Office Address
1479 Gortner Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55108
United States
Lawrence Wackett
Distinguished McKnight University Professor
Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics
The Wackett laboratory investigates enzyme transformations focusing on biodegradation, biocatalysis, and bioinformatics related to those topics. The biodegradation research is now directed toward the enzymatic degradation of guanidinium compounds and polyfluorinated compounds, know commonly as PFAS.
New Project: Bioremediation of Nitroguanidine (NQ) explosive material
Mission statement
The Wackett laboratory investigates enzyme structure and function with a particular focus on bioinformatics and biodegradation. The biodegradation research is now directed toward enzymatic detoxification of the explosive nitroguanidine and common polyfluorinated compounds, the latter are known as PFAS. We collaborate with groups throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. We welcome undergraduates, graduate students, and postdocs and commit to helping them reach their career aspirations.
Research statement
The Wackett laboratory studies enzyme mechanisms and metabolism with a particular focus on mitigating current societal problems. Two major projects involved (1) enzymatic removal of unexploded ordinance in the soil of war zones such as Ukraine and Gaza, and (2) developing enzymatic tools for PFAS (polyfluorinated compound) bioremediation. For the former, enzymatic destruction of nitroguanidine is being studied in the context of deriving basic knowledge and for applications in remediation. PFAS are highly persistent pollutants due to the strength of the C-F bond, the toxicity of fluoride anion following bond cleavage, and the lack of selective advantage from their metabolism. In this light, enzymes and bacteria are being engineered and evolved to degrade PFAS chemicals.