Bioinspired Polymers
and Microcapsules for Catalysis
We are currently
studying the use of chiral polymers (similar to polypeptides) for use as
chiral catalysts in a variety of important reactions. We will
continue to synthesize different polymers, make microcapsules from them,
and screen their ability to act as chiral catalysts for transamination
reactions and other key organic transformations. This is a great
project for an undergraduate student, as it will involve synthesis, HPLC
analysis, and photophysical analysis. We have already optimized
the assays so there is a high probability of getting great, publishable
data in a ten week period.
