معرفی
Anna Peacock is a Reader in Bioinorganic Chemistry at the University of Birmingham's Chemistry department within the Healthcare Technologies Institute. Her research program bridges bioinorganic chemistry and peptide engineering with significant applications in medical imaging and drug delivery technologies.
Her primary research interests focus on de novo peptide design and metalloprotein engineering, particularly helix-turn-helix and helix-loop-helix motifs where α-helices are linked by artificial inorganic 'loops'. These structures enable DNA binding through non-covalent interactions with nucleobases in the major groove. A major emphasis of her work involves designing challenging metal ion binding sites within coiled coils, especially for gadolinium-based systems for MRI applications.
Recent publication trends reveal a strong concentration on developing metallo-coiled coils as next-generation MRI contrast agents, with particular attention to gadolinium and copper systems. Her work demonstrates innovation in creating protein-based frameworks that enhance relaxivity properties through controlled water coordination chemistry and strategic metal placement within engineered peptide structures.
Dr. Peacock actively supervises doctoral researchers in areas including de novo design of lanthanide peptide coiled coils and DNA binding peptide sensors. Her substantial grant portfolio includes five active projects totaling over £5 million in funding from major bodies including the Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC), Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), The Royal Society, and Leverhulme Trust. Notable projects include 'Designer Metallo Coiled Coils for use in MRI' (EPSRC, 2025-2030) and 'Bio self-assembled molecular wires' (DSTL, 2024-2028).
Her research group maintains strong industry connections and has generated significant media attention, with 12 press/media features including coverage of novel antibacterial surface technology for hospital-acquired infection prevention. She actively participates in academic events, having hosted the 'Biomolecular Wires from Electric Bacteria' symposium in June 2024 and participated in the Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School visit in October 2024.
