SEMINAR: School of Biomedical, Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences

Substituted 1,3-butadiynes (diacetylenes) are able to undergo a unique polymerization reaction when assembled into the proper geometry. This reaction can take place in crystalline solids, self-assembled monolayers, liposomes, and related structures. The resulting polymers are highly conjugated and have a number of interesting physical and optical properties. We are using the diacetylenes to engineer nanoporous solids, to control the assembly of nanoparticles, and as sensors. Of particular interest is the incorporation of polydiacetylene nanostructures into commercial polymers to create “smart” composites that are sensitive to mechanical stress and other environmental factors. Polydiacetylene liposomes can be engineered to provide a colorimeteric or fluorescent response to external stimuli such as pH and biological species while simultaneously acting as containers to transport and release anything from drugs to nanoparticles.