Richard Gross

Biography

Professor Gross received his Ph.D. from 'Brooklyn Poly' (Polytechnic University) working on Polymer Stereochemistry and then did his postdoctoral research with Robert Lenz at UMASS Amherst on bacterial polyesters. His work lies at the interface between Chemistry and Biology. Research activities by his group are united by the common theme of sustainability and green chemistry. He is developing next-generation biobased chemicals and materials by processes that are safe and environmentally friendly . Through collaborations his group addresses a wide range of challenges in the chemical sciences. Current research targets include dielectric structural materials for energy storage; biocomposites; amphiphilic polymers for delivery of fragrants/drugs/flavors; bioresorbable polyester implant materials; bioresorbable hydrogels for regenerative medicine; enzyme catalysts for polymer recycling/modification; peptide based materials for bioadhesives and antimicrobial applications; molecular editing of glycolipids to develop therapeutics. Working with physicists he is developing nanostructured bacterial cellulose matrices for battery separator membranes, scaffolding for network dispersed liquid crystals to fabricate switchable window devices and reinforcement matrices of biobased epoxy resins. He also collaborates with metabolic engineers and molecular biologist for the design and synthesis of innovative biocatalysts for surfactant and polymer synthesis.

Research Interest

Polymer Chemistry, Bio-Based Building Blocks, Biocatalysis