Faculty - Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering

Yu Lei, Ph.D. Assistant Professor University of California-Riverside and P.E. (California) Phone: (860) 486-4554 Email: ylei@engr.uconn.edu Web: http://www.engr.uconn.edu/~ylei

Research Interest: Biosensors

Many areas of medicine, the environment, and food and agriculture - ranging from the diagnosis of disease to new drug discovery, screening and food safety, as well as pollutant monitoring - involve the detection of biological and chemical species. This research is aimed at development of novel, simple, ultrasensitive and universal biosensor platforms for the detection of biological and chemical species.

Research Interest: Bioremediation

Biological methods of detoxification provide an environmentally friendly/benign and economical alternative to the conventional methods presently available. I am interested in using recombinant DNA technology to construct genetically-engineered bacteria with biomolecules such as enzymes, then applying them for bioremediation of toxic compounds such as pesticides.

Research Interest: Biopolymers and their Applications

In the past decade, progress in molecular biotechnology has revolutionized our abilities and provided us with tools for application at molecular level. In this research, novel biopolymers are designed and their properties are characterized by advanced analytical methods. The applications to tissue engineering and drug delivery are also investigated.

Research Interest: Nanomaterials and their Application in Biosensing

Nanotechnology is a strategic technology that holds the potential for great commercial rewards in the areas of electronics, medicine, environment, food and agriculture. This research seeks to develop novel nanomaterials such as metal oxides. Their applications in sensing and biosensing are also investigated.