RUI: CAS: Bespoke Polymer Degradation via Topology and Sidechain Variation

RUI：CAS：通过拓扑和侧链变化定制聚合物降解

• 批准号: 2401038
• 负责人: Yutan Getzler
• 金额: $ 43万
• 依托单位: Kenyon College
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2024
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2024-06-01 至 2027-05-31
• 项目状态: 未结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2401038&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: RUI; CAS; Bespoke; Polymer; Degradation

With the support of the Macromolecular, Supramolecular and Nanochemistry (MSN) Program in the Division of Chemistry, Professor Yutan Getzler of Kenyon College will explore how polymer topology impacts the speed and pathways of polymer degradation. Polymers are ubiquitous, from the polypeptides in our muscles to the polyolefins of our packages. It is vital that we understand how the structures of these chemicals at the molecular scale impact their properties at the macroscale. Depending on how conditions such as temperature, catalyst requirements, and polymer composition impact depolymerization, this work may have implications in fields ranging from targeted drug delivery to biodegradable agricultural films. Furthermore, the depolymerization products have the potential for use as monomers in a circular polymer economy when paired with existing catalytic systems. Undergraduate researchers will gain critical preparation as early career scientists while pursuing these goals in a closely mentored environment and will participate in ongoing quarterly meetings with graduate research groups. This research project will provide an exceptional training opportunity for an early career scientist who desires greater research experience prior to pursuing a doctorate degree. Mentorship of this post-baccalaureate trainee will focus on the skills critical to success in graduate school – experimental design, data analysis, project management, near-peer mentoring, presentation, and writing.There are inherent challenges in synthesizing cyclic polymer topologies and so they remain relatively uncommon. The Getzler group designed a catalyst to help construct cyclic polyesters, a shape that is otherwise difficult to access. Due to the lack of chain ends, these macrocycles are protected from a common, uncontrolled, degradation pathway. By carefully modifying the monomers used to form the macrocycles, other unique degradation pathways may be enabled and controlled. In this research project, the Getzler group will synthesize and characterize a range of cyclic homopolymers and copolymers with different side-chain structures. The impact of topology and side chains on the polymer stability and depolymerization mechanism will be examined. An important goal of this research is to understand the factors that control depolymerization of cyclic polyesters. If successful, the fundamental knowledge gleaned from these studies will inform the rational design of materials with customizable degradation profiles.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.

在化学司的大分子，超分子和纳米化学（MSN）计划的支持下，肯尼恩学院的Yutan Getzler教授将探讨聚合物拓扑如何影响聚合物降解的速度和途径。聚合物无处不在，从我们的肌肉中的多肽到包装的聚蛋白。至关重要的是，我们了解这些化学物质在分子尺度上的结构如何影响它们在宏观上的特性。取决于温度，催化剂需求和聚合物组成影响沉积等条件，这项工作可能对从目标药物递送到可生物降解的农业膜的田野有影响。此外，当与现有催化系统配对时，沉积产品有可能在圆形聚合物经济中用作单体。本科研究人员将作为早期职业科学家获得重要的准备，同时在受过良好教育的环境中追求这些目标，并将与研究生研究小组一起参加持续的季度会议。该研究项目将为早期的职业科学家提供出色的培训机会，他们希望在获得博士学位之前拥有更多的研究经验。这位学士后学员的指导将集中在研究生院成功至关重要的技能上 - 实验设计，数据分析，项目管理，近点指导，演示和写作。在合成环状聚合物拓扑的综合方面存在挑战，因此它们仍然相当不合时宜。 Getzler组设计了一种催化剂，以帮助构建环状聚酯，这种形状原本难以访问。由于缺乏链末端，这些大环受到保护，免受常见的，不受控制的降解途径。通过仔细修改用于形成大环的单体，可以启用和控制其他独特的降解途径。在该研究项目中，Getzler组将合成并表征具有不同侧链结构的一系列环状均聚物和共聚物。将检查拓扑和侧链对聚合物稳定性和沉积机制的影响。这项研究的一个重要目标是了解控制循环多种植者沉积的因素。如果成功，从这些研究中清除的基本知识将为具有可自定义定义配置文件的材料的合理设计提供信息。该奖项反映了NSF的法定任务，并使用基金会的知识分子优点和更广泛的影响评估标准，认为通过评估来获得珍贵的支持。