US-New Zealand Cooperative Research: Proanthocyanidin Polymers and their Complexes

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This award will allow Professor Wayne L. Mattice, University of Akron, to conduct collaborative research with Dr. Lawrence J. Porter, Chemistry Division of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, located at Lower Hutt, New Zealand. The conformational properties of proanthocyanidin polymers, and the nature of their complexes with other macromolecules is the focus of the research investigation. Proanthocyanidin polymers are widespread in plants and are of particular interest because plants use them as a natural defense mechanism. These polymers are also of commercial interest as natural adhesives. The polymer samples will be provided by Dr. Porter, an organic chemist with an extensive background in working with proanthocyanidins as natural products. Dr. Mattice, a physical chemist, will perform circular dichroism and flourescence measurements, molecular mechanics calculations, and statistical mechanical treatments of the samples and complexes. This research project fulfills an objective of the U.S.-New Zealand Cooperative Science Program by bringing together the expertise of respected physical and organic chemists to conduct investigations that will be of mutual benefit. The New Zealand scientist provides the expertise on sample synthesis, isolation, purification and handling. The American PI has the expertise in theoretical characterization and facilities in his laboratory for the spectroscopic analysis and computational support. The NSF Program Director in Materials Research for the Polymers Program has recommended funding of the bilateral exchange. The selection committee in New Zealand has recommended this project as a high priority mentioning the truly cooperative nature of the program.