Biological photochemistry for chemical synthesis

This project will develop biological photochemistry, using proteins as catalysts for new chemical transformations under visible light irradiation. Chemical photoredox catalysis has changed the way molecules are made in recent years, using simple visible light sources in combination with metal catalysts to mediate electron transfer reactions. Fundamental limitations of the approach, however, exist in the form of reliance on precious metal catalysts, and serious difficulties associated with control of absolute stereochemistry. We aim to develop biological photocatalysts that use organic photoredox cofactors, with the chiral active site of the protein creating possibilities for enantioselective reactions.
The project will take place in the Greaney (chemocatalysis), Green (biocatalysis and enzymology), and Hay (biological photophysics) laboratories, who all share an interest in creative organic chemistry and chemical biology to solve problems in synthesis. The PhD studentship will provide comprehensive training in both chemical and biological catalysis, to develop a new approach to photocatalysis that can deliver valuable chiral building blocks under the rubric of sustainable chemistry. Students with a degree in chemistry and an interest in next generation molecule-making methods are encouraged to apply.