Multi-Component Assembly of Nano-Cages in Solution
Lead Research Organisation:
Heriot-Watt University
Department Name: Sch of Engineering and Physical Science
Abstract
"This is a PhD research project in Chemistry.
The research project will investigate the constitutional dynamic chemistry of hydroxamic acids resulting in assembly of multiple (organic and/or metal) components into dynamic libraries of ordered nano-cage structures with applicability in drug delivery, porous materials and supramolecular catalysis. This will entail the development of exciting novel dynamic organic chemistry and stereochemistry of hydroxamic acid metal coordination. The interest in self-assembly of cage compounds has progressed from design rules in the 90's to Host:Guest chemistry in the 21st century and now moves forward looking towards structure:function correlations. The Lloyd group is developing dynamic chemistry of hydroxamic acids involving both stereochemical covalent and coordination chemistry. The project thus aims to utilise solution studies of this dynamic chemistry to understand the self-assembly of the cages and their function produced through the sum of the multiple components' functionalities. This function will be studied through Host:Guest chemistry utilising fluorescence, UV/Vis spectroscopy, HPLC, crystallography and NMR."
The research project will investigate the constitutional dynamic chemistry of hydroxamic acids resulting in assembly of multiple (organic and/or metal) components into dynamic libraries of ordered nano-cage structures with applicability in drug delivery, porous materials and supramolecular catalysis. This will entail the development of exciting novel dynamic organic chemistry and stereochemistry of hydroxamic acid metal coordination. The interest in self-assembly of cage compounds has progressed from design rules in the 90's to Host:Guest chemistry in the 21st century and now moves forward looking towards structure:function correlations. The Lloyd group is developing dynamic chemistry of hydroxamic acids involving both stereochemical covalent and coordination chemistry. The project thus aims to utilise solution studies of this dynamic chemistry to understand the self-assembly of the cages and their function produced through the sum of the multiple components' functionalities. This function will be studied through Host:Guest chemistry utilising fluorescence, UV/Vis spectroscopy, HPLC, crystallography and NMR."
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N509474/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 1813346 | Studentship | EP/N509474/1 | 01/09/2016 | 29/02/2020 | Cathryn Shepherd |
| Description | 1,3,4,2-dioxazaboroles are formed from the condensation reaction between hydroxamic acids and boronic acids. They are a novel chemical species developed during my PhD that exhibit dynamic behaviour in terms of their ability to exchange components. My understanding and control over these dynamics has led to the potential to use this species as components in systems chemistry, which is the development of complex networks of chemicals dynamically resulting in emergent properties and functions. The compounds themselves also exhibit Lewis Acidity, and allow for the binding of strong Lewis Bases and anions which could be implemented within biological and sensing applications. |
| Exploitation Route | 1,3,4,2-dioxazaboroles could be utilised in self-assembly, and therefore, have applications in cage formation and covalent organic framework synthesis. The versatility of the starting materials make these compounds ideal for screenings for drug delivery systems, etc. |
| Sectors | Chemicals,Energy,Environment,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| Description | 6-week Germany placement in a chemistry research group at Heidelberg university |
| Organisation | Heidelberg University |
| Country | Germany |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The research project was proposed by myself, with the aims of collaborating with a pre-exisiting research group with similiar chemical interests as my project. I applied to the RSC for funding, which was accepted and I was able to spend 6-week in Heidelberg trying to synthesise nano-cages in solution. The project proposed was to include the condensation reaction between hydroxamic acids previously synthesised within my group, and boronic acids previously synthesised in their research group. |
| Collaborator Contribution | My partners supplied the materials required to synthesise the boronic acid at their institute, as well as the materials required for the attempted synthesis of the cages. They also supplied access to analytical equipment, such as MALDI-MS which is crucial for the characterisation of these types of materials. They were also able to provide expertise, built from years of experience in developing similar cages. |
| Impact | It was hoped that this project would generate enough results to be able to publish, unfortunately, due to the time restraints, the cage was not synthesised and therefore, no formal outputs can be given. |
| Start Year | 2019 |
| Description | Top Trumps at Edinburgh Society Periodic Table Event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Since 2019 was in the international year of the periodic table, the royal society of Edinburgh wanted to encourage the public into learning about the table, the elements and chemistry in general. Therefore, an event was put on to help aid the general public's understanding of chemicals. The event included presentations from academics involved in the project, as well as stalls that were manned by PhD students and other academics. Our stall was Periodic TAble Top Trumps where we got the kids to guess whether the property of the next card would be lower or higher than the orignal card. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://www.rse.org.uk/event/the-periodic-table-a-fun-fusion-of-science-art-music-history/ |