Project summary:
Reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) radical polymerization emerged as a powerful technique to synthesize well-defined highly functional polymers.1 Very recently, RAFT technique has been also successfully employed to control the otherwise challenging cationic polymerizations of, e.g., vinyl ethers or isobutylene.2
In this synthesis-oriented project, we will develop novel advanced (co)polymer materials by employing the combination of cationic and radical RAFT polymerizations of various monomers. Particularly, we will focus on photocatalyzed (photoinduced electron/energy transfer) RAFT (co)polymerizations, where the use of appropriate photocatalysts and the visible light of corresponding orthogonal wavelengths allows us to achieve a control over the cationic/radical polymerization process. This will allow us to synthesize advanced copolymer materials not attainable by standard polymerization techniques. The prepared (co)polymers will be then studied as potential delivery systems for hydrophobic drugs in collaboration with specialized biological laboratories.
References:
The successful candidate should have at least basic skills in synthetic organic/polymer chemistry, experience with controlled polymerization reactions is an advantage.
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