Enzymes Inside

The microchip changed everything — shrinking, accelerating, revolutionizing the world of electronics.

Expect the same from the biochip.

Right now, Jonathan Dordick, the Howard P. Isermann ’42 Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Rensselaer, is developing a biochip that can study a living system of enzymes at microchip size — and microchip speed.

Frenetic Genetics
As scientists worldwide race to sequence the human genome, massive amounts of genetic information are being generated — but to what end? Until researchers can fully analyze and control the functioning of enzymes and other proteins under a myriad of possible variations, this data will not provide its true advantage. Enter Dordick’s biochip.

The Simulated Cell
Live enzymes are deposited and arranged on a silicon waferchip. Just as electronic signals are directed around a microchip in any sequence, a reactant is guided through the biochip, causing a precise series of enzyme reactions. This pathway through the chip can be infinitely varied to analyze the gamut of possible reactions. Thus, the chip is essentially a replica of a living cell, which is analyzed and altered rapidly and repeatedly. It may help genetic research deliver on all its promises, from eradicating cancer to eliminating birth defects and beyond.

The E Team
Under Dordick’s direction, this enzyme biochip project brings together a wide array of Rensselaer brainpower — including experts in biology, chemistry, microelectronics, computer modeling, data mining, and bioinformatics. High-tech and highly interdisciplinary, this is the kind research that Rensselaer does best.

Biotechnology Research at Rensselaer
Rensselaer’s research programs in biotechnology and the biosciences include leadership in bioinformatics, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, and fresh-water science.

Bioinformatics and genomics explore basic methods of molecular transcription, molecular sequence analysis, genetic engineering, protein and nucleic acid structural analysis, and molecular modeling.

The new graduate program in bioinformatics is a unique educational offering. A collaborative alliance with Wadsworth Laboratories of the New York State Department of Health has enlarged the scope of this research and leverages complementary expertise in the two institutions.

Basic biochemistry research, in Rensselaer’s Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology explores topics in organic synthesis, photochemistry, molecular recognition, protein folding, drug discovery, and polymer synthesis.

Biochemical engineering research emphasizes topics in bioprocessing and biocatalysis with special emphasis on new chip-based technologies linking the study of expression systems and fermentation to applications of enzyme technology and metabolic engineering — especially for the pharmaceutical and agricultural industries.

In biomedical engineering, Rensselaer has expertise in functional cell and tissue engineering, imaging, computer simulation and surgery, and medical devices and systems. Work in tissue engineering is linked with research in nanoscale materials.

Extensive research in fresh-water environmental ecosystems, through the Darrin Fresh Water Institute at Rensselaer, represents an important strength and links molecular-scale processes to large-scale ecosystem dynamics and impacts.

Rensselaer’s Scientific Computation Research Center (SCOREC) is a focal point for research and development of advanced computational techniques that are essential to biotechnology research.

Biotechnology is, of course, dependent on life itself. The origin of all lifeforms is the subject of research at Rensselaer’s New York Center for Studies in the Origins of Life, a NASA Specialized Center of Research and Training.

Why Is Rensselaer So Dedicated to Biotechnology?
Biotechnology is one of the fastest-growing, most critical areas of study of the new century, potentially providing the answers to so many biological puzzles. Cures for disease — solutions for the environment — next-generation medical devices — innovations that will help people around the globe live longer, healthier lives. At its most fundamental level, biotechnology represents the very mission of Rensselaer: solving real-world challenges with high technology, multidisciplinary collaboration, and breakthrough thinking.

Why Is Rensselaer Building a Biochip?
Dordick’s biochip is just one of numerous live projects at Rensselaer — at the intersection of science and information technology. Biotechnology, bioinformatics, and related areas of study will soon be yielding some of the most important discoveries in the history of science — and the world. With our high-tech infrastructure, talented faculty, and unique ability to perform cross-platform research, Rensselaer is positioned to lead the charge.

Why not change the world?