Faculty/School

Faculty of Science

School of Chemistry and Physics

Topic status

We're looking for students to study this topic.

Research centre

Centre for Materials Science

Primary Supervisor

Professor Kathryn Fairfull-Smith
Position
Professor
Division / Faculty
Faculty of Science

Other QUT supervisors

Dr Sandra Wiedbrauk
Position
Research Fellow
Division / Faculty
Faculty of Science

Overview

Efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs) are compounds that inhibit efflux pump activity. Current research indicates that combination therapy of EPIs with standard TB therapy can enhance the efficacy of treatment, so known EPIs such as verapamil and reserpine are currently being studied for their ability to enhance tuberculosis treatment.

Research engagement

Lab-based work

Research activities

Synthesis of verapamil analogue precursors, working with Sandra Wiedbrauk

Research skills

Synthetic chemistry skills - research design,  set-up, workup, product purification,  product characterisation with NMR spectroscopy and MS spectrometry.

Outcomes

Generation of precursor molecules towards efflux pump inhibitors

Skills and experience

Organic chemistry knowledge and laboratory skills

Start date

2 November, 2026

End date

19 February, 2027

Location

M662

Keywords

Contact

  • Kathryn Fairfull-Smith

31384950

k.fairfull-smith@qut.edu.au