Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Chemistry · Students write a thesis about the project and...

Honours Projects for 2015

1

SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICAL AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Chemistry

2016 PROJECTS

2

3

The value of an Honours degree

An Honours degree provides an opportunity to be involved in a research program in an area that

interests you, and provides training in research techniques and experience with modern research

instrumentation. The Honours programme adds a new dimension to the skills that you have acquired

during your undergraduate years and enhances your immediate employment prospects and, more

significantly, your future career potential. An Honours degree provides a pathway to postgraduate

research degrees (MSc or PhD), with possible financial support from an Australian Postgraduate

Award (APA) or some other postgraduate scholarship.

Eligibility

Applicants must have completed a UTS recognised bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline at an

appropriate level. The honours program is normally open to students who have attained at least a

credit average over the final two-thirds of the undergraduate program.

Assessment

In the Honours year, students undertake original research projects under the supervision of

academic staff. Students write a thesis about the project and present a talk on the outcomes. There

is also a coursework component, with assessment tasks on advanced chemistry topics.

Choosing a project

It is advisable to contact a potential supervisor and discuss a project during the semester prior to

enrolment in the Honours project. A number of research projects are on offer in the school and are

outlined in this booklet. Feel free to discuss any of these with the appropriate supervisor.

If you have an interest in carrying out a project in an area that is not listed, it may be possible to

arrange suitable supervision. For instance, a number of previous students have carried out their

work-based projects in conjunction with the CSIRO, ANSTO or an industrial partner.

How to apply

After discussing deciding on a project with a supervisor, fill out the forms available at:

http://www.uts.edu.au/future-students/science/go-further/honours-program/school-chemistry-and-

forensic-science-honours

Applications should be submitted by November 30, 2015 to be considered for a first round offer, but

final round applications are accepted until January 29, 2016. Students generally begin work on their

project in February. There are Autumn and Spring semester intakes for the programme.

Advice

If you have any questions about the programme, please feel free to discuss them with the Chemistry

Honours Coordinator, A/Prof. Andrew McDonagh ([email protected]).

mailto:[email protected]

4


5

PROJECTS OFFERED IN 2016


6

UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, SYDNEY

Bachelor of Forensic Science (Honours) in Applied Chemistry


Honours Projects 2016

#

Title Screening for lung infections: volatile profiling of bacteria in cystic fibrosis patients

Nature of problem

work is intended to

address

In Australia, the most common inherited disease,

Cystic Fibrosis (CF), is characterised by recurrent,

progressive lung infections. Early detection and

treatment of these infections is important to prevent

lung damage and scarring. Many different infections

are common in CF so identification of the specific

bacterial species is important to optimise antibiotic

therapy. While sputum culture is useful in some situations, it may take days or weeks

to diagnose depending on the organism. Hence, a rapid and non-invasive technique

capable of diagnosing, identifying and monitoring early bacterial infection in CF

patients is desired, and will contribute significantly to improving their quality of life.

New techniques involve chemical analysis of the volatile bacterial by-products which

are present in the air exhaled by people with infections. This project will assess the

volatile by-products produced by the bacterial species characteristic of CF lung

infections. The results of the project will assist in determining unique volatile profiles

which can be used to detect lung infections in CF adults. This information will

facilitate the long-term goal of developing a portable instrument which will rapidly

detect lung infections in CF patients.

Outline of

goals/objectives

The goals of this project are as follows:

To optimise an advanced gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method

for the analysis of volatile compounds produced by CF-associated bacteria

To compare the volatile profiles of breath samples collected from a control

group with a clinical group of cystic fibrosis patients

To identify volatile profiles for each bacterial species which can be used to

rapidly screen cystic fibrosis patients for bacterial lung infection

Special requirements

None

Industry/Ext partner Westmead Millennium Institute

UTS supervisor Professor Shari Forbes

Dr Katie Nizio

External supervisor Clinical Associate Professor Peter Middleton (Westmead Millennium Institute for

Medical Research, University of Sydney)

Contact information [email protected]

[email protected]




7




Honours Projects 2016

#

Title Wildlife forensics: Chemical odour profiling to identify illegal wildlife products

Nature of problem

work is intended to

address

A major issue in the enforcement of

wildlife trafficking is the lack of a rapid

and accurate method to distinguish legal

from illegal wildlife parts. While

detector dogs are trained to alert to

threatened wildlife parts they cannot

provide a species-level identification. However, chemical odour profiling of

confiscated trafficked samples has the potential to provide a rapid discrimination of

species-type and determine whether or not the sample is illegal. Rapid identification

can greatly assist law enforcement to prosecute offenders, thus preventing future

wildlife crimes. Determination of the species' geographic origin based on their odour

'fingerprint' will also assist customs to track current trafficking routes.

This project will chemically profile the odour produced by rhino horn, elephant ivory

and other wildlife parts identified and supplied by the Australian Museum. Samples

will be analysed using an advanced gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

technique. Data will be analysed statistically to identify unique ‘fingerprints’ for each

species type. This information will be used to build a database of odour profiles for

trafficked wildlife parts into and out of Australia.

Outline of

goals/objectives

The goals of this project are as follows:

To optimise an advanced gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method

for the analysis of volatile compounds produced by wildlife parts

To apply statistical analysis to determine unique odour fingerprints for each

species type

To build a database of unique odour profiles for trafficked wildlife in

Australia


None

Industry/Ext partner Australian Museum

UTS supervisor Professor Shari Forbes

Maiken Ueland

External supervisor Dr Rebecca Johnson, Director of the Australian Museum Research Institute


[email protected]




8

Title Synthesis of RAFT Mediated Cationic Glycopolymer for Nucleic Acid delivery

Project Description Diseases cause by genetic disorder has affected the health and lifestyle of many individuals around the world. The current method of treatment involves very high doses of drugs to suppress the symptoms. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) is the most recent nucleic acid molecule employed to silence gene expression, thereby, arresting the disease-causing genes. However, the effective delivery of siRNA is an arduous task.

Glycopolymers are polymers bearing carbohydrate moieties and they have very strong binding abilities with cell receptors due to their multivalent interactions between the sugar repeating unit from the glycopolymers and the cell surface receptors. There have already been delivery systems (e.g. lipid based system) out in the market concerning gene knockdown technology, but none of these are specific toward targeting the affected areas. Receptor mediated delivery of siRNA using targeting glycopolymers paves the way to efficient therapeutic window for delivering siRNA.

Figure 1: Schematic of glucose-based glycopolymer with thiocarbonylthio end-functional group (bracketed) of RAFT agent.

