Using computers to design proteins allows researchers to make tunable hydrogels that can form both inside and outside of cells

images of two cells. The cell on the right contains hydrogels decorated with Green Fluorescent Protein (green blobs), whereas the cell on the left does not because it is missing one of the hydrogel building blocks
images of two cells. The cell on the right contains hydrogels decorated with Green Fluorescent Protein (green blobs), whereas the cell on the left does not because it is missing one of the hydrogel building blocks
New research led by the University of Washington demonstrates a new class of hydrogels that can form not just outside cells, but also inside of them. Hydrogels are made up of protein building blocks linked together. Shown here are images of two cells. The cell on the right contains hydrogels decorated with Green Fluorescent Protein (green blobs), whereas the cell on the left does not because it is missing one of the hydrogel building blocks (green is everywhere in the cell).Mout
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Q&A with Suzie H. Pun, new director of MolES

Suzie Pun
Suzie H. Pun is the Washington Research Professor of Bioengineering, a fellow in the U.S. National Academy of Inventors (NAI) and American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE), and now, the new director of the Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute (MolES). Pun has been a major part of MolES since it opened in 2009 -- contributing to the growth of research collaborations and the Ph.D. program.

Introducing the MolE doctoral candidates of 2023

Thumbnail size cohort collage

Sept. 6, 2023

The molecular engineering Ph.D. program welcomes its latest cohort of doctoral candidates. From designing innovative drug delivery methods to developing sustainable materials, the forthcoming research from these 15 students has the potential to reshape industries and solve critical issues facing society. Learn about our newest students and their interests below.

Karl Anderson

Karl Anderson’s interests span synthetic biology, metabolic engineering and their applications in bioproduction. During his undergraduate years, he delved into enzyme engineering research. Following graduation, he contributed to the development of T-cell therapies for cancer treatment at Bristol Myers Squibb. Read More

Honoring excellence in molecular engineering

Gocke Altin-Yavuzarslan, Samantha Borje and Olivia Dotson received

Aug. 31, 2023

Gocke Altin-Yavuzarslan, Samantha Borje and Olivia Dotson received
Gokce Altin-Yavuzarslan, Samantha Borje and Olivia Dotson with their student achievement awards.

Gokce Altin-Yavuzarslan, Samantha Borje and Olivia Dotson received Molecular Engineering and Science student achievement awards at the MolES’s graduation celebration on June 1. This is the second year awards were given out at the ceremony.

Altin-Yavuzarslan won the Scientific Achievement Award, which recognizes students that demonstrate extraordinary productivity in their research and scholarship and have contributed meaningfully to the scientific community.

“Gokce’s most impactful contribution to the field of engineered living materials thus far, is the demonstration of 3D printed ones with bio-augmented mechanical properties,” said Alshakim Nelson, professor of chemistry, Gokce’s advisor and Director of Education for MolES. Read More

$2 Million award from National Science Foundation will support team to develop 3D-printed microorganisms for sustainable construction materials

March 9, 2023

An interdisciplinary research team led by University of Washington Chemistry Professor Alshakim Nelson received $2 million in funding from the National Science Foundation's Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation (EFRI) program. The funding will be used to combine engineered microorganisms with 3D printing to create materials for sustainable built environments. This grant will provide funding to researchers at UW, the University of Texas at Austin, and University of California Davis over four years.

"Engineered living systems for construction and other building materials have the potential to afford a level of durability and sustainability that cannot be achieved with our traditional materials," said Nelson. Read More

Meet the Researcher: Ayokunle Olanrewaju

Ayokunle (Ayo) Olanrewaju is assistant professor of mechanical engineering and of bioengineering. His research applies 3D microfabrication, autonomous microfluidics and molecular assays to address medical challenges in treating infectious and chronic diseases, such as HIV, tuberculosis and cancer. He develops technologies for rapid and user-friendly monitoring of medications on an on-going basis to help patients adhere to drug dosing schedules, prevent treatment failure and improve health outcomes.