David Vanderah

My research at NIST have centered on the preparation of organic materials for the modification of surfaces for optimization of biosensors, protein arrays, protein structure-function studies, and ultrathin film metrology. Currently, much of my work is directed toward the synthesis of lipidic anchor molecules that form the basis of tethered bilayer lipid membranes (tBLMs), increasingly being used for the study of integral membrane proteins (IMPs). Some of my work has focused on understanding the control of protein adsorption. We have shown that, for the widely used oligo(ethylene oxide) (OEO) motif, loosely packed, conformationally mobile, uniformly-distributed, surface-bound molecules are the necessary and sufficient conditions for inhibition of nonspecific protein adsorption. We have prepared materials in which the optimal spacing between molecules is derived from their molecular structure. The OEO motif is being used here, to provide a flexible, polar tether segment capable of supporting an aqueous submembrane reservoir of the tBLM, a condition necessary for optimal IMP functional reconstitution. The tBLMs enable a wide range of metrology, including neutron scattering techniques, to further probe IMP structure and function.

Originally from Iowa, I am married with three kids (all grown now) and assorted pets. Although replaced hips have stopped my (previous) sport interests (handball, running, hiking, skiing), I am a strong advocate of fitness through exercise and nutrition. I teach a cycle class.