Scientists in the Biochemistry and Biotechnology Group (B-TEK) execute research and development to broadly address biological and chemical threats. This work includes BSL-2 host/pathogen and toxin work, synthetic organic chemistry, bioengineering, structural biology, and molecular characterization.

Our science capabilities are leading the way to predictive applications for medical countermeasures and the integration of multiple ‘omics technologies for multi-modal systems biology. Work in this group contributes to the Laboratory's Biosecurity Preparedness and Global Security objectives.

B-TEK Science and Capabilities

Scientists in Bioscience Division use novel techniques to study toxicology and the health effects of disease and climate change—as well as to develop countermeasures and therapeutics.

Organ platforms for toxicological studies
Advanced Tissue-engineered Human Ectypal Network Analyzer (ATHENA)
Award-winning lung model: PuLMo
Skin models
Neuromuscular junctions
Microfluidics and gel microdroplet technology that enable high-throughput interrogation of cell-to-cell interactions (HiSCI)
Therapies for enteric pathogens
Radioimmunotherapies for countering antimicrobial resistance

Read more about recent MPS work:

Identifying biomarkers of radiation exposure

Growing neuromuscular junctions

B-TEK scientists use classical biochemistry methods combined with NMR and Mass Spectrometry-based approaches to study enzymes, regulation, as well as the discovery of novel enzyme effectors and therapeutic molecules.

LANL has hosted a Stable Isotope Resource since 1974
- Synthesis of all classes of chemical compounds
- Stable isotope labels for tracing, detection, attribution, and mechanistic studies
In-cell biosensor development
Chemical catalysis and conversion for drop-in fuels and commodity chemicals
Enzyme function discovery and detection
Peptoid foldamer development
Small molecule synthesis

Los Alamos has a secure facility in which we can synthesize and characterize acutely toxic, regulated materials. The Emerging Threat Lab also includes a BSL-2 suite that can be used to study these agents and emerging pathogens. Our synthesis capabilities are ‘on demand’ which minimizes safety risks.

Recognized as a leader in genomic sequencing and analysis for decades, the Los Alamos capability now spans all ‘omics research to study proteins, metabolites, and lipids. By combining techniques in genomics and mass spectrometry, B-Division is working towards a true systems-level characterization of biological organisms.

The collection of equipment available at Los Alamos combined with our experience and expertise using mass spectrometry enables a wide range of research endeavors.

Targeted and untargeted metabolomics
Targeted and shotgun proteomics
Lipidomics

State-of-the-art mass spectrometers available:

Thermo Fisher Orbitrap Eclipse
Thermo Fisher exploris 480
Thermo Fisher Altis QQQ
Thermo Fisher QE
Additional instrumentation available

For more information email BTEKOmics@lanl.gov

The laboratories in B-TEK are equipped with several NMR spectrometers, ranging from 300-700 MHz. In addition, our scientists have developed unique, portable, ultra-low magnetic field platforms for chemical threat detection and characterization.

Recent innovations using low-field NMR have been recipients of R&D 100 awards. Learn more about SEDONA and ERDE.

B Division uses basic science and molecular tool development to understand host and pathogen interactions for detection and the discovery of novel therapeutics.

Bacterial persistence: a pathogen’s strategy to circumvent antibiotic treatment
Molecular tools for novel therapeutics discovery
Novel in vitro methods to generate high-quality affinity reagents

News and Highlights

2:51
Learning to detect fatigue
Scientists in B-TEK are studying biomarkers in human breath. The Human Breathprint project goal is to develop understanding of which biomarkers are present in healthy human breath so that signatures of unhealthy breath—indicating fatigue or illness—can be identified.
Watch Now about: Learning to detect fatigue
Growing Neuromuscular Junctions in the Lab
B-TEK scientists are creating living models of human and mouse neuromuscular junctions to study cell and tissue interactions. These and other living experimental systems can lead to better toxicology studies and improved therapeutics for bio and chem threats.Read Nowabout the article: Growing Neuromuscular Junctions in the Lab
2:03
Using Magnetic Fields to Detect Chemical Threats
Using ultra-low magnetic fields, scientists in B-TEK have developed a capability to detect dangerous chemicals, including nerve agents, without having to even open the container they're stored in!
Watch Now about: Using Magnetic Fields to Detect Chemical Threats
Antibodies that Target SARS-CoV-2
B-TEK scientists have extensive expertise creating recognition molecules such as peptides and antibodies. Established methods and access to a unique library of healthy human antibodies enables the development of molecules that are superior at recognizing targets such as SARS-CoV-2.Read Nowabout the article: Antibodies that Target SARS-CoV-2