The transformation of biology in the 1960’s and 70’s from a descriptive science to a molecular science and our current, unprecedented ability to manipulate biological cells at the genetic level have revolutionized the interaction between chemical engineering and biology and life sciences. The research and educational programmes in the Department in Biomolecular and Biomedical Sciences recognize that biology at the molecular level is a chemical science and that biological cells are cellular factories. The Department has a long-standing record of research and education in areas that cut across disciplinary boundaries in biological and life sciences and has played a major role in shaping the direction of research in the nation. An example is A*STAR’s Bioprocessing Technology Institute, which evolved out of the Bioprocessing Technology Centre within the Department, and the Joint BTI-ChBE Research and Educational Laboratory.

Current research activities in biomolecular and biomedical engineering in the Department include

• Development of drug delivery systems

• Biomolecular functionalization for biosensors

• Molecular level control of biomolecules for fabricating biomolecular micro/nanodevices

• Modification of proteins to target them for desired materials; Protein biosynthesis from genetically modified microbes

• Genetic data mining for systems biology

• Tissue engineering with synthetic and natural polymers; Biomaterials for biomedical applications.

• Biocatalysis for Selective and Environmentally Benign Transformations

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