CHEN LAB

Decoding Life’s Signals Through Light

About


Welcome to the Chen group! 

Molecular recognition is the cornerstone of countless biological processes, dictating how biomolecules interact with precision to drive vital functions like cellular signaling, immune responses, and metabolic regulation. With a background rooted in biophysical chemistry, I am dedicated to pushing the boundaries of how we probe and understand these intricate interactions. 

My group aims to reveal the subtle yet critical mechanisms behind molecular recognition events via a combination of advanced infrared spectroscopic methods with computational and AI-driven tools. We are also developing the surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (SEIRAS), a cutting-edge technique that significantly amplifies sensitivity and resolution in the mid-infrared region.

Please refer to the Projects page for more details about our research interests! ;)
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Cartoon illustration of plasma membrane
Working mechanisms of lipid membrane— 
Fundamental study on lipid membrane and its functions including protein binding, ion binding and ion transport.
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Amide I stretches and protein secondary structure
Protein structure and dynamics— 
Investigation on secondary structure and dynamics of proteins by IR spectroscopy and simulations.
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Monolayer RNA attached to gold surface for biosensing
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Cartoon illustration of photo-activated lipids for drug delivery
Aptamer-based sensors
Innovative biosensors that utilize short strands of DNA or RNA to detect small molecules with exceptional specificity and affinity.
Photo-switchable lipid nanocarriers— 
Intelligent drug delivery tools that release drugs with precise spatial and temporal control.

Contact


CHEN LAB

Reach out if you want to learn more!


XICHEN@augusta.edu


1120 15th Street
GE-3043
Augusta, GA 30912


Curriculum vitae