Molecular Mechanism of Metalloproteins
The Ravanfar Lab utilizes a combination of expertise in metalloproteins, soft matter, enzymology, biophysical methods, and biochemical experiments to explore diverse research areas. Our primary focus is on understanding the structure/function relationship and mechanisms of electron transfer in metalloproteins, particularly those involved in human health and disease, drug-screening, C–H bond activation, and the removal of environmental pollutants.
Peer-reviewed Publications
R. Ravanfar, Y. Sheng, H.B. Gray, J.R. Winkler “Tryptophan Extends the Life of cytochrome P450”. Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences, 120 (50) e2317372120 (2023).
R. Ravanfar, Y. Sheng, H.B. Gray, J.R. Winkler. Tryptophan‐96 in cytochrome P450 BM3 plays a key role in enzyme survival. FEBS Letters, 597, 59–64 (2023).
R. Ravanfar, Y. Sheng, M. Shahgholi, B. Lomenick, J. Jones, T. Chou, H.B. Gray, J.R. Winkler. Surface cysteines could protect the SARS-CoV-2 main protease from oxidative damage. Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry, 234, 111886 (2022).
M. Morales, R. Ravanfar, P. Oyala; H.B. Gray, J.R. Winkler. Copper (II) Binding to the Intrinsically Disordered C-Terminal Peptide of SARS-CoV-2 Virulence Factor Nsp1. Inorganic Chemistry, 61, 24, 8992-8996 (2022).
R. Ravanfar, A. Abbaspourrad. Monitoring the Heme Iron State in Horseradish Peroxidase to Detect Ultra-trace Amounts of Hydrogen Peroxide in Alcohols. RSC Advances, 11, 9901-9910 (2021).
R. Ravanfar, A. Abbaspourrad. The Molecular Mechanism of the Photocatalytic Oxidation Reactions by Horseradish Peroxidase in the Presence of Histidine. Green Chemistry, 22, 6105-6114 (2020).
R. Ravanfar, P. Lawrence, K. Kriner, A. Abbaspourrad. Catalyzed Oxidation of Carotenoids by Lactoperoxidase in the Presence of Ethanol. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 67 (6), 1742-1748 (2019).
Bio-inspired Catalysis Using Heme-containing Proteins
Heme-containing proteins, with their remarkable catalytic efficiency and selectivity, are crucial for driving essential biological processes, including oxidative reactions and electron transfer. While these proteins evolved to perform specific functions in nature, many also exhibit "promiscuous" capabilities—latent functions not utilized in their natural environment. At Ravanfar Lab, we harness this versatility to explore new enzymatic functionalities in the lab, using biomimetic approaches to design enzymes that catalyze non-biological reactions with high efficiency and selectivity.
Peer-reviewed Publications
Coming soon!
Our research focuses on designing and fabricating highly sophisticated scaffolds with precise, tunable architectures that enable the controlled and targeted release of therapeutic agents, including small molecules, proteins, and peptides. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, we aim to develop bioresponsive platforms that respond to specific stimuli, ensuring optimal release profiles and enhanced therapeutic efficacy.
Peer-reviewed Publications
R. Ravanfar, C. Bayles, A. Abbaspourrad. Structural Chemistry Enables Fluorescence of Amino Acids in the Crystalline Solid State. Crystal Growth and Design, 20, 16731680 (2020).
R. Ravanfar, A. Abbaspourrad. l-Histidine Crystals as Efficient Vehicles to Deliver Hydrophobic Molecules. ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, 11, 42, 39376-39384 (2019).
R. Ravanfar, G.B. Celli, A. Abbaspourrad. Controlling the Release from Enzyme-responsive Microcapsules with a Smart Natural Shell. ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, 10 (6): 6046-6053 (2019).
Lee, R. Ravanfar, C. Tan, A. Abbaspourrad. Ultrastable Water-in-Oil High Internal Phase Emulsions Featuring Interfacial and Biphasic Network Stabilization. ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, 11, 29, 26433-26441 (2019).
R. Ravanfar, T. Comunian, A. Abbaspourrad. Thermoresponsive, Water-dispersible Microcapsules with a Lipid-polysaccharide Shell to Protect Heat-sensitive Colorants. Food Hydrocolloids, 81, 419-428 (2018).
R. Ravanfar, T. Comunian, R. Dando, A. Abbaspourrad. Optimization of Microcapsules Shell Structure to Preserve Labile Compounds: A Comparison Between Microfluidics and Conventional Homogenization Method. Food Chemistry, 241, 460-467 (2018).
R. Ravanfar, A.M. Tamaddon, M. Niakousari,M.R. Moein. Preservation of Anthocyanins in Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: Optimization of a Microemulsion Dilution Method Using the Placket-Burman and Box-Behnken Designs. Food Chemistry, 199: 573-580 (2016).
