About

Christopher B. Gorman is a professor in the Department of Chemistry at NC State University. He earned his Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology in 1991 and his B.A. in Computer Science and Chemistry from Drew University in 1987. His research focuses on the design and synthesis of new materials with interesting and useful electronic and biological properties, particularly at nanometer length scales. His work includes the development of antimicrobial applications of photosensitizer-embedded cationic hydrogels, self-assembling nanocoats with tunable properties, functional hydrogels for water treatment, and quantum dots as photosensitizers in photodynamic antimicrobial materials. Gorman's contributions extend to creating degradable anti-biofouling coatings, bioimaging conjugates, and advanced polymer coatings, emphasizing innovative approaches to materials with potential applications in medicine, water treatment, and nanotechnology.

Research topics

• Materials science
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Nanotechnology
• Organic chemistry
• Environmental chemistry
• Geometry
• Nuclear chemistry
• Engineering
• Inorganic chemistry
• Biochemical engineering
• Combinatorial chemistry
• Mathematics

Selected publications

• InP-Based Quantum Dots as Photosensitizers in Photodynamic Antimicrobial Materials

  ACS Applied Bio Materials · 2025-01-16 · 4 citations

  articleCorresponding

  Ligand-functionalized InP-based quantum dots (QDs) have been developed as an innovative class of nontoxic photosensitizer suitable for antimicrobial applications, aimed at reducing or preventing pathogen transmission from one host to another via high contact surfaces. A hot injection method followed by functionalization via ligand exchange with 9-anthracene carboxylic acid (ACA) yielded the desired core/shell InP/ZnSe/ZnS QDs. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed these QDs to be uniform in size (∼3.2 nm), with light absorption across the entire visible spectrum (λmax ∼550 nm). Under light excitation at 550 nm, the generation of singlet oxygen (1O2) was evidenced by its characteristic phosphorescence signal at 1278 nm, indicating successful energy transfer from the QDs to surface-anchored ACA ligands, in accordance with a type II mechanism for a photodynamically generated singlet oxygen. The InP/ZnSe/ZnS core/shell QDs were applied to cellulose via dip coating, and the resultant QDs-loaded material was assessed for antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (aPDI) of both Gram-positive [methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA; ATCC-44), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE; ATCC-2320)] and Gram-negative [multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDRAB; ATCC-1605), NDM-1 positive Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP; ATCC-2146)] bacteria under illumination (400–700 nm; 85 mW/cm2; 90 min). The highest inactivation was observed for MRSA, achieving at least 99.999% inactivation (5 log units). Antiviral photodynamic inactivation on human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E) and feline calicivirus (FCV) demonstrated complete viral inactivation (to the detection limit). Cytotoxicity studies showed that the QDs are nontoxic to mammalian cells in the dark. Together, these results confirm the promising potential of ligand-functionalized InP-based QDs to be employed as nontoxic photosensitizers as materials in self-sterilizing surfaces.

  PublisherDOI

• Functional Hydrogels for Selective Phosphate Removal from Water and Release on Demand

  Langmuir · 2025-06-03 · 3 citations

  article

  Commercial overuse and soaring prices of phosphate fertilizers have resulted in an adverse economic and environmental impact, threatening human health, clean water, and food security. In response to the phosphorus (P) cycling challenge, we developed a novel polyethylenimine (PEI)/poly(methyl vinyl ether-co-maleic anhydride) (PMVEMA) hydrogel system capable of efficient capture and release of inorganic phosphates with high selectivity in the presence of nitrate. This study investigated the synergistic effect of PEI and PMVEMA within the hydrogel for a broad range of eluent pH conditions and P loadings to establish the capturing capacity and selectivity of the system toward nitrate. The PEI-enriched hydrogel system was characterized by a high P capturing capacity between pH 2.0 and 7.0 with a maximum P capture of 65 mg of P/g of sorbent at an equilibrium pH of 4.5. Desorption studies indicated that the system could efficiently release captured inorganic phosphate with an efficiency of 96% under mild conditions (<0.001 M NaOH), independent of the preloaded phosphate amount and system history. This is the lowest base concentration for P desorption reported. The separation factor (α) was dependent on the pH of the eluent and was equal to approximately 50 when in the presence of nitrates.