Objectives In this project, students will have hands on experience on performing reversible addition-fragmentation transfer (RAFT) polymerization to generate cationic glycopolymers. Due to the controlled/living nature of RAFT polymerization, complex glycopolymer architectures such as diblock copolymers could be synthesized. Glycomonomer synthesis will initially be carried out and analysed using the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). This will be followed by performing polymerization in solution and resulting polymers will also be analysed using NMR and gel permeation chromatography (GPC).

Supervisors Dr Simon Ting (Centre for Health Technologies, UTS)



9

Project title Characterization of bonding and surface structure of self-assembled

quantum effect devices

Name of supervisor(s) Dr. Charlene Lobo, Prof. Milos Toth, Dr. Avi Bendavid (CSIRO)

Email address [email protected]

Project description & aims

(250 words max, summary

written for prospective

students)

Next-generation nanophotonic, plasmonic and optoelectronic circuits

rely on accurate positioning of fluorescent nanoparticles, plasmonic elements and single photon emitters to each other and to desired

locations on the substrate (Fig. 1). This project will employ a variety of

surface-sensitive characterization techniques (such as low energy ion scattering, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman scattering),

optical and electrical measurements to analyze the extent of surface functionalization and nature of bonding between the individual

elements in these circuits, in order to improve the fidelity,

reproducibility, and yield of the circuit assembly process.

Figure 1: Positioning of nanodiamond optical emitters at desired

locations in an optical circuit using linking molecules. The student will work with other group members who are developing

electron beam processes for fabricating, aligning and contacting a

device component with nano-scale spatial resolution. The work will be done in a dynamic UTS research group comprised of numerous PhD

students, postdocs and academic staff who work together on electron beam techniques, nanophotonics, nanoplasmonics and

nanoelectronics, publish their work in top nanotechnology, physics and materials science journals, and collaborate with FEI Company

(http://www.fei.com) and CSIRO.

Techniques the student would

be working with Chemical self-assembly, electron beam microscopy, low energy ion

scattering (LEIS), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and a

variety of other nanofabrication and electrical characterization techniques.

Infrastructure and support

required for project execution This project will employ facilities presently available at UTS. Occasional visits to CSIRO Lindfield (where the LEIS and XPS instrumentation is

located) will also be required. Degree Nanotechnology/Physics Honours, Engineering Capstone


10

Project title Design of precursor molecules for electron beam induced chemistry

Name of supervisor(s) Dr Charlene Lobo, A.Prof Andrew McDonagh, Prof. Milos Toth



(250 words max, summary

written for prospective

students)

Electron beam induced chemistry (EBIC) is a cutting edge technique for the fabrication and editing of advanced functional materials at the

nano-scale. Emerging EBIC applications include the fabrication of next-

generation optoelectronic devices made from diamond, chemical manipulation of single photon emitters (Fig. 1), and electrical

contacting of carbon nanotubes. In order to expand the applications of EBIC, understanding of the

underlying chemical pathways and reaction mechanisms must be

improved. Recent advances made at UTS have made it possible to identify the properties of precursor molecules that lead to improved

purity and specificity in bonding of EBIC-synthesized nanostructures to the substrate and to other nanostructures. The present project will use

this knowledge to design, synthesize and test a new generation of EBIC precursor molecules for nanofabrication of functional materials.

The honours student will work with a PhD student focusing on the

design and chemical synthesis phases of the project, and will have the opportunity to collaborate with a team of PhD students working on

applications of the synthesized precursors.

Figure 1: Chemical switching of the quantum states of single photon

emitters by EBIC. The emitters are embedded in nanoparticles processed by a scanned electron beam.

Techniques the student would

be working with Chemical and photochemical synthesis, mass spectrometry (LC and

GCMS), electron beam induced chemistry, electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, among other techniques.


required for project execution This project will employ facilities presently available at UTS.

Degree Chemistry/Nanotechnology/Physics Honours


11

Title Antibacterial agents derive from Boldine

Project description Recent studies have identified that the Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain, a strain resistant to all penicillin derivatives, now accounts for 40-50% of all S. aureus isolates within hospitals in America and 25-30% in Australia. The review ordered by British Prime Minister in 2014 on antimicrobial resistance found that if immediate action were not taken, antimicrobial resistance would be responsible for more deaths than cancer by the year 2050. Therefore, it is an urgent need to pursue antibacterial drug discovery and overcome this impending issue of resistance. The Filamenting temperature-sensitive mutant Z (FtsZ) protein in recent years has become an ever more important focus for antibiotic research due to its potential as a novel target. FtsZ is an essential cell division protein conserved in the majority of bacterial species, including S. aureus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Boldine is a natural alkaloid found in the leaves and bark of a medicinal plant (Peumus boldus) use in the treatment of liver diseases. Boldine also has other beneficial biological activities such as antioxidant, antimalarial, anti-inflammation, antiplatelet, anti-cancer, antimicrobial and antiviral activities.

In this project, therefore, we are focusing on Design and Synthesis of potential FtsZ inhibitors from Boldine, as novel antibacterial agents.

Project aims To synthesise compound 1 and its analogues from Boldine (Fig 1).

To determine antibacterial activity (MIC) of the synthesised compounds

against S. aureus.

To explore the FtsZ inhibitory activity of the synthesised compounds.

To investigate SAR (structure-activity relationship) of the synthesised

compound via computer-aided molecular modelling.

Supervisors A/Prof Alison Ung and Prof Elizabeth Harry

Contact information

[email protected]



12

Title Natural Products for Drug Discovery

Project description A recent review by Newman and Cragg, clearly documented the pivotal role Natural Products play in drug discovery, especially in the key areas such as anticancer, anti-infective and metabolic diseases. More than 60% and 75% of chemotherapeutic drugs for cancer and infectious disease, respectively are of plant origin.

Plant volatile, beta-caryophyllene 1 and the oxide 2 are found in relatively high concentrations in many spices, medicinal and edible plants. They exhibit a wide variety of pharmacological effects, demonstrating antibacterial, antifungal, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antioxidant and anticancer properties.

In this project, we are focusing on Design and Synthesis of novel natural product-derived compounds 3 and 4 from beta-caryophyllene, for drug discovery targeting human diseases, such as cancer and bacterial injections.

Project aims To synthesise optically active tricyclic hydro-amides from beta-caryophyllene 1 and 2, via the Ritter reaction.

To assess the broad-spectrum biological activities of the synthesised compounds.

