David’s primary research interests are in the engineering of proteins for the creation of new biotechnological applications in areas such as affinity chromatography for the purification of proteins of therapeutic, diagnostic and research value; and the development of highly sensitive biosensor applications for the detection of an kinetic analysis of protein interactions with drugs, proteins and affinity molecules. He is a specialist in proteomic applications, including array-based and MS-based interrogation of protein:protein interactions. He has patents granted in novel platform technologies based on engineered calcium binding proteins and patents pending in phage displayed libraries of novel protein scaffolds for identification of synthetic proteins for drug and diagnostic applications.

At BiOrbic, David is leading a project to engineer the key enzymes responsible for the synthesis of bioplastic polymers to expand the repertoire of polymers available for bioplastic synthesis. His latest project, in collaboration with the University of Nottingham, will employ metabolic engineering strategies in microorganisms to harness spent bioprocessing media waste as a food source in new bioprocesses for drug manufacture. The research will be completed in collaboration with the biopharmaceutical sector to drive the circular economy in this key unmet need, converting waste into new bioprocess fuel.