Peter Woodruff

Dr. Peter Woodruff is a Professor of Chemistry and Director of the Quality Control Collaboratory (QC2) at the University of Southern Maine's College of Science, Technology, and Health. He specializes in biochemistry with a focus on developing novel antibiotics through the study of microbial stress protectants. His research investigates how enzymatic systems can be harnessed to synthesize trehalose analogues that interfere with bacterial metabolism in pathogens like Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Clostridioides difficile.

Dr. Woodruff's research interests center on:

• Biochemical mechanisms of microbial stress protection
• Chemoenzymatic synthesis of antimicrobial compounds
• Development of novel antibiotic strategies
• Trehalose metabolism in pathogenic bacteria
• Applications of enzymatic methods in drug discovery

His publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on chemoenzymatic synthesis methods applied to trehalose analogues, with applications spanning antimicrobial development, molecular imaging probes, and bioremediation technologies. Recent work emphasizes PET radioprobes for infection imaging and strategies against antibiotic-resistant pathogens.

Dr. Woodruff directs the QC2 laboratory that provides analytical services to the craft beverage industry while offering undergraduate research opportunities. He mentors students in techniques including genetic engineering, protein purification, enzymatic assays, HPLC, and NMR. His research is funded by the National Institutes of Health.