Niren Murthy

Research Bio

The Murthy laboratory is focused on developing new materials for drug delivery and molecular imaging.

Research Expertise and Interest

molecular imaging, drug delivery

In the News

A New Test Can See -- Almost Literally -- Infectious Bacteria

Up to 20 percent of UTIs are caused by a particularly resistant microbe known as ESBL-producing bacteria. These infections do not respond to the standard antibiotic treatment. With support as a 2019-2020 Bakar Fellow Niren Murthy, professor of bioengineering, and colleagues have developed a 30-minute, low-tech test, called DETECT, to identify ESBL-producing bacteria on a patient’s first visit to the doctor.

Seven new Bakar Fellows already are making an impact

Seven University of California, Berkeley, faculty scientists with novel ideas and an entrepreneurial spirit have been named to the 2019-20 cohort of Bakar Fellows, an honor that gives the fellows the money and time to translate their laboratory breakthroughs into technologies ready for the marketplace.

New CRISPR-powered device detects genetic mutations in minutes

A team of engineers at the UC Berkeley and the Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) of The Claremont Colleges combined CRISPR with electronic transistors made from graphene to create a new hand-held device that can detect specific genetic mutations in a matter of minutes.

CRISPR reduces autism symptoms in mice

Scientists have used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to lessen some autism symptoms in mice with a form of fragile X syndrome, the most common known single-gene cause of autism spectrum disorder.

Teaching

Courses taught during the three most recent terms
2026 Spring

  • Engineering Molecules 1  [BIOENG 11]  

  • Undergraduate Design Research  [BIOENG 196]  

  • Supervised Independent Study  [BIOENG 199]  

  • Individual Study or Research  [BIOENG 299]  

  • Supervised Independent Study and Research  [BIOENG 99]  

  • Honors Undergraduate Research  [BIOENG H194]  

  • Seminars for Graduate Students  [CHEM 298]  

  • Research for Graduate Students  [CHEM 299]  

2025 Fall

  • Undergraduate Design Research  [BIOENG 196]  

  • Supervised Independent Study  [BIOENG 199]  

  • Group Studies, Seminars, or Group Research  [BIOENG 298]  

  • Individual Study or Research  [BIOENG 299]  

  • Supervised Independent Study and Research  [BIOENG 99]  

  • Honors Undergraduate Research  [BIOENG H194]  

  • Seminars for Graduate Students  [CHEM 298]  

  • Research for Graduate Students  [CHEM 299]  

  • Professional Preparation: Supervised Teaching of Chemistry  [CHEM 300]  

2025 Summer

  • Individual Study or Research  [BIOENG 299]  

2025 Spring

  • Undergraduate Design Research  [BIOENG 196]  

  • Supervised Independent Study  [BIOENG 199]  

  • Individual Study or Research  [BIOENG 299]  

  • Supervised Independent Study and Research  [BIOENG 99]  

  • Honors Undergraduate Research  [BIOENG H194]  

  • Seminars for Graduate Students  [CHEM 298]  

  • Research for Graduate Students  [CHEM 299]