Alexander G. White

My research interests surround in vivo fluorescence imaging of bacterial infections using molecular probes containing the Zn(II)-dipicolylamine affinity ligand.  Research has shown that these probes stain anionic phospholipids in the cell membrane of bacterial species.  Using the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, the site of infection in murine models can be detected using these probes when injected both intravenously and intraperitoneally.  My future work in this area will encompass the study of novel Zn-DPA linked squaraine rotaxane chromophores and their ability to differentiate bacteria cells from the inflammatory response of the animal.  The ability of these probes to detect biofilms is also of a great importance as use of synthetic devices in the human body continues to increase.  It is my goal to prove that our probes are a useful method of performing preclinical screening of antibiotic compounds which are may be of use in combating standard and biofilm infections.