The Marriott Lab is recognized for its innovative research programs at the interface of bioengineering, chemistry and biophysics. Its technology-driven research programs are advanced through long-standing interests in the design and synthesis of optical probes and biosensors and their application to sensing technologies and microscope imaging techniques.
Notable firsts for the lab include: the introduction of time-resolved delayed luminescence imaging microscopy; rational design of synthetic and genetically-encoded optical switch probes for high-contrast in vivo imaging using OLID- and OLID-FRET; caged proteins and optical control of protein activity with high spatiotemporal resolution; genetically encoded probes for quantitative fluorescence anisotropy, FRET and lifetime-based imaging of protein interactions in living cells and model organisms; optical switch probes to reversibly control protein interactions using light; engineering human platelets and exosomes as living vehicles for long-term, in vivo imaging of early-stage tumours, and targeted release of drugs to manage tumours; a new concept in the design of drug-releasing contact lenses that slowly release timolol and Xiidra during passive exposures to natural daylight; and the design of ELISAs for point-of-care diagnostic devices.
Highlights of recent research publications include:
- Mechanoluminescent sensors, fluorescent probes and actuators (2015, 2020, 2021)
- Piezoelectric crystals for in vivo imaging of stress distributions in load-bearing devices (2020)
- Engineering human platelets and exosomes for in vivo imaging and drug delivery (2016, 2021)
- Daylight-triggered drug release from contact lenses (2019, 2021)
- New ELISA-based platforms for POC diagnostics (2020)
- Design of NIR-I and NIR-II probes for in vivo imaging (2017, 2020)
Gerard Marriott received his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1987, where his research advisor was Gregorio Weber. His academic appointments have included the following roles:
- 1987–90: Postdoctoral Fellow (with Dr. Thomas Jovin)
Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Goettingen, Germany - 1990–91: Postdoctoral Associate (with Kazuhiko Kinosita)
Department of Physics, Keio University, Yokohama, Japan - 1992–99: C3 Professor
Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany - 1999–2005: Associate Professor
Department of Physiology, University of Wisconsin–Madison - 2005–09: Professor
Department of Physiology, University of Wisconsin–Madison - 2009–present: Professor
Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley