Kevin W. Plaxco

Kevin W. Plaxco is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), leading the Plaxco Group. His research focuses on protein folding, biomolecular engineering, and the development of electrochemical aptamer-based (EAB) sensors for real-time molecular monitoring in vivo. These sensors enable high-resolution measurements of drugs and biomarkers in biological fluids, with applications in pharmacokinetic analysis, feedback-controlled drug delivery, and biomedical diagnostics. The lab also investigates protein-surface interactions to enhance biotechnological applications.

Research interests include:

• Protein folding mechanisms and their application to sensor design
• Electrochemical sensor technology for in vivo diagnostics
• Real-time pharmacokinetic monitoring and closed-loop drug delivery systems
• Biophysics of biomolecules at surfaces

Advising and Lab Contributions: The Plaxco Group has mentored numerous graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and visiting scholars, contributing to over 200 publications. The lab is affiliated with UCSB’s Center for Bioengineering and collaborates across disciplines to advance sensor innovation and biophysical studies.

Labs/Teams: The Plaxco Group operates within the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to biomedical engineering and molecular sensing.