Valérie C. Pierre

Inorganic & Organometallic Chemistry: bio-inorganic chemistry, MRI contrast agents
Analytical & Bioanalytical Chemistry: sensor design, cellular and molecular imaging, MRI contrast agents
Chemical Biology: protein crystallography

Our group employs coordination and supramolecular chemistry to solve medical and environmental problems. We exploit siderophores, natural products synthesized by bacteria to chelate iron, as new diagnostic and theranostic tools for bacterial infections. We design and synthesize analogues of these natural products that can rapidly detect, quantify and identify bacteria in complex media. We also design new antimicrobial agents that function via novel mechanisms. As part of our environmental efforts, we are designing new complexes, supramolecular receptors and polymeric membranes that can catch pollutants from lakes and rivers. Our current goal is to design new tools that can economically remove phosphates and nitrates from surface water contaminated with agricultural run-offs.