This is one of the big unsolved challenges in biochemistry: how to direct the tag to a single site, ideally inside cells in the presence of other proteins and cell metabolites. The project employs unnatural amino acids for the attachment of fluorophores, EPR tags and NMR tags.

Most proteins and enzymes "live" in solution. Like mechanical machines, their function depends on conformational changes. Using NMR spectroscopy in solution, we develop new methods to determine the movements and conformational changes of proteins, such as the COVID-19 main protease.

At the ANU, we recently installed world-leading prototype equipment to perform experiments not possible previously with miniscule quantities of material (see picture of sample rotors in comparison with Australian five Cent coin below).