CRC: Towards synthetic biology: the replication of synthetic polymers

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David Lynn, Stefan Lutz and Ichiro Matsumura (Emory University) and Nicholas Hud (Georgia Tech) are jointly supported by the Division of Chemistry to develop self-replicating polymer systems. This interdisciplinary team will pursue both rational and diversity-based approaches to the development ofmacromolecular catalysts for the sequence- and chain length-specific synthesis of chiral polymers. These systems are inspired by the efficiency of DNA and RNA biopolymers in self-assembly and self-replication.Sequence-specific polyesters, polyamines/amides and polyphosphonates will be prepared through the merger of synthetic chemistry, polymer chemistry and directed molecular evolution. This strategy mimics Nature's approach towards the most efficient and most broadly-based routes to such polymers. These robust reactions can be used to select and evolve a synthetic polymer to prepare new functional materials. The implementation of "synthetic biology" or bio-inspired strategies for the production of new chemicals and materials, has been enabled by advances in molecular biology, high throughput screening and sophisticated selection protocols. This project is funded through the Collaborative Research in Chemistry Program (CRC) and provides outstanding opportunities for undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers to acquire knowledge and skills in very broad areas of research, including synthetic organic chemistry, physical organic chemistry, biophysics and structural biology.