  PublisherDOI

• DendriPep Nanocoats: Substrate-Agnostic, Self-Assembling Constructs with Shear-Controlled Thickness and Permeability

  Langmuir · 2025-04-30

  articleCorresponding

  This study investigates the self-assembly of hybrid poly(amidoamine)-peptide dendrimers (DendriPeps) into shear-responsive vesicle-like structures with nanometric thickness, called “Nanocoats”, that are capable of encapsulating nano- and microscale particles. To assess the material-agnostic coating power of DendriPeps, we tested the formation of Nanocoats on a variety of synthetic and biological substrates, including polystyrene nanoparticles, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) microgels, gallium–indium liquid metal nanodroplets, and bacteriophages and lentiviruses. Specifically, we utilized spectroscopic and microscopic techniques to monitor the reversible assembly of Nanocoats on the surface of the particles upon controlling the shear stress of the surrounding aqueous phase. Furthermore, we evaluated the use of Nanocoats as a glue mediating the formation of particle clusters, whose size, in terms of the number of particles and coating thickness, can be dynamically controlled by adjusting the shear stress. Finally, we harnessed the reconfigurability of DendriPep Nanocoats to develop vectors for the shear-controlled delivery of a bioactive payload. To that end, we achieved the controlled release of the antibacterial peptide polymyxin B from DendriPep-coated microgels by applying shear stresses of 0.5–1 Pa. These results demonstrate the potential of DendriPeps to develop reconfigurable systems for biomedical applications that leverage localized shear gradients.

  PublisherDOI

• S4127 An Unexpected Complication of a Self-Imposed Gastroesophageal Reflux Diet: Focal Scurvy

  The American Journal of Gastroenterology · 2025-10-01

  articleSenior author

  Introduction: A gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) diet, which aims to reduce gastric acidity, can offer significant reflux symptom relief. However, if not applied judiciously, it may lead to unintended adverse effects. Scurvy, though, is not typically recognized as one of these potential complications that can be a potential sequala. Scurvy, caused by vitamin C (ascorbic acid) deficiency, results in impaired collagen synthesis. Mucocutaneous findings of scurvy include diffuse perifollicular hemorrhages, corkscrew hairs, petechiae, ecchymoses, gingival hypertrophy, and bleeding. Other symptoms include arthralgias, swelling, ostealgia, fatigue, weakness, anemia, and delayed wound healing. Case Description: A 63-year-old man with GERD presented with 4 months of progressive left leg swelling, pain, and purpura. Despite wrapping the leg to alleviate the swelling, symptoms worsened. Examination of the left lower limb revealed purpura, xerosis, perifollicular hemorrhage, and corkscrew hairs on the shin, thigh, and buttocks. He had avoided citrus products and supplements for 3 years, managing GERD with a restrictive diet of chicken, rice, and peanut butter. Work-up for vascular, infectious, rheumatologic, and malignant causes was negative. The endoscopic evaluation did not suggest malabsorptive disease. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the left lower extremity showed marrow signal abnormalities consistent with bone marrow changes seen in scurvy. Skin biopsy was significant for perifollicular hemorrhages, corkscrew hairs, and mild perivascular inflammation, without vasculitis also indicative of changes that occur in scurvy. The clinical and histologic findings supported the diagnosis of scurvy. He started 500 mg of daily vitamin C, with symptom improvement at 3 months post-hospitalization. Discussion: Scurvy is typically linked to gastrointestinal risk factors like malabsorptive diseases, alcohol use disorder, and poor access to vitamin C-rich foods. However, this case highlights a rare cause: dietary restriction secondary to GERD. Scurvy doesn’t always follow classic generalized patterns; since collagen is widespread in the body, symptoms can vary. This patient had localized rather than generalized scurvy—without gingival symptoms or diffuse skin findings. MRI also showed bone marrow changes, a rarely noted sign of scurvy. Tight leg wrapping may have accelerated local symptoms. Clinicians should be aware that restrictive GERD diets may lead to scurvy and that its presentation can be atypical and focal.

  PublisherDOI

• Antimicrobial Applications of Photosensitizer-Embedded Cationic Hydrogels with Tunable Mechanical Properties against Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens

  ACS Applied Polymer Materials · 2025-11-03

  articleCorresponding

  Drug resistance among infectious pathogens is rapidly escalating, posing a significant global public health challenge that complicates the treatment of hospital-acquired zoonotic infections. In this study, we developed a Rose Bengal (RB)-embedded poly(AEMA-TEGDMA) hydrogel as an innovative photodynamic antimicrobial wound dressing for combating multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections. Fabricated via UV-induced photopolymerization within 30 minutes, the hydrogel is composed of 2-aminoethyl methacrylate hydrochloride (AEMA) and tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA). The cationic, low-toxicity AEMA facilitates RB incorporation through electrostatic interactions and chain entanglement, ensuring uniform distribution, as confirmed by fluorescence microscopy and SEM-EDS. Upon visible light excitation, the hydrogel generates reactive oxygen species via a type II photodynamic mechanism, inducing oxidative damage to pathogens. Under portable LED illumination (400–700 nm, λmax = 445 nm; 48 ± 2 mW/cm2 for 15 or 30 min), the hydrogel demonstrated potent antimicrobial efficacy against both Gram-positive [methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA; ATCC-44) and multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP)] and Gram-negative [multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDRAB; ATCC-1605) and NDM-1-positive Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP; ATCC-2146)] bacteria, achieving up to 99.9999% (6-log) inactivation against MRSP within 15 min. Antiviral studies against HCoV-229E, adenovirus, and rhinovirus also resulted in detection limit inactivation within 15 min. Furthermore, tuning the monomer-to-cross-linker ratio allowed modulation of the hydration and mechanical properties of the hydrogels, with the compressive toughness ranging from 5.0 ± 0.6 to 186.9 ± 115.1 kJ/m3, thereby enhancing their versatility for biomedical applications. These results underscore the potential of photodynamic antimicrobial wound dressings as a proactive strategy to mitigate MDR infections in both humans and companion animals.

