Events in organic chemistry.

Molecular Assembly of Living and Lifelike Materials

The Sim Lab creates and studies living and lifelike soft materials through molecularly programmed self-assembly of synthetic polymers and engineered biological components. Self-assembly is how nature seamlessly integrates cellular functionalities with complex structures of materials. For example, plants, even a 300-foot-tall giant sequoia tree, are able to grow from a small seed because cellular division is coupled with material growth through self-assembly processes.

Analytical chemistry tools revealing complex organismal metabolism

Analytical chemistry tools, such as mass spectrometry, have been increasingly used to answer complex biological questions. For example, metabolomics and stable isotope tracing have revealed key biological molecules and their fluxes in both healthy and diseased conditions, providing potential drug targets. In this seminar, we will discuss how these techniques are used to discover novel biologically important molecules that organisms utilize to maintain whole-body metabolic homeostasis.

Merging Abiotic and Biological Catalysis for Sustainable Synthesis and Chemical Biology

Abstract: My group develops catalysts that merge the benefits of enzymes and abiotic chemistry. In one research area, we are using DNA as a nano-scaffold to accelerate reactions through pre-organization of multiple abiotic catalysts, akin to enzyme active sites but not limited to the natural amino acids and cofactors. I will describe our development of a platform to rapidly evaluate millions of DNA nanocatalysts using DNA barcoding and combinatorial synthesis, thus mimicking the process of directed evolution in discovering highly active abiotic catalyst systems.

Beginning to understand light-mediated Ni catalysis using physical organic techniques and data science

The Bahamonde group harnesses the distinct one-electron chemistry and photochemical reactivity of Ni complexes to generate and trap C-centered radicals enantioselectively and promote C−N reductive eliminations at room temperature. Our excitement for studying these systems stems from the fact that these two apparently unrelated processes are facilitated under almost identical conditions, but to date the ligand features, photocatalyst properties, and subtle reaction condition variations that favor one pathway over the other are not yet understood.

Molecular Engineering of Recognition Motifs for Responsive Biomaterials

Abstract: Nature abounds with elegant structures and functions, often governed by equilibrium-based recognition motifs. These natural systems inspire the development of synthetic analogues with diverse functions, including applications in biomaterials and drug delivery. The nanoarchitecture of biological materials arises from precisely engineered molecular-scale interactions and active modulation of thermodynamic parameters, which shape the free energy landscape governing material formation.

Elucidation of the chemical and biological roles of five carbon metabolism in diverse biological systems

Five-carbon metabolism derives from the central hub of the isoprenoid pathway, which is necessary for an array of critical bioactivities, including cell membrane integrity (e.g., cholesterol), glycoprotein synthesis (e.g., the dolichols), steroid hormone signaling (e.g., androgens, estrogens, and cortisol), and mitochondrial health (e.g., coenzyme Q). Human isoprenoids derive from the mevalonic acid (MVA) pathway, whereas many other organisms utilize the methyl erythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway.

New Electron-Transfer Concepts in Organic Synthesis

Abstract: The Nacsa Group uses electron transfer techniques to address challenges in organic synthesis. Our lab works in two main areas. The first uses electrochemistry to develop new approaches for dehydration reactions, such as the synthesis of amides and esters from carboxylic acids, with an emphasis on catalysis. Dehydrative transformations are workhorse operations in pharmaceutical R&D, but owing to the wasteful reagents overwhelmingly used to accomplish them, industry has long called for methods that avoid these reagents.

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