Project Info
Synthesis and characterization of polyplexes formed from cationic copolymers and nucleic acids.
Ramya Kumar
ramyakumar@mines.edu
Project Goals and Description:
The goal is to control cationic copolymer binding affinity with anionic charged nucleic acids by controlling the monomer functionality and distribution along the polymer backbone. The resulting polyplexes will be characterized via static light scattering, dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy and their stability in salt and serum will be evaluated. We will compare polyplexes formed from block copolymers and statistical copolymers with varied cationic and anionic monomer functionalities. Polymerization will be performed with reversibly deactivated radical polymerization, specifically reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT), to produce well-defined polymers and tunable interactions with nucleic acids and proteins.
More Information:
Grand Challenge: Engineer better medicines.
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.macromol.7b00767
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168365920302558
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169409X18301832?pes=vo
Primary Contacts:
Jessica Lawson, jllawson@mines.edu
Student Preparation
Qualifications
None required. Some chemistry, molecular biology, and coding may be helpful.
TIME COMMITMENT (HRS/WK)
8-12 hours per week
SKILLS/TECHNIQUES GAINED
polymer synthesis, air-free technique, Schlenk line, semi-batch polymerization, characterization using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, static light scattering, size exclusion chromatography, gel electrophoresis. The student will gain unique insights into applying to and succeeding in graduate school as an independent researcher
MENTORING PLAN
The student will work closely with a graduate student to learn basic laboratory skills and safety. Then, the student will be allowed to work more independently using the training they have received. The student will present twice a year at group meeting.
Preferred Student Status
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior