DNA-TEMPLATED SUPRAMOLECULAR SYNTHESIS OF WIREFRAME POLYMERS

在化学系大分子，超分子和纳米化学项目的支持下，明尼苏达大学的Valerie Pierre将开发一类新的三维精密聚合物。这些中空聚合物的独特线框拓扑结构为许多应用开辟了新的可能性，包括它们作为增溶剂、分子和成像探针以及作为包封和递送剂的潜在用途。该项目的更广泛的影响包括开发和评估新的实践活动，让六年级的学生参与科学，目的是改善他们的态度，提高他们在教育早期对科学的兴趣。在这个项目中，Valerie Pierre博士和她的团队将参与一项重点研究，旨在开发一类三维线框聚合物。 线框聚合物的一个独特方面是它们的模板合成。该方法采用预测性超分子策略来模板化DNA纳米结构上每个单体的位置。单体的随后偶联在一锅中产生最终所需的大分子。 模板化方法的模块化将有助于调整聚合物的大小、拓扑结构和官能团，以满足预期应用的需求。正交共辄化学将使得线框聚合物上大量但精确数量的基团能够官能化。超分子方法的模块化将使得能够在大分子上的精确和预定位置处容易地引入设定数量的第二和不同的单体。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

With the support of the Macromolecular, Supramolecular and Nanochemistry Program in the Division of Chemistry, Valerie Pierre of the University of Minnesota will be developing a new class of three-dimensional precision polymers. The unique wireframe topology of these hollow polymers opens up new possibilities for a number of applications including their potential use as solubilizing agents, as molecular and imaging probes, and as encapsulating and delivery agents. Broader impacts of the project include the development and evaluation of new hands-on activities to engage grade six students in science with the goal of improving their attitude and increasing their interest toward science early in their education.In this project, Dr. Valerie Pierre and her team will engage in a focused study directed ad the development of a class of three-dimensional wireframe polymers. A unique aspect of the wireframe polymers is their templated synthesis. The approach employs predictive supramolecular strategies to template the position of each monomer on a DNA nanostructure. Subsequent coupling of the monomers yields the final desired macromolecule in one pot. The modularity of the templated approach will facilitate tuning of the polymer’s size, topology, and functional groups to match the needs of the intended applications. Orthogonal conjugation chemistry will enable functionalization of a large yet precise number of groups on the wireframe polymer. The modularity of the supramolecular approach will enable the facile introduction of a set number of a second and distinct monomers at precise and predetermined locations on the macromolecules. The ability to pinpoint and efficiently incorporate single monomer polymorphism opens the door to precise bifunctional polymers.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.