To determine SAR (structure activity relationship) of synthesised compounds via computer-aided molecular modelling study.

Supervisors A/Prof Alison Ung

Contact information

[email protected]



13

Title Synthesis of flavonoid-derived FtsZ inhibitors as antibacterial agents

Project description The increase of antibiotic resistance among an array of bacteria is of growing concern in both hospitals and community settings. Particularly, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has shown resistance towards traditional targets and every class of antibiotics available. In 2011, roughly 80,000 cases of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) infections occurred in the United States alone. The FtsZ (Filamentous temp.-sensitive protein Z) is an essential protein for bacterial cell division, viability and cell growth. FtsZ is one such emerging target for antibacterial drug discovery. Inhibition of FtsZ has been shown to cause bacterial cell death and reduced the MRSA in the animal model. Therefore, we hypothesised that FtsZ-inhibitors are potential broad-spectrum antibiotics. The results on computational docking have indicated that flavonol-benzamides such as 1 can bind to the inter-domains cleft of S. aureus-FtsZ with excellent ligand efficiency. Based on this computer-aided drug design, a series of novel flavonol-benzamides targeting FtsZ will be synthesised.

.

Fig 1. (a) Compound 1 binds in the FtsZ inter-domains pocket (simulated docking) (b) Compound 1 pose-view and detailed interactions in the binding pocket.

Project aims To synthesise compound 1 and its analogues (Fig 1).

To determine antibacterial activity (MIC) of the synthesised

compounds against S. aureus

To explore the FtsZ inhibitory activity of the synthesised compounds

To investigate SAR (structure-activity relationship) of the synthesised

compound via computer-aided molecular modelling.

Supervisors A/Prof Alison Ung and Prof Elizabeth Harry

Contact information

[email protected]



14

Title Development of a sulfonyl-[18F]fluoride-based radiosynthon for applications in nuclear medicine

Project description Positron emission tomography (PET) is able to give detailed three-dimensional information on functional processes in the body and is used to diagnose and treat conditions such as neurological disorders and cancer. Fluorine-18 ([18F]) is one of the most popular radioisotopes for PET due to its short-life (110 min) and

favourable physical and chemical properties. Proteins and other macromolecules used in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases are generally difficult to radiolabel with [18F]fluoride due to the high temperatures often required, which consequently damage the protein. To overcome this hurdle, this project will involve the development of a radiosynthon for potential conjugation to a therapeutically useful macromolecule. Our previous research has shown that para-substituted benzenesulfonyl [18F]fluorides can be rapidly prepared using continuous flow chemistry (microfluidics) and show great potential to be used within a radiosynthon. In this project the student will use cutting-edge, high-throughput microfluidic flow chemistry techniques to synthesise a sulfonyl fluoride-based synthon and subsequently produce the radiosynthon by radiolabelling with [18F]fluoride. The [18F]radiosynthon will be coupled onto a macromolecule and the bioconjugation scope will be explored to verify the stability of the sulfonyl fluoride group, before conjugation to a more therapeutically useful peptide or protein e.g. for cancer or neuroimaging.

Project aims Use microfluidic flow chemistry to produce a sulfonyl fluoride-based

synthon

Develop skills in analytical chemistry and instrumentation

Learn the fundamentals of [18F]radiochemistry, through one-on-one training and supervision using equipment and facilities unique in Australia

Use microfluidic flow chemistry to produce a [18F]radiosynthon

Conjugate the [18F]radiosynthon to a therapeutically useful macromolecule

Supervisor A/Prof Alison Ung (UTS) and Dr Lidia Matesic (ANSTO)

Additional Information

Financial Support for this project is potentially available through Australian Institute for Nuclear Science and Engineering (AINSE)

Contact information

[email protected] [email protected];




15

Title Investigation of the interaction and complexation of peptides with radiometals

Project Description Radiometals such as lanthanides (Lu-177), Tc-99m and Cu-64 are important diagnostic and therapeutic tools in nuclear medicine. As such, it is important to understand the interactions between radiometals and biologically relevant molecules such as peptides in order to understand and predict their behaviour in vivo. The aim of this research is to develop peptides with a high affinity and selectivity for radiometals, in particular lanthanides, so as to elucidate what structural and functional features are responsible for coordination. The design of these novel peptides will be based on peptide structures that have previously been shown to have a high affinity or selectivity for the targeted elements. Systematic variation of the peptide structure will then allow us to answer questions such as “which amino acids provide the highest affinity/selectivity”, “what is the effect of cyclisation” and “what is the effect of changing the sequence/position of the amino acids in the peptide chain”. This project will involve organic synthesis, characterization and testing of the affinity and selectivity of the peptides for radiometal complexation as well as potentially molecular computer modelling.

Supervisors Associate Professor Alison Ung and Dr Tracey Hanley (Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation)

Additional Information

Financial Support for this project is potentially available through Australian Institute for Nuclear Science and Engineering (AINSE)

Contact information Please contact Alison Ung ([email protected]) for further details.



16

Project title High performance cathode material: NaCrO2, for Na-ion batteries

Name of supervisors Dr Dawei Su



Sodium-ion batteries (Na-ion batteries) are considered as a

promising technology for large-scale energy storage applications

owing to their low cost. However, there are many challenges for

developing Na-ion batteries with high capacity, long cycle life

and high-rate capability. Recently, NaCrO2 was identified as the

great cathode candidate for the Na-ion batteries, which

demonstrates high specific capacity and great cycling

performance. In this project we will attempt to synthesize nano-

sized NaCrO2 single crystals exposed with the unique crystal

planes, which present the necessary channels to accommodate

and intercalate Na ions. Through this project, we can improve the

electrochemical performance of the NaCrO2, particularly, the

high rate performance. We will also investigate the mechanism

of the Na ions intercalation process through the ex-situ SEM,

TEM, XPS and in-situ XRD (the instrument is just installed and

tested, which is cutting-edge technique for the analysis of the

batteries system) measurements.

Furthermore, I recently found that an ether-based electrolyte

exhibits an improved electrochemical performance over the pure

alkyl carbonate electrolytes for Na-ion batteries. Electrochemical

testing and first-principle calculations demonstrate that the ether-

based solvent can facilitate the overall transport of electrons and

reduce the energy barrier for sodium ion diffusion. Therefore, we

will combine the nano-sized NaCrO2 single crystal electrode and

ether based electrolyte to develop the Na-ion batteries with high

reversible sodium storage capacity, high Coulombic efficiencies,

and extended cycle life.

