Polymer-functionalised nanotubes: controlled formation by self-assembly. This project will develop new structures of nanotubes by combining peptide sequences and synthetic polymers. These nanostructured materials will form the basis of a wide range of technological applications, such as inorganic nanotubes, ion channels, drug carriers, and more broadly in nanotechnology and nanomedicine.
Understanding and controlling the stereochemistry of free-radical polymerisation. The stereochemistry of a molecule, which relates to the relative spatial arrangement of its atoms, can have a profound effect on its physical and chemical properties. This project will use a computer-guided experimental approach to design new methods for controlling the stereochemistry of the polymers formed in free-radical polymerisation.
Controlling polymer microstructure with structured Lewis acids. Radical polymerisation is the most commercially important polymer process, favoured by industry for its broad scope and relatively low cost and environmental impact. However, its use in the synthesis of 'smart materials' for biomedical applications, molecular electronics and high-performance engineering applications has been hampered by the lack of microstructural control. This project aims to use a complementary combination of theo ....Controlling polymer microstructure with structured Lewis acids. Radical polymerisation is the most commercially important polymer process, favoured by industry for its broad scope and relatively low cost and environmental impact. However, its use in the synthesis of 'smart materials' for biomedical applications, molecular electronics and high-performance engineering applications has been hampered by the lack of microstructural control. This project aims to use a complementary combination of theory and experiment to develop novel structured Lewis acids for controlling the stereochemistry in free-radical polymerisation, and to utilise the recently discovered propagation catalysis conferred by simple Lewis acids to minimise defect structures and thereby improve the thermal and photostability of polymers.Read moreRead less
Origami with triblock copolymers. This project aims to develop new nanoparticles structures with optimised shapes for biological applications. Most nanoparticles developed for drug delivery are spherical. However, these are not always the most efficacious as they often encounter problems penetrating the living cell. Viruses which have evolved to highly effectively invade living cells are often elongated. The project aims to mimic these structures by using the self-assembly of polymers. Expected ....Origami with triblock copolymers. This project aims to develop new nanoparticles structures with optimised shapes for biological applications. Most nanoparticles developed for drug delivery are spherical. However, these are not always the most efficacious as they often encounter problems penetrating the living cell. Viruses which have evolved to highly effectively invade living cells are often elongated. The project aims to mimic these structures by using the self-assembly of polymers. Expected outcomes include a better understanding how various sizes, shapes and surface groups of the prepared nanoparticles interact with cells. The knowledge could assist in the creation of better drug carriers for more efficient disease treatment.Read moreRead less
Polyion complex micelles as smart nano-sized drug carriers for proteins. Novel treatments against diseases are often based on proteins, which are unstable against hydrolysis and sometimes difficult to deliver across the cell membrane. The aim of the project is to create a smart drug carrier that can encapsulate proteins efficiently. A range of block copolymers will be synthesised that are able to condense a positively charged protein resulting in the formation of polyion complex micelles. The po ....Polyion complex micelles as smart nano-sized drug carriers for proteins. Novel treatments against diseases are often based on proteins, which are unstable against hydrolysis and sometimes difficult to deliver across the cell membrane. The aim of the project is to create a smart drug carrier that can encapsulate proteins efficiently. A range of block copolymers will be synthesised that are able to condense a positively charged protein resulting in the formation of polyion complex micelles. The polymer structure will be fine-tuned to create a drug carrier that releases the protein efficiently once inside mammalian cells. The outcome will be the enhanced understanding of the relationship between polymer structure and the activity of the protein and ultimately the design of an advanced and smart drug carrier.Read moreRead less
Learning from nature: creating synthetic viruses using self-assembled structures with branched or dendritic glycopolymers on their surfaces. Viruses are nature's clever nanoparticles. Viruses use glycoproteins to find and invade their host cells. This project will aim to mimic nature by generating nanoparticles that carry synthetic glycopolymers on the surface to create better drug delivery carriers.
Next-generation lithography: photo-directing assembly of block copolymers. This project aims to introduce a novel approach to organising block polymers through the photochemical modification of the surface of a photo-sensitive polymer. Chemo-epitaxy is the science of organising materials on a surface decorated with chemical patterns. The process has the potential to revolutionise the manufacture of integrated circuits, enabling faster processors. This project expects to introduce innovative conc ....Next-generation lithography: photo-directing assembly of block copolymers. This project aims to introduce a novel approach to organising block polymers through the photochemical modification of the surface of a photo-sensitive polymer. Chemo-epitaxy is the science of organising materials on a surface decorated with chemical patterns. The process has the potential to revolutionise the manufacture of integrated circuits, enabling faster processors. This project expects to introduce innovative concepts in polymer chemistry and nanoscale assembly with the potential to advance a multi-billion-dollar industry.Read moreRead less
A platform for the efficient optimisation of drug delivery using cross-linked micelles and thioclick-chemistry toward better anti-cancer treatment. The delivery of albendazole - an anti-cancer drug - will be improved by encapsulating the drug into nanoparticles. State of the art polymer chemistry will be employed to generate a versatile drug delivery system. The resulting nanoparticles will be able to better control drug delivery and to enhance cellular uptake of the drug.
Australian Laureate Fellowships - Grant ID: FL170100041
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,327,500.00
Summary
Controlling chemical reactions via pH-switchable electrostatic catalysis. This project aims to establish a new approach to catalysis using the electrostatic effects of pH-switchable, charged functional groups. Utilising simple homogeneous catalysts and polymer-supported enzyme-mimicking catalysts, a wide range of target reactions will be studied. The expected outcomes of the project will include a new approach to the design and optimisation of several new classes of catalyst for assembling compl ....Controlling chemical reactions via pH-switchable electrostatic catalysis. This project aims to establish a new approach to catalysis using the electrostatic effects of pH-switchable, charged functional groups. Utilising simple homogeneous catalysts and polymer-supported enzyme-mimicking catalysts, a wide range of target reactions will be studied. The expected outcomes of the project will include a new approach to the design and optimisation of several new classes of catalyst for assembling complex molecules and materials. The project also offers a unique opportunity to train the next generation of chemists in the principles of computer-aided chemical design. The catalysts developed in this project will be able to accelerate and control the chemical reactions used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and materials, with significant practical benefits to industry.Read moreRead less
Discovery of signalling molecules that mediate communication in the environment. This project aims to further our understanding of chemical compounds that mediate communication in the environment. The project will identify a broad range of new compounds that have significant potential to provide new products such as anti-bacterials, pesticides and plant growth regulators for the benefit of Australia.