PULSe Home > Faculty Members A-C > Arthur Aronson

Professor-Department of Biological Sciences Ph.D., Illinois, 1958 Contact Info: aronson@purdue.edu 765-494-4992 Training Group(s):

Current Research Interests:

Certain bacterial species survive hard times (cold, dryness, lack of nutrients) by forming dormant resistant cells called endospores. There is an elaborate morphogenetic program leading to the formation of these spores. We have a long-standing interest in the understanding of the proteins that comprise the protective coat of the spores.

Spores of the species Bacillus anthracis are of considerable concern as a biological warfare agent. Because the spores are relatively easy to produce, very stable and resistant, they can be weaponized and thus pose a serious threat. We are focusing on the spores of Bacillus anthracis and are studying whether there are unique features of the surface of anthrax spores which can be exploited for detection and/or inactivation.

In collaboration with investigators in the schools of engineering, we are developing highly sensitive and specific detection systems using chip technology. We are also working on effective methods for inactivating these spores in water samples. These studies involve finding the most effective radiation sources for killing spores without altering the properties of the water. Our research involves a cytological, biochemical and molecular genetics approach for characterizing spore surface proteins unique to strains of Bacillus anthracis. The genes encoding these proteins will be inactivated and the effects on spore structure and resistance properties determined. Our goal would be the ability to treat spore-infected sites with a reagent which will specifically inactivate the spores without damage to other living matter.