Larry Wackett, PhD

The Wackett laboratory studies enzyme mechanisms and metabolism with a particular focus on mitigating current societal problems. Two major projects involved (1) enzymatic removal of unexploded ordinance in the soil of war zones such as Ukraine and Gaza, and (2) developing enzymatic tools for PFAS (polyfluorinated compound) bioremediation. For the former, enzymatic destruction of nitroguanidine is being studied in the context of deriving basic knowledge and for applications in remediation. PFAS are highly persistent pollutants due to the strength of the C-F bond, the toxicity of fluoride anion following bond cleavage, and the lack of selective advantage from their metabolism. In this light, enzymes and bacteria are being engineered and evolved to degrade PFAS chemicals.