Biocatalytic ATRP - Unlocking the potential of Biocatalytic ATRP using advanced polymerization techniques

PhD Position in Polymer Chemistry in the group of Prof. Nico Bruns at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK:
Some enzymes catalyze atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and therefore represent an environmentally friendly and non-toxic alternative to conventional ATRP catalysts. The aim of this project is to further unlock the potential of biocatalytic ATRP by applying advanced polymerization techniques, such as electrochemically mediated ATRP, surface-initiated ATRP, and flow chemistry.
Metalloenzymes such as haemoglobin, peroxidases, and lactases can catalyze atom transfer radical polymerizations. These “ATRPases” show great promise as environmental benign alternatives to conventional transition metal based ATRP catalysts. Moreover, they allow tuning ATRP reactions in unprecedented ways. However, advanced polymerization methods, such as slow-feeding ARGET ATRP, electrochemically mediated ATRP, flow chemistry and surface-initiated ATRP have not been explored in great detail to improve the performance of ATRPases. This project aims to apply such advanced polymerization methods to bioATRP and to study their effect on the polymerizations. This will not only enhance the performance of catalysts in bioATRP, but will also allow us to understand the novel enzymatic activity on a fundamental level.

You will have a background in polymer chemistry or organic chemistry. Hands-on experience in any one or more of the following would be advantageous: polymer synthesis; organic synthesis; characterization of polymers and polymeric materials; preparation and characterization of self-assembled nanostructures; biocatalysis. Independence, self-motivation, a good team spirit, and excellent communication skills are important assets of the successful candidate.

For more information, please see https://www.strath.ac.uk/studywithus/postgraduateresearchopportunities/sciencepgropportunities/pureappliedchemistrypgropportunities/biocatalyticatrpnicobruns240518/

Professor Nico Bruns currently works at the Adolphe Merkle Institute of the University of Fribourg in Switzerland; however, he will be joining the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde on 1st October 2018.
For further details of Professor Bruns’ research please see: http://ami.swiss/en/groups/macromolecular-chemistry/