Research Bio

The Marriott lab conducts technology-driven research at the interface of bioengineering, chemistry, biophysics, and chemical biology. These studies are advanced through long-standing interests in optical microscopy, the synthesis and applications of optical probes and biosensors, and drug delivery systems. The lab is known for its development of new approaches for high spatiotemporal resolution imaging of proteins and their complexes in living systems, including microscope imaging of absolute parameters of fluorescence emission (anisotropy, lifetime, FRET), high-contrast imaging of novel 2-state optical switches for use in optical lock-in detection (OLID) imaging microscopy, and the introduction of caged molecules to enable light-triggered control of protein activity and interactions.  Currently, the lab has research interests in the engineering of human platelets and exosomes for in vivo imaging of early-stage tumours, targeted delivery of drugs and biologics to diseased tissue, the development of hydrogel and contact lens systems for multiplexed imaging of disease biomarkers, sequestering disease-associated proteins, and for daylight mediated release of FDA-approved drugs to manage ocular conditions, including glaucoma and red eye. 

​Current interests include:

• ​Optical microscopy
• Optical probes and biosensors
• Mechanoluminescence probes and stress sensing
• Wearable diagnostic devices
• Drug delivery systems
• History of luminescence

Research Expertise and Interest

Sensors and biosensors, drug delivery systems, optical spectroscopy and microscopy, high-contrast imaging, biomaterials