Biomimetic Conformational Motifs for Practical Molecular Recognition

卡默斯-古德温教授的研究集中在分子模块化的两个仿生主题上。在一个项目中，提出了基于手性折叠体的分子识别的发展，另一个项目提出了分子包裹在模拟病毒体的结构和功能方面的探索。计划合成和研究手性低聚脲的溶液相构象。将研究所建议的寡尿酸的螺旋构象之间的结合现象。低聚脲的螺旋构象将产生亲水的内分子表面积和疏水的外分子表面积，这将有助于将低聚脲包含在疏水性膜和聚合物固体载体上来传递信号。这些螺旋大分子构象将具有质子型和/或带电的内腔和基于碳氢化合物的外部。这种分子结构可以用于化学传感器或手性分离。分子基序将被用来组装类似病毒的小体，以模拟真实病毒的结构和功能。在天然病毒颗粒的结构和功能模拟中寻求对阴离子物种的包裹。也许病毒组件的结构模仿将导致药物输送到细胞，而不会产生病毒的致病反应。有机和大分子化学项目支持肯塔基大学化学系的亚瑟·卡默斯-古德温教授的研究。卡默斯-古德温教授的研究解决了生物分子之间相互作用的本质。卡默斯-古德温教授的教育活动包括指导学生和教授一门名为计算分子设计的新课程。

Professor Cammers-Goodwin's research focuses on two biomimetic themes in molecular modularity. In one project the development of chiral foldamer-based molecular recognition is proposed and the other proposes the exploration of molecular encapsulation in the mimicry of the structure and function of viral bodies. The synthesis and study of solution-phase conformations of chiral oligoureas is planned. The binding phenomena between helical conformations of the proposed oligoureas will be studied. The helical conformations of the oligoureas will create hydrophilic internal and hydrophobic external molecular surface area, which will be useful when the oligoureas are included in hydrophobic membranes and on polymeric solid supports to transduce signal. These helical macromolecular conformers will possess protic and/or charged internal cavities and hydrocarbon-based exteriors. Molecular architecture of this sort may find use in chemical sensors or in chiral separations.Molecular motifs will be used to assemble viral-like bodies to mimic both the structure and function of real viruses. Encapsulation of anionic species is sought in the structural and functional mimicry of natural viral particles. Perhaps structural mimicry of viral assemblies will lead to drug delivery to cells without the viral pathogenic response.The Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry Program supports the research of Professor Arthur Cammers-Goodwin of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Kentucky. Professor Cammers-Goodwin's research addresses the nature of the interaction between biological molecules. Professor Cammers-Goodwin's educational activities include mentoring students and teaching a new course entitled Computational Molecular design.