Research Bio
Matthew Francis is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry. Research in the Francis group is focused on the development of new synthetic methods for site-specific protein modification. These new reactions are then applied to the construction of protein-based materials with useful optical and therapeutic functions. Current areas of research include (1) the development of nanoscale carriers for drug molecules and imaging agents using chemically modified viral capsids, (2) the generation of artificial light harvesting systems using the tobacco mosaic virus capsid, (3) the synthesis of new materials for the removal of heavy metals from water using metallothionein-polymer conjugates, and (4) the attachment of living cells to device surfaces through DNA-based adhesion.
Research Expertise and Interest
materials chemistry, drug delivery, organic chemistry, Protein modification, artificial photosynthesis, water purification
In the News
Retooling the Translation Machine Could Expand the Chemical Repertoire of Cells
Berkeley startup aims to be a game changer in autoimmune disease therapy
Teaching
Special Laboratory Study [CHEM 196]
Supervised Independent Study and Research [CHEM 199]
Seminars for Graduate Students [CHEM 298]
Research for Graduate Students [CHEM 299]
Professional Preparation: Supervised Teaching of Chemistry [CHEM 300]
Supplementary Work in Lower Division Chemistry [CHEM 49]
Supervised Group Study [CHEM 98]
Supervised Group Study [CHEM 98]
Senior Honors Thesis [CHEM H193]
Research for Advanced Undergraduates [CHEM H194]
Research for Advanced Undergraduates [CHMENG H194]
Bioorganic Chemistry and Advanced Chemical Biology [CHEM 136]
Special Laboratory Study [CHEM 196]
Bioorganic Chemistry and Advanced Chemical Biology [CHEM 236]
Seminars for Graduate Students [CHEM 298]
Research for Graduate Students [CHEM 299]
Professional Preparation: Supervised Teaching of Chemistry [CHEM 300]
Supervised Group Study [CHEM 98]
Senior Honors Thesis [CHEM H193]
Research for Advanced Undergraduates [CHEM H194]
Special Laboratory Study [CHEM 196]
Field Study in Chemistry [CHEM 197]
Research for Advanced Undergraduates [CHEM H194]
Research for Advanced Undergraduates [CHEM H194]
Research for Advanced Undergraduates [CHEM H194]
Research for Graduate Students [CHEM N299]
Organic Chemistry [CHEM 12B]
Special Laboratory Study [CHEM 196]
Supervised Independent Study and Research [CHEM 199]
Seminars for Graduate Students [CHEM 298]
Research for Graduate Students [CHEM 299]
Research for Graduate Students [CHEM 299]
Professional Preparation: Supervised Teaching of Chemistry [CHEM 300]
Supplementary Work in Lower Division Chemistry [CHEM 49]
Supervised Group Study [CHEM 98]
Senior Honors Thesis [CHEM H193]
Research for Advanced Undergraduates [CHEM H194]
Research for Advanced Undergraduates [CHMENG H194]