Techniques the student

would be working with

Chemical reaction techniques: hydrothermal method, solid state

method.

Electrochemical measurements techniques: galvanostatic charge-

discharge testing, A.C. impedance testing, cyclic voltammetry

Materials characterization techniques: XRD, SEM, TEM, EDS,

XPS


required for project

execution

Autoclave for the hydrothermal reactions, vacuum tube furnace

for the solid state reaction

Electrochemical workstation, Battery testing system

SEM, XRD, TEM, EDS, XPS (external to UTS)

Major

(Applied Physics or

Nanotechnology)

Nanotechnology. Also suitable for Applied Chemistry


17

Project title Synthesis and optical properties of ‘cesium bronze’ and ‘sodium

bronze’

Name of supervisors Prof. Michael B Cortie, co-supervisor A/Prof. Andrew

McDonagh



(

‘Tungsten bronzes’ are an unusual family of conducting oxides.

They can be manipulated to be metal-like, semi-conducting or

insulating, with an associated effect on their optical properties.

They are of interest for switchable windows and other active

optical devices. In this project we will investigate the chemical

synthesis and the optical properties of cesium and sodium

tungsten bronzes. These have been identified as having potential

for application plasmonic and spectrally selective applications.

Our objective is to be able to develop a material with controllable

band-gap and optimized dielectric function.



Wet chemical synthesis, X-ray diffraction, heat treatment in

controlled atmospheres, measurement of optical properties,

Raman spectroscopy



execution

All facilities are available from within UTS.

Major

(Applied Physics or

Nanotechnology)

Applied Physics, Nanotechnology, Applied Chemistry


18

Title Fluorination of model boronates using flow chemistry techniques

Project description Fluorine substituents are widely used in medicinal chemistry to tune the

ADMET profile of several drugs. The availability of the positron emitter 18

F

(109min half-life) makes late-stage radiofluorination reactions of paramount

importance in building novel PET radiopharmaceuticals for molecular

imaging studies. However, using this radionuclide involves stringent

requirements on the speed and reliability of the reactive process; for this

reason only few simple routes are available for usefully radiofluorinating

desired structures. In particular, there is an evident lack of effective aromatic

nucleophilic radiofluorinations to obtain non-activated fluoro-arenes.

In this project we will study the nucleophilic fluorination of model boronic

acid esters using fluoride and Cu2+

catalysis as a new late-stage fluorination

methodology. We will employ high-throughput microfluidic techniques, in

order to screen a wider range of conditions by employing the minimal

possible quantity of chemicals and experimental time.

The use of microfluidic system will allow a straightforward translation of the

best conditions to the 18

F radiolabelling of important drugs that are not

obtainable using current radiofluorination methodologies.

Project aims Literature review of fluorination conditions and choice of model

compounds

Setting of flow system and variables (materials, pumps, heaters,

pressures, oxygenation)

Setting of analytical systems and methods

Execution of experiments and variation of parameters (temperature,

pressure, residence time)

Collection of data, identification of best conditions and fluidic set-up

UTS supervisor Prof. Alison Ung

External supervisor Dr. Giancarlo Pascali (ANSTO), Dr. Lidia Matesic (ANSTO), Dr. Benjamin

Fraser (ANSTO), Tien Q. Pham (ANSTO)

Contact information [email protected] ; [email protected]

B

OR2

OR1

<F->, <Cu2+>

solvent, heat

residence time

microf luidicsF




19

Title In-flow CO2-generated CO and direct utilization in metal-catalyzed

carbonylations

Project description Carbon monoxide represents a very useful synthon that can be used in metal-

catalyzed insertive carbonylation reactions, giving access to a wide series of

medicinally relevant compounds. Instead of using pressurized cylinders, it is

preferable to generate CO in-situ, and several routes are available to this

scope. 11

C (20min half-life) is also an important PET nuclide that gives

access to highly valuable molecular imaging information; its use is however

mandated by the starting chemical form utilizable, 11

C-CO2. Therefore, there

exists a relevant demand of ways to transform 11

C-CO2 into 11

C-CO, which

are efficient and quick enough to cope with the time and handling constraints

imposed by this radionuclide. A recent method has been published on the use

of silyl acid esters as a mild storage and release systems for CO starting

directly from CO2.

Our group is accumulating experience in the use of tube-in-tube systems to

allow the safe and efficient performance of gas-liquid reactions. Therefore, in

this project we will apply this straightforward flow approach to improve the

applicability of this silicon based reaction on a series of model compounds. In

particular, we will use a double tube-in-tube system for a) trapping the

gaseous CO2 in solution as silyl acid ester and, after flow reaction with an

activator (CsF), b) releasing the CO gas into the metal catalyzed insertive

carbonylation environment.

The use of microfluidic system will allow a straightforward translation of the

best conditions to the 11

C radiolabelling of important drugs that are not

obtainable using current methodologies.

Project aims Literature review of reaction conditions and choice of model compounds

Setting of flow system and variables (tubing set-up, pumps, heaters,

pressures)

Setting of analytical systems and methods

Execution of experiments and variation of parameters (temperature,

backpressures, residence time)

Collection of data, identification of best conditions and fluidic set-up

UTS supervisor Prof. Alison Ung

External supervisor Dr. Giancarlo Pascali (ANSTO), Dr. Benjamin Fraser (ANSTO), Dr. Gary

Perkins

Contact information [email protected] ; [email protected]

SiSi

PhPh

PhPh

CO2

Si

PhPh

COH

O

CO

CsF

R''-X + R'-NH2

<Pd>

Ph2MeSiOSiMePh2 +

C

HN

R'R''

OAF2400tubing




20

Project title Synthesis of Activated Carbon with High Absorption

Properties from the Australian Almond Shells and Hulls

UTS supervisor Assoc. Prof. Andrew McDonagh


External supervisor Dr Amir Moezzi


There is an increasing interest in resource recovery from various

waste materials. Among the waste materials available

abundantly are agricultural residues such as shells and hulls

from various sources e.g. from coconut shells, pecan shells,

wood industry and almond shells. In Australia, thousands of

tonnes of almond are produced every year in processing

facilities, leaving behind thousands of tonnes of almond shells

and hulls as the low value residues. Despite the potentials of

resource recovery and creation of added value to the almond

shell residues, such materials are currently used as a low value

animal feed product.

Almond shells are lignocellulosic materials consisting of around

50% carbon content in the form of hemicellulose, lignin and

cellulose. Lignocellulosic materials are naturally porous, which

makes them important materials for the production of activated

carbon for various applications such as filtration, catalysis,

heavy element separation, adsorption of VOCs, gas adsorption

and storage. When these materials are converted to activated

carbon via a series of physical/chemical process, the product

provides a high specific surface area with high adsorption

properties.

The aim of the current project is to perform the resource

recovery from the Australian almond shells/hulls, which are

abundantly available with low value and to produce activated

carbon with high absorption properties with added value.



Separation techniques, NMR, IR, UV-vis, MS



execution

All facilities are available from within UTS

Major Suited to Applied Chemistry


21

Project title Extraction of d-Limonene from Citrus Peel Waste or Pulp

from Juice Factories

UTS supervisor Assoc. Prof. Andrew McDonagh


External supervisor Dr Amir Moezzi


Thousands of tonnes of citrus

fruit are juiced or used to

produce concentrates. Tonnes of

citrus fruit are also dumped

every year due to improper

resource management.

Apart from the juice and flesh

of the fruit, citrus peel, which is

often discarded is a source of d-limonene with the chemical

structure as shown in Figure 1. Limonene has a citrus scent and

used as a food additive and fragrance, solvent, natural pesticide

and insect repellent. As a solvent, it is a very good degreaser.

Citrus peel is composed of the white flesh as

well as the rind. Most of the limonene is

concentrated in the rind, however, the white

flesh also contains significant amount of

limonene.

Here, we aim to design a feasible and practical

extraction process for separating limonene

from citrus peel, starting with Australian

orange or lemon pulp.

Process design will be based on

separation techniques such as

steam distillation and solvent

extraction. Selection of a suitable and simple process, which can

be upgradable to pilot size unit operation is of importance.

Parameters such as extraction yield, optimum temperature for

the separation and optimum concentrations of extractants will be

studied. Extracted materials will also be analysed in terms of

purity and composition by various analytical methods.



Separation techniques, NMR, IR, UV-vis, MS



execution

All facilities are available from within UTS

Major Suited to Applied Chemistry

Figure 1. Molecular structure of

limonene.


22

Title

Amino acid diastereomers in recent and ancient bone collagen

Nature of problem

work is intended to

address

Amino acid racemization has previously been employed as a relative dating

tool, for example using aspartic acid for bone (eg. Bada et al, Nature 312,

442-444, 1984) and isoleucine for eggshell (eg. Miller et al, Science 309,

287-290, 2005), but the optical isomers of the secondary amino acids proline

and hydroxyproline have not been routinely measured. Hydroxyproline is the

best potential target for radiocarbon dating because it is found at ~10%

abundance in collagen but occurs rarely elsewhere. Current methods for the

isolation of the secondary amino acids are cumbersome (eg. Marom et al,

Radiocarbon 55, 698–708, 2013).

Outline of

goals/objectives

This novel research will determine the 14

C/12

C ratio and racemization ratios

of the amino acids found in collagen and dentine, with particular emphasis on

the optical isomers of proline and hydroxyproline. Recently-deceased bodies

will provide the initial human samples. For comparison, the same analyses

will be performed on marsupial collagen and dentine.

This project will explore different derivatisation reagents and instrumental

techniques (HPLC, TLC, GC) with mass spectrometry and/or

UV/VIS/fluorescence detection, to establish:

(a) suitable chiral separation parameters for high-resolution abundance

measurements of the proline and hydroxyproline optical isomers; and

(b) a simpler method for isolating sufficient (~0.5 mg) of the most abundant

single optical isomer of proline and hydroxyproline for compound-specific

AMS radiocarbon dating and stable C & N isotope measurements.

We expect this baseline analytical data for modern human and marsupial

collagen/dentine will have future applications to both ancient human skeletal

remains and sub-fossil marsupial bones, particularly the extinct Australian

megafauna. Hydroxyproline racemization ratios may benefit chronological

studies particularly for material beyond the 50,000-year limit of radiocarbon

dating.


Industry/Ext partner University of Wollongong, Australian National University

UTS supervisor Prof Shari Forbes

External supervisor Dr Richard Gillespie, Dr Susan Luong




23



Forensic Honours Projects 2016

Title Developing a Lab-on-a-chip devices for the analysis of Amphetamines

Nature of problem

work is intended to

address

Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) is a device that integrates several laboratory functions on a single chip

to achieve automation and high-throughput screening. Printed microchips made of tonner-

polyester are one of the most promising platforms for the production of low-cost LOC

disposable devices. This project will design and produce an entirely printed LOC device for

the analysis of amphetamine related substances.

Example of a Lab-on-a-chip device

Reference:

Do Lago et al; A Dry Process for Production of Microfluidic Devices Based on the

Lamination of Laser-Printed Polyester Films. Anal. Chem., 2003, 75 (15), pp 3853–3858

Outline of

goals/objectives

1) Design microchips and print them using a toner printer and a 3D printer

2) Optimize the channel and sensors

3) Perform the analysis of amphetamines

Industry/Ext partner

UTS supervisor Lucas Blanes, Philip Doble

External supervisor




24

Title Determination of ions present in post-blast explosive samples employing the Agilent

Bioanalyzer lab-on-a-chip

Nature of problem

work is intended to

address

The Bioanalizer is a microchip capillary electrophoresis instrument designed to detect

DNA, RNA and proteins. Recently we have shown that this instrument also can be used to

detect illicit drugs and explosives [1-2]. This project will test the feasibility of employing this

instrument for the determination of cations and anions present in post-blast explosive

samples using laser fluorescence detection. The analysis of explosive residues are important

in the forensic perspective to determine which explosives where employed in the terrorist

activity.

The Bioanalyzer instrument and chip

1- Lloyd, A et al, 2011, 'A Rapid Method For The In-Field Analysis Of Amphetamines

Employing The Agilent Bioanalyzer', Analytical Methods, vol. 3, no. 7, pp. 1535-

1539.

2- Pesenti, A, et al 2014, 'Coupling Paper-Based Microfluidics and Lab on a Chip

Technologies for Confirmatory Analysis of Trinitro Aromatic Explosives', Analytical

Chemistry, vol. 86, pp. 4707-4714.

Outline of

goals/objectives

Develop a simple and ultra-fast portable method to detect major ions present in post blast

samples.


