Pierre Research Group

Our group employs coordination and supramolecular chemistry to solve medical and environmental problems.  We design unique metal-based receptors to modernize dialysis and treat hyperphosphatemia - a condition affecting millions of patients with kidney diseases. As part of our environmental efforts, we are designing new complexes, supramolecular receptors and polymeric membranes that can catch pollutants from lakes and rivers. Our current goal is to design new tools that can economically remove phosphates and nitrates from surface water contaminated with agricultural run-offs. Similarly, we are designing new ligands and novel separation protocols that can separate metal ions, especially rare earths, in a sustainable manner without generating waste or using harsh sovlent extraction methods. We exploit siderophores, natural products synthesized by bacteria to chelate iron, as new diagnostic and therapeutic agents to treat bacterial infections