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

该奖项将允许阿克伦大学的韦恩·L·马蒂斯教授与位于新西兰下赫特的科学与工业研究部化学部劳伦斯·J·波特博士进行合作研究。原花青素聚合物的构象性质及其与其他大分子的络合物性质是研究的重点。原花青素聚合物在植物中广泛存在，特别令人感兴趣，因为植物将它们作为一种自然防御机制。这些聚合物作为天然粘合剂也具有商业价值。聚合物样品将由波特博士提供，他是一名有机化学家，在将原花青素作为天然产品进行研究方面具有广泛的背景。物理化学家马蒂斯博士将对样品和络合物进行圆二色和荧光测量、分子力学计算和统计机械处理。该研究项目通过汇集受人尊敬的物理化学家和有机化学家的专业知识，进行互惠互利的研究，实现了美国-新西兰合作科学计划的目标。这位新西兰科学家提供样品合成、分离、提纯和处理方面的专业知识。美国的PI拥有理论表征方面的专业知识，并拥有实验室中用于光谱分析和计算支持的设备。NSF聚合物项目材料研究项目主任建议为双边交流提供资金。新西兰的遴选委员会已将该项目列为高度优先项目，并提到了该项目的真正合作性质。

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.