions and stimuli-responsive motifs to control materials properties, and using polymers to present and encapsulate peptides in ways that maximize their function.
Interested in joining our awesome community at UVa for a Ph.D. in chemical engineering? Learn more here!
Check out our latest research!
Check out our latest research!
Opposite-handed peptide complexes (stereocomplexes) cross-link polymer hydrogels
Opposite-handed peptide complexes (stereocomplexes) cross-link polymer hydrogels
Israt, together with JP, Keelin, Darren, and collaborator Diane Dickie (UVA Chemistry, crystallographer), introduces peptide stereocomplexes as cross-linkers for polymer hydrogels in their Chemical Science paper. When the opposite-handed peptides are sufficiently concentrated to form β-sheet secondary structures, they gel. We are excited about expanding the design space of these cross-linkers to furnish hydrogels with tunable mechanics and stability for use in advanced materials.
Presenting antimicrobial peptides on polymers: comb vs. stars - who wore it best?
Presenting antimicrobial peptides on polymers: comb vs. stars - who wore it best?
Zixian, together with Elli, Mobina, and collaborators Molly Hughes and Matt Crawford (UVA School of Medicine) show combs to resoundingly outperform star-shaped antimicrobial peptide-polymer conjugates in killing bacteria in their Macromolecules paper. Potentially responsible for the superior bacteria killing are the enhanced stability of the peptide and reduced aggregation propensity of the comb conjugates that keeps the peptides available for interactions with bacteria.
Recent Letteri Lab News
Congratulations to Vince for filing a provisional patent on his polymer-peptide conjugates to treat Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis!
We excitedly welcome Emily Michnowski, a 1st year chemical engineering PhD student, to the lab! She will be working on developing peptides as solid polymer electrolytes!
Congratulations to Hadley on winning 1st place and Aditi on winning 3rd place in the Chemical Engineering Summer Seminar Series!
Rachel shares our work at a Cville Women in Tech event!
Rachel visits Pomona College for a seminar in the chemistry department!
Kelly, Mobina, Hadley, Isabel, Annie, and Rachel attend AICHE in Boston! Rachel, Kelly, and Hadley give talks, and Mobina, Isabel, and Annie give posters! Congratulations to Annie on winning a poster award in the undergraduate poster competition!
Contact us
Rachel Letteri
e-mail: rl2qm [at] virginia.edu
office: Wilsdorf Hall 201C
phone: 434-243-3628
Labs: B015 Wilsdorf Hall and 331 Jesser Hall
Lab mailing address
385 McCormick Rd.
Charlottesville, VA 22903
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