The Wilson Group uses innovative synthetic methods to develop small molecule mimics and probes of biomacromolecule structure and function. A particular focus centers on the synthesis of non-natural amino acids (p-trifluoromethyldiazirine-phenylalanine and α-pentenyl-glycine). These reagents are used in cross-linking analysis of self-assembling peptides and to constrain peptides (so called “peptide-stapling”) for inhibition of protein-protein interactions. The group have developed and continue to develop a range of small molecules (accessible via solid-phase syntheses) to act as α-helix mimetics for inhibition of protein-protein interactions.