The Weiss laboratory applies molecular evolution of viruses to trace, dissect, and apply molecular recognition.  Specifically, the lab uses phage display or the mutagenesis of proteins displayed on the surfaces of bacteria-infecting viruses.  Long experience with phage display led to the invention of methods to display membrane proteins on the surfaces of filamentous, non-enveloped bacteriophage.  With vast collections of membrane protein mutants, the Weiss lab has dissected how this important class of proteins works, and solubilized otherwise insoluble, membrane proteins.  Through a collaboration with Prof. Elliot Botvinick (Bioengineering, UCI), the lab is developing a new generation of sensors to improve insulin delivery.  Prof. Weiss also collaborates with analytical chemist Prof. Reg Penner (Chemistry, UCI) to wire viruses into bioelectronic devices.  The two scientists have developed biosensors with a dense phage layer to provide molecular recognition of target molecules. Binding to the phage display-tailored viruses results in a readily detectable change in impedance. Since the phage can be customized to bind most analytes, the “virus electrode” provides an inexpensive, universal biosensor.  For example, cancer-associated biomarkers have the potential to allow early disease diagnosis and to track the patient’s response to therapeutic interventions.  This research leverages nanotechnology-based sensors to identify fingerprints of cancer biomarkers in clinical samples from patients undergoing anti-cancer treatment.  Clinical collaborators to test and complete the development cycle include Prof. Jaime Landman (Urology, UCI) for sensors to detect and diagnosis recurrent bladder cancer.