UTS supervisor Lucas Blanes and Claude Roux

External supervisor




25

Title Development of a self-powered peroxide sensor made of filter paper

Nature of problem

work is intended to

address

Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPADs) present a new generation/class in

microfluidics. Filter paper is used as a fabrication substrate on which hydrophobic

microfluidic patterns are imparted to control fluid movement and compartmentalise chemical

reactions. In comparison to other micro devices, µPADs have particular benefits such as, no

requirement for pumps, adsorption of fluids, availability in a range of thickness, easy

disposal, flexibility, and suitability for colorimetric tests. In this project the student will

develop a µPADs with an internal chemical battery that will power the microchip device

when the device is put in contact with water. This device will be used to detect hydrogen

peroxide compounds that can be used to manufacture home-made explosives like TATP.

Example of a self-powered µPAD device

References:

1- Hong Liu, at al. Aptamer-Based Origami Paper Analytical Device for

Electrochemical Detection of Adenosine. Angew. Chem, 2012, 124, 1 – 5

2- Lucas Blanes at al; Garcia Lab-on-a-Chip Biosensor for Glucose Based on a Packed

Immobilized Enzyme Reactor. Electroanalysis 19, 2007, No. 23, 2451 – 2456

Outline of

goals/objectives 1- Develop a µPADs that produce electricity

2- Test and optimize the use of hydrogen peroxidase on paper devices

3- Optimize the chips to detect hydrogen peroxide using an electrochemical sensor


UTS supervisor Lucas Blanes and Philip Doble

External supervisor



26

Title Printing chemical reagents onto µPADs to detect explosives

Nature of problem

work is intended to

address

Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPADs) have been explored to a wide range of

applications including the detection of explosives. In this research, the student will develop a

cost effective method to print chemicals reagents onto µPADs as part of an automated

process to detect explosives.

References:

[1]Hong, L., et al; 2013, 'Inkjet printing lanthanide doped nanorods test paper for visual

assays of nitroaromatic explosives', Analytica chimica acta, vol. 802, pp. 89-94.

[2]Peters, K.L.,et al 2015, 'Simultaneous colorimetric detection of improvised explosive

compounds using microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs)', Analytical Methods,

vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 63-70.

Outline of

goals/objectives

Develop µPADs

Optimize reagent and printing conditions

Develop µPADs that will be used as swabs for direct detection of explosives


UTS supervisor Lucas Blanes; Andrew McDonagh; Philip Maynard

External supervisor



27

Detection of Toxic Food Contaminants by Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

Supervisors: Dr. Annette Dowd, Dr Linda Xiao and Dr Shanlin Fu

In recent years, food safety issues caused by contamination of toxic chemical substances or microbial

species have raised a great deal of concern in the world. Conventional chromatography-based

methods for detection of chemical contaminants and microbial plating methods for detection of food-

borne pathogens are time-consuming and labour intensive. In this project, we aim to explore the use

surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) (e.g. commercial SERS substrates, fractal-like metal

nanosponges, metal nanodendrites) as alternative and speedy analytical tools to detect and

characterise various toxic food contaminants, including patulin, melamine and its analogues, some

restricted antibiotics, prohibited dyes and fertilisers found in food matrices. SERS is a technique that

enhances the Raman signal from Raman-active analye molecules and reduces the fluorescence from

food matrices. The limit of detection of SERS could reach parts per billion level for chemical

samples. These results indicate a great potential of using SERS techniques for rapid detection,

classification, and quantification of chemical and biochemical contaminants in food products.

Nanostructured silver SERS substrates (image: Declan Stockdale 2015)


28

Durable High Performance Cements

Supervisors Paul Thomas (CFS), Kirk Vessalas (Civil Engineering)

Concrete and precast concrete systems are important construction materials that shape the built

environment. These versatile construction materials provide strength to support high loads allowing the

building of high rise structures, but are also formable so can be used in complex architectural designs. The

growth and development of our built environment has resulted in consumption of local resources and with

the desire to design and build green building with minimal environmental impact, optimisation of

construction materials is required. From a materials perspective, the production of durable long life

structures is the primary focus of efforts to minimise environmental impact as a long life building reduces the

average annual impact of a building over the life of the building.

In order to attain durable constructions, durable materials need to be employed. Durability is attained by

mitigating the effects of environment on the construction materials. Two areas are of particular current

interest to the construction materials sector; delayed ettringite formation (DEF) and alkali silica reaction

(ASR). Both ASR and DEF result in cracking and failure of cement based construction materials due to the

formation of expansive phases during the aging of concretes.

DEF is associated with the recrystallization of ettringite after the hardening process has occurred. Ettringite is

an expansive phase and the resulting volume increase causes cracking in the cement binder. ASR is the

reaction of alkalis with ‘reactive’ aggregates forming expansive alkali substituted calcium-silicate-hydrate gels

which expand and cause cracking. In order to mitigate the effect of these processes, an understanding of the

chemistry is required. Projects investigating phase development using typical characterisation techniques,

XRD, thermal analysis and spectroscopic methods, will be carried out in conjunction with physical

characterisation methods such as expansion, strength and porosity measurements. These projects will be

carried out as part of a larger program investigating durability of cement based construction materials

involving industry (Humes and Cement Australia), the industry peak body (Cement and Concrete Aggregates

Association(CCAA)) and cross faculty collaboration (Science and FEIT).


29

Characterisation of Precious Opal

Supervisor Paul Thomas

Natural precious opal is an amorphous hydrous silica (SiO2.nH2O) containing circa 8% water and 1% trace

elements and is formed through a dissolution-precipitation mechanism through the weathering of minerals.

Although a number of models have been debated for the formation of opal, mounting evidence is suggesting

that opal is formed through the homogeneous precipitation of a surface charge stabilised monodispersed

silica colloid with particle growth to a size (circa 150 to 400 nm) which can diffract visible light resulting in the

observed play of colour. This process is most likely to occur under gentle conditions (ambient temperature

and pressure, low electrolyte concentration, slightly elevated pH (8-10)) and close to equilibrium. This has

been recently demonstrated by neutron diffraction (USANS) and small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) studies of

a Coober Pedy opal which was found to be face centred cubic (FCC) in structure (the thermodynamically

stable close packed structure – hexagonal close packed (HCP) is the kinetically derived structure).

Understanding how this crystallisation process can occur requires the understanding of the chemical and

physical properties of opal. This project proposes to characterise opal sourced from around the world using

typical characterisation techniques of XRD, SEM-EDS, NIR, Raman and thermal analysis to elucidate the

composition of opal to further understand the formation process.

Natural specimens (left to right) from Winton (QLD), Mintabie (SA), Coober Pedy (SA) and Lightning Ridge

(NSW)

SEM micrographs showing the sphere packing arrays in natural precious play of colour opal (left) and random

packing of common non-precious opal (right).


