| Description | Molecular Engineering and Sciences Seminar Series
Nanostructure-Forming Polymers for Sustainability and Human Health
Abstract: The design, synthesis, and self-assembly of nanostructure-forming block copolymers (BCP)s can facilitate the development of new materials for many emerging applications. In the Epps group, we are focused on elucidating the structure/property/function relationships inherent in nanostructured polymers to create unique systems exhibiting molecular-level assembly. A particular interest in our research group is the coupling of thermodynamic and kinetic constraints in self-assembling polymers for a variety of potential platforms including lithium battery membranes, green and bio-based materials, and drug delivery capsules. Two areas of recent progress in the group involve: (1) designing new stimuli-responsive copolymers for gene therapy applications, and (2) synthesizing new bio-based alternatives, based on lignin, for thermoplastics and adhesives applications. In the first area, we use photo-responsive functionalities, as well as our understanding of solution self-assembly, to create nanoscale nucleic acid delivery vehicles. These systems show increased cellular uptake, stable packaging, on-demand unpackaging, and controlled/tunable/efficient delivery relative to standard nucleic acid transfection agents. In the second area, we modify lignin model compounds and ‘real’ biomass-derived compounds for use in the controlled synthesis of bio-based materials. One recent task has been the investigation of styrene-alternatives for BCPs with tunable glass transition and degradation temperatures that are suitable for thermoplastic elastomer, pressure sensitive adhesive, and battery electrolyte applications. This weekly seminar brings together students, faculty and invited guests from various disciplines across campus to explore current trends in molecular engineering and nanotechnology. It is a forum for active interdisciplinary discussions. These talks are open to the public and attract a diverse audience of students and faculty. |
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