Inspiration comes from nature. In this image we show the integrated metabolic and originated physical enzyme-enzyme interaction network of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

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Nodes are the enzymes catalyzing reactions, the red directed edges are the metabolic pathway and the blue undirected edges are predicted physical interactions. Courtesy of Daniel Banky

The main research thrust of our laboratory is the development of a new approach to organic synthesis based on networking multiple reactions within one vessel. This strategy, which essentially mimics the synthetic efficiency of a single cell, will enable more efficient and productive synthetic methodologies than those that are currently in use. The realization of the envisioned reaction networks with multiple catalysts and organic reactions requires the development of innovative tools and methodologies to control the properties of (transition metal) catalysts, specifically, the control of temporal activity, substrate-dependent activity, substrate selectivity, reaction selectivity etc. Such systems will operate within one reaction compartment or within multiple, semi-communicated compartments. These interdisciplinary studies comprise of organic and inorganic synthesis, engineering, catalyst development and optimization through detailed mechanistic studies, involving in situ spectroscopic analysis, kinetic analysis and molecular modelling etc.