Robert M. Kelly
 |
Alcoa ProfessorB.S., Chemical Engineering, University of Virigina (1975) M.S., Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia (1976) Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, North Carolina State University (1981) Areas of interest: Email: rmkelly@eos.ncsu.edu |
Research |
Publications |
We are interested in the physiology, enzymology and biotechnological potential of microorganisms that thrive in extreme environments, i.e., extremes in temperature, pressure, pH, ionic strength, etc. Our primary focus is on hyperthermophilic organisms, which are isolated from geothermal sites and volcanic regions and typically have optimal growth temperatures above 90°C. Although primitive from an evolutionary biology perspective, these organisms have only been studied for a short time and there is yet very little known about their metabolic characteristics. Because of the high temperatures at which they can be cultured, they possess an array of highly thermostable enzymes that hold promise as biocatalysts. The mechanisms that stabilize these biomolecules, if understood, could open up new approaches for improving other proteins through protein engineering. The organisms themselves may be useful for important biotransformations, although an evaluation of this potential has not yet been done.
Our research efforts are aimed at the interface between biology and engineering. We have addressed issues of fundamental importance in understanding the bioenergetics of hyperthermophiles, such as the role that sulfur reduction plays in cellular bioenergetics. Through several collaborations, we have examined issues related to the thermostability of high temperature proteins. From an engineering perspective, we continue to consider the potential for biocatalysis at high temperatures, for both hydrolytic and synthetic purposes. Students involved in this research should expect to develop expertise in biochemistry, biophysics, microbiology, molecular biology, in addition to biochemical engineering.