30

Quantification of proteins using isotope dilution ChipLC-ICP-MS

In this project, you will develop and validate a method for the quantification of proteins using isotope

dilution chipLC-ICP-MS.

Trace elements (<0.01% of human body weight) are critical in biological processes. For example,

protein phosphorylation cascades play a central role in cell signaling and development, particularly in

cancer cells. Cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12), which forms two coenzymes responsible for biological

transformations, contains cobalt. Iron in haemoglobin binds oxygen and carbon dioxide, reactants and

products of cellular respiration. Copper and zinc are key components of superoxide dismutase (SOD),

an important enzyme in oxidation–reduction reactions. It is currently thought that around one-third of

all proteins in the human body contain at least one metal ion. These ions can act as structural features

or active sites for catalysis [1]. Trace metals are so important to cell function that cell chemistry must

be characterised by the distribution of the metals and metalloids among different biomolecules –

defined as the ‘metallome’.

Hyphenated technologies such as liquid

chromatography-inductively coupled

plasma-mass spectrometry (LC-ICP-

MS) are the most effective way to detect

trace elements in biological samples. LC

separates the sample fractions prior to

detection by ICP-MS. ICP-MS has

isotope specificity, versatility (virtually

any element can be detected), high

sensitivity, and enormous linear

dynamic range (105–10

6) needed for

efficient element detection. Figure 1 is

one example of the analysis of

metallothionein isoforms by LC-ICP-

MS. These isoforms are metal-binding

proteins associated with numerous disease states [2-4]. Recent improvements in ICP-MS

instrumentation also detect non-metals such as phosphorous and sulfur, expanding LC-ICP-MS

analysis to phosphorylated proteins [5-6]. Recently we achieved a world first hyphenation between

microfluidic chipLC and ICP-MS, designed to mitigate issues associated with standard LC-ICP-MS

analyses. It also standardises the analysis with molecular MS for identification of analytes.

The aim of this project is to quantify proteins using isotope dilution chipLC-ICP-MS; you will also

learn LC-MS to positively identify the proteins. You will apply your validated technique to determine

the concentration of SOD in C elegans.

For further information please contact David at [email protected], or Philip Doble

[email protected]

1. Dudev, T. and C. Lim, Principles governing Mg, Ca, and Zn binding and selectivity in proteins. Chem. Rev., 2003. 103: 773-787.

2. Aschner, M., et al., Metallothioneins in neurodegeneration. Metal Ions and Neurodegenerative Disorders, 2003: p. 307-322.

3. Cherian, M.G., et al., Contemporary Issues in Toxicology : Role of Metallothionein in Carcinogenesis. Toxicology and Applied

Pharmacology, 1994. 126(1): p. 1-5.

4. Chung, R.S. and A.K. West, A role for extracellular metallothioneins in CNS injury and repair. Neuroscience, 2004. 123(3): p.

595.

5. Bandura, D.R., O.I. Ornatsky, and L. Liao, Characterization of phosphorus content of biological samples by ICP-DRC-MS:

potential tool for cancer research. Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry, 2004. 19(1): p. 96-100.

6. Bandura, D.R., V.I. Baranov, and S.D. Tanner, Detection of ultratrace phosphorus and sulfur by quadrupole ICPMS with dynamic

reaction cell. Analytical Chemistry, 2002. 74(7): p. 1497-1502.

Figure 1: Separation metallothionein isoforms by LC-ICP-MS




31

Elemental bio-imaging of proteins using immunohistochemical mass spectrometry

Elemental bio-imaging using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-

MS) was developed to target natural elemental tags in biological tissue. However, only around one-

third of all proteins contain a metal cofactor. Immunohistochemical mass spectrometry is a new field

designed to take advantage of the sensitivity of LA-ICP-MS and the selectivity of

immunohistochemical antibody tagging techniques. Antibodies selectively bind to a target, and are

themselves labelled with a lanthanide for detection (see Figure 1).

Figure 1. Mouse brain neurons tagged with an Nd-labelled antibody.

Aptamers are short synthetic strands of DNA, RNA or amino acids with complex three dimensional

structures that bind unique protein or small molecule targets with exquisite specificity. Aptamer

technology is relatively new and has the capability to distinguish between closely related isoforms.

Like antibodies, they are able to be labelled with lanthanides before binding to their target. They have

not yet been used for elemental bio-imaging.

In this project you will validate and standardise the aptamer tagging procedure. The optimal

procedure will be applied to the in situ analysis of cobalamin in mouse brain. Cobalamin has been

chosen because of its clinical relevance in a number of disease states such as pernicious anaemia and

neurological disorders and as it is currently measured using a time-consuming competitive binding

luminescence assay which requires removal of serum binding proteins before measurement. Other

short comings of this complex assay are interfering factors; in May 2012 there was a voluntary recall

of a cobalamin assay reagent (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, NY) due to inference issues.

For further information please contact David at [email protected], or Philip Doble

[email protected]




32

Developing new applications for next generation elemental analysis instrumentation

Agilent Technologies is the world’s leading vendor of analytical instrumentation and leads the way in

atomic spectroscopy and elemental analysis innovation. Its optical spectroscopy headquarters is

located in Melbourne and has been the site of multiple new product developments in the past 2 years

that have pushed back some of the long-term barriers in atomic spectroscopy. Agilent’s Microwave

Plasma – Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (MP-AES) is a prime example of the continuing innovation

around instrumentation. The MP-AES is a world’s first product that provides excellent performance

without the need for expensive, difficult to obtain and often hazardous bottled gases, thereby allowing

it to be used remotely, at a mine site for example, or in developing countries where access to bottled

gases is difficult if not impossible.

There are a number of projects available to students with an interest in developing novel applications

for the MP-AES and Agilent’s next generation Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission

Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), instruments that are used in labs around the world for accurate

measurement of trace levels of a broad range of elements. Think measurement of mercury in drinking

water, trace levels of gold in mine tailings, melamine adulteration of milk and infant formula and lead

in toys.

In these projects you will research and develop novel analytical protocols for use with the MP-AES

and/or ICP-OES in the fields of food and agriculture and environmental analysis. Results will be

compared to those obtained by other analytical measurement techniques and a range of international

standards. The protocols and results developed will be used to establish real world applications for use

by researchers and analytical chemists around the world.

Students working on these projects will have the opportunity to spend time at Agilent’s state of the art

Spectroscopy Technology Innovation Centre in Melbourne.

