Dr. Gopan Krishnan
Oklahoma State University
Friday, October 23, 2026
12:00 Noon
Meyerhoff Chemistry BuildingRoom 120
Host: Dr. Chengpeng Chen
“Molecular Interfaces for Probing Biological Chemistry: Protein Electron Transfer,
Metabolism, and Molecular Recognition”
Many challenges in human health, food sustainability, and biological measurements share a common analytical problem: molecular events that determine function occurring within complex environments, while conventional assays often provide only an integrated endpoint. Our research develops engineered molecular interfaces that convert electron transfer, molecular recognition, oxidation, binding, and biochemical activity into quantitative signals while maintaining mechanistic connections. We use electrochemical and complementary optical approaches to examine how biological chemistry changes as measurements move from purified proteins to native matrices, organelles, and multiplex molecular assemblies. Representative studies illustrate how the design and organization of molecular interfaces can reveal catalytic electron transfer in metabolic enzyme systems; how electrochemical, spectroscopic, and structural measurements can connect protein redox behavior and mitochondrial respiration to meat discoloration, a source of substantial food loss, resource use, and environmental burden; and how interfacial organization governs nucleicacid hybridization and multiplex analytical response. Extending molecular measurements beyond centralized laboratories requires analytical approaches that combine sensitivity, simplicity, and compatibility with complex biological samples. Toward this goal, we have developed point-of-need colorimetric strategies for low-level protein and nucleic-acid targets directly in biofluids, with visual readout and minimal instrumentation, including insulin and infectious-disease model systems. Across these directions, our broader goal is to move beyond empirical detection toward measurements that reveal structure–function relationships and support practical decisions in health, food systems, and biotechnology.