Our group is interested in supramolecular chemistry, which investigates the use of non-covalent interactions to prepare larger molecular architectures.

One of the systems we work on are hydrogen bonded organic frameworks (HOFs), which are a class of crystalline, porous three-dimensional materials, assembled through hydrogen bonding. We have developed a route to a family of hydrogen bonded materials that are stable even in boiling water. Due to their high stability and easy preparation, these materials can be used for a range of applications, including stabilizing enzymes and other biomolecules. This project could incorporate several different aspects in this area, but all are likely to include a mix of organic synthesis, host-guest binding studies, crystal growth and X-ray crystallography. Two possible options are:

1. Developing new frameworks for novel properties. This would involve developing new recognition motifs to assemble H-bonded frameworks, and using different interactions such as halogen bonding and chalcogen bonding to prepare frameworks.
2. Interfacing frameworks with enzymes. We have shown that one of our frameworks is able to encapsulate enzymes and protect them from "nasty" environments (e.g. heat, acid). This project would expand upon this and investigate preparing a family of materials, investigating the catalytic properties of the enzyme/framework composites and trying to tune the frameworks to allow controlled release of the enzyme.

Image

White Group