معرفی
Alfredo Capretta is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology at McMaster University. His research focuses on developing innovative chemical tools for biomedical applications, including molecular probes, biosensors, and strategies to combat antibiotic resistance. Capretta has been affiliated with the Biointerfaces Institute, emphasizing interdisciplinary work at the chemistry-biology interface.
Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, McMaster University (1984–1988)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry, McMaster University (1988–1992)
- Postdoctoral Fellow in Chemistry at Cambridge University (1992–1994)
Research Interests: Capretta’s work spans synthetic organic chemistry, chemical biology, and medicinal chemistry. He specializes in designing DNAzyme-based diagnostic tools, CO-releasing molecules (CORMs) for therapeutic applications, and strategies to inhibit antibiotic resistance enzymes. His recent projects include developing rapid, unprocessed saliva and sputum assays for pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 and Staphylococcus aureus, leveraging aptamer technology and molecular recognition principles.
Publications Trends: His recent articles (2020–2024) highlight advancements in point-of-care diagnostics, aptamer engineering, and SARS-CoV-2 detection. Earlier work (2004–2006) focused on palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions and ionic liquid applications in organic synthesis. Key themes include bioactive molecule design, enzyme inhibition mechanisms, and translational biomedical chemistry.
Advising & Grants: While no advisees are explicitly listed, Capretretta has led research initiatives addressing antibiotic resistance and viral diagnostics. His work has been referenced in multiple patents, indicating impactful translational research. Teaching responsibilities include core courses like Medicinal Chemistry (CHEMBIO 4OB3), Organic Chemistry II (CHEM 2OB3), and Organic Synthesis (CHEM 3OA3).
Labs/Teams: Affiliated with the Biointerfaces Institute, collaborating on biomaterials and diagnostics research. His lab explores chemical biology solutions for inflammatory disorders and infectious diseases.
