Enabling Methodologies for the Synthesis of Biologically Active Compounds. This project seeks to establish flexible methods of chemical synthesis for creating new molecular scaffolds capable of achieving selective enzyme inhibition. The approach aims to exploit the vast and biologically-programmed structural diversity associated with natural products. Unique, small molecule organic compounds will be obtained that reveal details of the operation of key enzymes in bacterial and mammalian systems. ....Enabling Methodologies for the Synthesis of Biologically Active Compounds. This project seeks to establish flexible methods of chemical synthesis for creating new molecular scaffolds capable of achieving selective enzyme inhibition. The approach aims to exploit the vast and biologically-programmed structural diversity associated with natural products. Unique, small molecule organic compounds will be obtained that reveal details of the operation of key enzymes in bacterial and mammalian systems. Such new knowledge would allow for the design of highly selective therapeutic agents relevant to the treatment of a range of diseases including bacterial infections, diabetes and cancer. The high-end scientific training and privileged forms of matter arising from this work would provide major benefit to the biotech sector.Read moreRead less
Preparing Carbon Molecular Sieve Membrane (CMSM) for Olefin/Paraffin Separation. Carbon molecular sieve membrane (CMSM) presents superior selectivity and stability for many gas separation processes. This technology is energy saving, environmental friendly and with minimal operating cost. The project will develop CMSMs for the separation of olefin/paraffin, particularly, the propane/propylene mixture which is currently separated by the energy intensive cryogenic distillation in industry. The pro ....Preparing Carbon Molecular Sieve Membrane (CMSM) for Olefin/Paraffin Separation. Carbon molecular sieve membrane (CMSM) presents superior selectivity and stability for many gas separation processes. This technology is energy saving, environmental friendly and with minimal operating cost. The project will develop CMSMs for the separation of olefin/paraffin, particularly, the propane/propylene mixture which is currently separated by the energy intensive cryogenic distillation in industry. The project involves both experimental works and theoretical studies and will provide: (1) techniques for preparing CMSMs for olefin/paraffin separation; (2) methods characterizing the micro-structure of CMSMs; (3) mathematical models predicting multicomponent gas permeation/separation properties on CMSMs; (4) effect of impurities on the separation processes. Read moreRead less