  PublisherDOI

• Phosphate-binding protein-loaded iron oxide particles: adsorption performance for phosphorus removal and recovery from water

  Environmental Science Water Research & Technology · 2024-01-01 · 6 citations

  article

  Adsorbents featuring high-affinity phosphate-binding proteins (PBPs) have demonstrated highly selective and rapid phosphorus removal and recovery.

  PublisherDOI

• Degradable Anti-Biofouling Polyester Coatings with Controllable Lifetimes

  Langmuir · 2022-01-20 · 2 citations

  articleSenior authorCorresponding

  To achieve degradable, anti-biofouling coatings with longer lifetimes and better mechanical properties, we synthesized a series of degradable co-polyesters composed of cyclic ketene acetals, di-(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate, and a photoactive curing agent, 4-benzoylphenyl methacrylate, using a radical ring-opening polymerization. The precursor co-polyesters were spin-coated on a benzophenone-functionalized silicon wafer to form ca. 60 nm films and drop-casted on glass to form ∼32 μm films. The copolymers were cross-linked via UV irradiation at 365 nm. The degradation of films was studied by immersing the specimens in aqueous buffers of different pH values. The results show that both the pH of buffer solutions and gel fractions of networks affect the degradation rate. The coatings show good bovine serum albumin resistance capability. By adjusting the fractions of monomers, the degradation rate and degree of hydration (e.g., swelling ratio) are controllable.

  PublisherDOI

• Self-Assembled Monolayers: Models for Organic Surface Chemistry

  CRC Press eBooks · 2022 · 9 citations

  Senior authorCorresponding
  • Chemistry
  • Nanotechnology
  • Environmental chemistry

  The chemistry of organic interfaces is important to a very wide range of areas of science and technology; examples include the fabrication of microelectronic devices, the formation of structures by adhesion, cell-surface chemistry, the use of organic thin films as lubricants and corrosion protective agents, and a range of phenomena involving wetting and spreading of liquids on organic surfaces. This chapter provides an introductory survey of Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), concentrating on the best studied of these systems—monolayers of long-chain alkanethiolates on gold. SAMs of alkanethiolates are typically formed by adsorption of an alkanethiol or dialkyl disulfide onto gold from solution; both types of organosulfur compounds form similar SAMs. Scanning tunneling microscopy has recently been able to generate high-resolution images of SAMs by working with very low tunneling currents. Single-component and mixed SAMs of alkanethiolates on gold provide excellent control over the structure of the monolayer perpendicular to the plane of the SAM.

  PublisherDOI

• Shear-responsive adhesion/detachment of dendrimer coatings on nano- and micro-particles

  2021-09-08

  preprint
  PublisherDOI

• CCDC 1957570: Experimental Crystal Structure Determination

  The Cambridge Structural Database · 2021-04-23

  datasetOpen accessSenior author

  An entry from the Cambridge Structural Database, the world’s repository for small molecule crystal structures. The entry contains experimental data from a crystal diffraction study. The deposited dataset for this entry is freely available from the CCDC and typically includes 3D coordinates, cell parameters, space group, experimental conditions and quality measures.

  PublisherDOI

Recent grants

• New molecules and methods to study the biasing of dendrimer conformation -- their effect on electronic encapsulation

  NSF · $390k · 2003–2007

• NIRT -- Hierarchical Assembly of Interconnects for Molecular Electronics

  NSF · $1.3M · 2003–2008

• Mapping molecular structure-property relationships for molecular electronics through the use of nanometer-scale, patterned, self-assembled monolayers and probe microscopy

  NSF · $360k · 2005–2010

Frequent coauthors

• Seth R. Marder

  31 shared

• Joseph W. Perry

  17 shared

• Robert H. Grubbs

  16 shared

• Bruce G. Tiemann

  16 shared

• Eric J. Ginsburg

  Abbott (United Kingdom)

  14 shared

• Grant Bourhill

  11 shared

• Jan Genzer

  North Carolina State University

  10 shared

• William J. Behof

  Vanderbilt University Medical Center

  10 shared

Labs

• Gorman LabPI

Education

• Ph.D., Chemistry

  University of California, Berkeley

  1992

• B.S., Chemistry

  University of California, Berkeley

  1987