Welcome to Dr. Latour's Research Group

The Biomolecular Interactions Lab (510/512 Rhodes Research Center) is directed by Dr. Robert Latour, McQueen-Quattlebaum Professor of Bioengineering at Clemson University. This lab was established to study the thermodynamics of biomolecular interactions with material surfaces, with an emphasis on protein-surface interactions and their influence on the blood compatibility of biomaterials that are used in cardiovascular and vascular applications. Most recently, Dr. Latour has expanded his focus to develop a new translational research program with the objective of developing relatively simple, low-cost, non-invasive colorimetric biosensors for the at-home monitoring of patient physiological status. We are currently working on two specific research directions. The first direction is the development of a urine test for at-home monitoring of blood phenylalanine levels for individuals with the rare genetic condition known as phenylketonuria (PKU). The second direction is the development of a test for at-home monitoring of the ammonia concentration in exhaled breath, with application to patients suffering from chronic kidney disease and for individuals with a urea cycle disorder. Dr. Latour also formerly directed the Biomolecular Modeling Lab with a focus on the development of molecular modeling methods to accurately simulate protein adsorption on biomaterials surfaces. However, this research area has been wrapped up and discontinued, with previous accomplishments from this molecular modeling research program listed under the laboratory weblink above. Dr. Latour also serves as the director of the Biomaterials Engineering and Testing (BET) Core of the NIH-supported SC COBRE Center of Biomaterials for Tissue Regeneration (SC BioCRAFT).