Dr. Drew Marquardt
Physics (Biophysics)
Ph.D. (Brock University)
Research: Biomaterials
Drew.Marquardt@uwindsor.ca
Professor
+1-(519)-253-3000 Ext. 3537
275-3 Essex Hall
Personal Homepage
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
Dr. Drew Marquardt’s research focuses on biomembranes and membrane‑associated processes, with particular emphasis on understanding how membrane structure and dynamics influence biological function and human health. His work lies at the interface of chemistry, biophysics, and materials science, and makes extensive use of probe‑free neutron and X‑ray scattering techniques to study lipid membranes and complex soft‑matter systems without perturbing their native behaviour.
The Marquardt research group develops advanced membrane mimetic platforms, including asymmetric and functionalized lipid assemblies, to better model biological membranes and to investigate lipid–lipid and lipid–small‑molecule interactions. These approaches are used to address questions relevant to drug delivery, membrane‑active therapeutics, lung health, and toxicological mechanisms, including work related to vaping‑associated lung injury and pulmonary surfactant function.
A significant and growing component of Dr. Marquardt’s research program is the development of next‑generation neutron research infrastructure in Canada. He plays a leading role in the conception and advancement of compact accelerator‑based neutron sources (CANS) and associated instrumentation, aimed at expanding national access to neutron scattering for chemistry, materials, and biomedical research. These efforts connect fundamental membrane science with broader applications in human health, energy, and advanced materials.
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS:
- Nguyen, M.H.L., DiPasquale, M., Rickeard, B.W., Stanley, C.B., Kelley, E.G., Marquardt, D. (2019). Methanol Accelerates DMPC Flip-Flop and Transfer: A SANS Study on Lipid Dynamics. Biophysical Journal. 116, 755-759.
- Doktorova, M., Heberle, F.A., Eicher, B., Standaert, R., Katsaras, J., London, E., Pabst, G., Marquardt, D. (2018). Preparation of asymmetric phospholipid vesicles for use as cell membrane models. Nature Protocols. 13, 2086-2101.
- Marquardt, D., Heberle, F.A., Miti, T., Eicher, B., London, E., Katsaras, J., Pabst, G. (2017). 1H NMR Shows Slow Phospholipid Flip-Flop in Gel and Fluid Bilayers. Langmuir. 33, 3731-3741.