Examples of projects available (actual project to be determined by mutual agreement, based on the

interests of the student), include developing protocols to determine:

Trace elements in drinking water

Major and trace elements in infant formula

Minor nutrients in fertilizers

Heavy metals in toys

Toxic elements in green ink

For further information please contact Philip Doble at [email protected] or David at

[email protected]




33

Figure 1- SELEX workflow (a) The degenerate nucleic acid library is incubated with the target molecule under defined solution conditions; (b) the target-bound nucleic acids are separated from the non-bound; (c) the low affinity nucleic acids are removed (d) the bound targets are eluted; (e) the nucleic acids, now known as aptamers, are amplified.

Tagged Aptamer Evolution for Elemental Bio-imaging

Aptamer selection was originally developed by two independent laboratories with a technique known as “Systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX)”. SELEX evolves aptamers from a random library of DNA or RNA in 5 steps as shown in Figure 1. A typical SELEX procedure will undergo up to 20 cycles before aptamer characterisation. Technological advances have reduced aptamer evolution time from months to a few days. The most rapid of recent methods of aptamer evolution is by micro free-flow electrophoresis

(FFE) which is capable of screening 1.8 x 1014 random sequences in 30 minutes. FFE consists of microfluidic channels connected to a planar free-flow chamber. A solutions of the library incubated with the molecules are pumped laterally at constant flow rates across the chamber upon which a potential is applied. The separation of the bound and unbound species under the influence of the electric field is observed via fluorescence microscopy with bound fractions collected at a suitably placed exit channel. These fractions are

then unbound from the target for subsequent PCR and continued evolution. FFE devices are usually fabricated from etched borofloat wafers and require specialised equipment for photolithography procedures.

Objective : To construct novel printed

free-flow electrophoresis chips for

aptamer evolution and amplification

A printed free-flow electrophoresis chip will be designed in Coral Draw similar to that shown in Figure 2. The design will be laser printed onto wax paper followed by transfer to a glass substrate with a heat press, and covered with a thin cover slip [26]. The separation buffer and a pre-incubated aptamer-target solution will be pumped at continuous flow rates into the free-flow planar chamber. A potential difference applied laterally across the separation chamber will separate bound and unbound fractions. The fastest moving species (free DNA) will migrate towards well 8, whilst DNA with increasing affinity will be collected in wells 7 to 2 as target binding will decrease the electrophoretic mobility of the aptamer, decreasing the distance travelled within a given time frame. As the electrolyte and aptamer-target solutions are pumped at constant flow rates, extended operation of the chip will increase the amount of aptamer collected in the wells. High affinity aptamer species will be collected from the high affinity reservoirs and subjected to PCR. The amplified product will be cycled through the chip up to six times resulting in a highly specific aptamer for the target molecules.

For further information please contact

Philip Doble at [email protected] or

David at [email protected]

Figure 2- SELEX printed chip

The chip will separate bound and unbound target molecules with collection of products in well 2 to 7 for subsequent amplification by PCR.




34

Professor Graham Pyke and Dr John Kalman Projects below:

Frogs as bio-indicators of environmental quality and change

Frogs are suspected to be important and useful environmental bio-indicators, but evidence to

support this view is generally lacking. This project would pursue this by examining all life

stages of frogs, in situations with varying nature and extent of likely pollution, relating

physical and physiological abnormalities to pollutant composition and concentration.

Floral nectar: It’s biology & chemistry

Floral nectar exhibits patterns within and between individual plants, and across plant species,

depending on pollinator type. However, we do not fully understand the nature of these

patterns, nor the ways in which they have arisen through co-evolution of plants and their

pollinators, nor the chemical processes involved in nectar secretion. This project would

address these issues by considering both floral nectar chemistry and pollinator foraging

behaviour.

Biology and chemistry of frog secretions

We know that frogs produce secretions, as we can sometimes see, smell or taste them.

Presumably these secretions are related to stressful conditions, interactions between male and

female frogs (as in courtship, mating etc), other interactions between frogs (such as

aggression, dominance), interactions between frogs and other organisms (warding off

predators or diseases), and so on. However, little is known about the occurrence (when, where

etc), nature (incl chemical), or function of such secretions. This project would consider the

levels of secretion by frogs and their chemical composition in relation to circumstances.


35

Title New phthalocyanine complexes as photodynamic therapy agents

Description

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a procedure used as a treatment for cancer. PDT

utilises compounds that can react with molecular oxygen to produce cytotoxic reactive

oxygen species when irradiated with light. The reactive oxygen species cause damage

to tumour cells and can lead to cell death.

Photosensitisers are typically strongly coloured compounds (to absorb plenty of light)

and so phthalocyanine compounds are an ideal choice.

An example of a metal-containing phthalocyanine (RuPc).

This project involves the synthesis of new phthalocyanine complexes that have

potential as PDT agents. To do this, ligands will be attached to the complex that enable

the complex be absorbed, distributed and eliminated from the body.

The synthetic methods will rely on organic techniques but will be coupled with

inorganic coordination chemistry. The project will utilise NMR spectroscopy together

with other techniques to characterize the new compounds.

Name of

supervisor(s)

Dr Andrew McDonagh

Contact [email protected]


36

Spectroscopic probing of biological nanomachines: elucidating the structure of CLIC proteins in cell

membrane models

Supervisors: Dr Annette Dowd, A/Prof Barbara Stuart, A/Prof Stella Valenzuela

Raman and FTIR spectroscopy are powerful techniques to monitor modification in the lipid bilayer and also

the protein structure. Characteristic vibrations of chemical bonds can be subtly changed by their nanoscale

local environment, e.g. the frequency associated with the peptide bond depends on whether it is situated in an

alpha-helix or a beta-sheet structure. These spectroscopic tools can interrogate these chemical bonds in a

noninvasive way.

The aim of this project is to add to knowledge about the structure of the CLIC protein machinery and its

insertion into lipid bilayer membranes. This student will study the effect of cholesterol on the lipid structure,

protein structure and its insertion. The student may also develop the spectroscopic technique by investigating

different types of membrane preparation (liposomes, single tethered layers etc) and the use of nanostructured

SERS substrates for signal enhancement.

This multidisciplinary project will be undertaken in PAM, CFS & MMB labs. Opportunities will be available

to access state-of-the-art equipment at the Vibrational Spectroscopy Facility at the University of Sydney.

Date post:	01-Apr-2018
Category:	Documents
Upload:	duongbao
View:	217 times
Download:	2 times

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Chemistry · Students write a thesis about the project and...

Documents