Project Title: Harnessing biologically relevant stimuli to control the structure and dynamics of hierarchical supramolecules
Research overview. Biological systems manage to control supramolecular structures with precision across multiple scales using hierarchical self-assembly. Achieving that level of control and sophistication with synthetic supramolecules is still a formidable challenge, especially in aqueous environments. The focus of the work of the REU students is to continue to develop responsive supramolecules that undergo structural changes at two hierarchical levels spanning three orders of magnitude (from the nano- to the microscale). For example, G-derivatives incorporating moieties sensitive to thermal, pH, redox or enzymatic stimuli have enabled responsive supramolecules that form colloidal particles suitable to the development of biological probes and the delivery of biologically active molecules. In this project the students will learn about molecular design (including computer modeling), organic synthesis, supramolecular chemistry, and basic cell biology (e.g., cell culture, optical microscopy). The students are expected to become familiar with a series of instrumentation and techniques, including spectroscopy (e.g., NMR, IR, UV/Vis, Raman) and microscopy (e.g., fluorescence, SEM).