Overview
Topic status: In progress
This project aims to develop highly sensitive chemosensors for reactive radical species. When such species have been detected in an environment they have been linked to a range of adverse health effects. The chemosensors would be produced by the synthesising polymeric analogues of profluorescent nitroxides. These molecules have proven to be potent free radical traps and have a built in, “turn-on” fluorescence indicator. The monomeric units will be designed in a modular fashion, with the simple interchange of nitroxides and fluorophore moieties allowing for tuning of photophysical (excitation, emission, sensitivity, etc.) and chemical (redox potential, radical trapping ability, adduct stability, etc.) properties of the sensor end materials.
Research activities
The student will synthesise monomer compounds incorporating an N-maleimido group which can later be polymerised with styrene derivatives to give alternating copolymers. Full photophysical characterisation of the monomers and copolymers will also be undertaken. This project will involve the synthesis, purification and characterisation of both small-molecule and polymeric materials. Students will gain synthetic skills in organic chemistry and chromatography and instrumental experience with compound and polymer characterisation (NMR, SEC, MS, IR, fluorescence, UV/vis etc).
Duration of project
8 weeks, start time flexible (Dec 2011or Jan 2012)
- Study level
- Vacation research experience scholarship
- Supervisors
- QUT
- Organisational unit
Science and Engineering Faculty
- Research area
- Contact
- Please contact the supervisor for enquiries.
Dr James Blinco
Dr Kathryn Fairfull-Smith
