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> Chemical and
Biological Engineering > Ross P. Carlson Ross P.
Carlson
Education:
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Ph.D. Chemical Engineering
2003
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University of Minnesota, Twin
Cities
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M.S. Microbial Engineering
1998
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University of Minnesota,
Twin Cities
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B.S. Biochemistry
magna cum laude
1996
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University of Minnesota,
Twin Cities
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Research Interests:
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Biochemical engineering, Systems biology, Metabolic engineering, Biofilm
physiology and control
Research Summary:
Metabolic Network Analysis and Engineering:
Life is comprised of thousands of
chemical reactions organized into complex networks. These networks channel
and transform nutrients acquired from the environment into products like work,
heat, and new life. To understand the chemistries of life, the highly
branched and highly coupled networks must be understood. We are utilizing
a network analysis system known as elementary flux mode analysis to study the
properties of microbial reaction networks. The
method identifies every unique, mathematically defined chemical reaction
permutation within a network.
Starting with these chemical reaction modules, we assemble concise mathematical
blueprints of microbial metabolisms.
 The network analysis research is integrated into
practical microbial engineering and microbial physiology studies. Analogous to
traditional chemical engineering, we apply an understanding of specific
chemistries to control the conversion of inexpensive or undesirable compounds
into more valuable or more desirable products. However, instead of using
traditional chemical engineering approaches involving inorganic catalysts and
high temperatures, we are using molecular biology and metabolic blueprints
obtained from network analysis to engineer useful processes catalyzed by
microbes. Applications of this work include environmentally critical processes
like efficient nutrient recycling and bioremediation of contaminated sites. The
research can also be used to optimize biotechnological processes like the
production of biofuels and biomaterials from renewable resources. In addition
by advancing our metabolic understanding of microbial pathogens, it should be
possible to improve prevention and treatment strategies for medical infections.
Anti-Biofilm Coatings:
Biofilms are 3-dimensional microbial communities
encapsulated in a self-produced polymeric matrix. The combined physical and
physiological properties of biofilms make them very difficult to control.
Common planktonic microbial control strategies like the use of antibiotics or
oxidizing chemicals are typically limited in their efficacy at inhibiting or
removing biofilms. Biofilms can grow on most moist surfaces making them a
ubiquitous problem faced by a broad range of disciplines including the medical
field. For instance, the National Institutes of Health estimates that up to 80%
of human infections are related to biofilms. Implanted medical devices like
catheters and artificial joints often serve as a vector for biofilm related
infections.
 We are studying surface coating strategies for
retarding or preventing the formation of biofilms in collaboration
with the Center for Biofilm Engineering. The strategies do not utilize the
traditional paradigm of antimicrobial agents imbedded in an inert polymeric
material. Instead, the system utilizes a naturally occurring polysaccharide as
both the coating material and an actual anti-biofilm agent. The coating
material possesses inherent, broad spectrum, antimicrobial properties, is
biocompatible and is quite non-toxic to mammalian cells. The coatings have been
shown to be effective at retarding or preventing the formation of biofilms under
medically relevant conditions. The coatings have performed significantly better
than more traditional coating systems impregnated with antimicrobial agents like
chlorhexidine. The findings suggest this polysaccharide based strategy has
strong potential for applications on surfaces susceptible to biofilm formation
like implantable medical devices.
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