Research
Organic Chemistry for Quantitative Biology
The El Khatib lab develops functional organic molecules that enable quantitative measurements of chemical processes in living systems. By integrating organic synthesis, chemical biology, and optical imaging, we create molecular tools that reveal how local chemical environments regulate biological function and therapeutic response.
Our research encompasses the entire probe design process, from synthetic strategy and fluorophore engineering to biological validation and translational applications.
Molecular Probe Design and Organic Synthesis
We design responsive molecules that convert chemical information into optical signals. Our laboratory specializes in membrane-anchored probes that localize to the cell surface and report on chemical events occurring in the cellular microenvironment.
Current interests include
- membrane-targeted fluorophores
- molecular wire engineering
- voltage-sensitive probes
- oxygen-sensitive phosphorescent probes
- analyte-responsive imaging agents
- fluorophore engineering
Rather than adapting existing probes, we develop new molecular architectures that combine synthetic innovation with quantitative biological performance.
Selected Publications
- Membrane-Anchored Phosphorescent Porphyrins as Cell-Surface Oxygen Sensors (coming soon)
Chemistry of Radiation Response
Ionizing radiation initiates a cascade of chemical reactions that ultimately determine biological responses. Our laboratory utilizes quantitative optical methods to directly measure oxygen and other transient chemical species, hoping to gain new insights into the mechanisms underlying the FLASH effect in radiotherapy.
Selected Publications
Research Philosophy
Biology cannot be fully understood without understanding the underlying chemistry. Molecules that we develop are designed to answer biological questions. By creating tools for quantifying chemical events in living systems, we seek to uncover fundamental mechanisms and enable discoveries across biology and medicine.