Research in the Braunschweig Group
Research in the group is focused on exploring the intersection of organic chemistry, biology, biochemistry, and material science. With a multidisciplinary approach that spans mechanochemistry, photolithography, synthetic chemistry and biochemistry, each project is linked by our emphasis on addressing the complex challenges in the energy, health, and environmental sectors.
Molecular Printing and Photolithography
Our main goal is to develop an efficient printing technique capable of fabricating and patterning functional nanometer-scale structures. Using photopolymerizations, these structures can be precisely controlled in 3D space and time to create arbitrary patterns. The resulting polymer brush surfaces are particularly promising for developing stimuli-responsive materials, metamaterials, biosensors, and molecular assemblies for charge transport.
Mechanochemistry
Mechanical force is an invaluable tool in driving reactions, and it has the potential to significantly reduce the usage of solvent and energy in organic synthesis. Our group aims to better understand the kinetics and energetics of these reactions, and develop new chemical reactions driven by mechanochemical activation.
Synthetic Carbohydrate Receptors
The pressing need for broad spectrum antivirals cannot be overstated. We develop small molecules that bind cell-surface carbohydrates through noncovalent and supramolecular interactions. These molecules are bind used for disease detection, drug delivery, and therapeutics in live animals, and eventually, in the clinic.
Comparative Mucomics
Mucus is one of nature's most abundant and functionally diverse biomaterials, playing key roles in adhesion, lubrication, and barrier protection across all animals. Despite its ubiquity, many aspects of its hierarchical structures, material properties, and underlying genetics remain poorly understood. To address these gaps, our group employs a novel comparative approach inspired by modern omics-style analysis to investigate the chemical structures and physical properties of mucus, shedding light on its complex and vital functions.
Biomimetic Glycopolymers
Glycoproteins are used throughout nature to meet numerous material needs. Despite their potential for filling many roles in biochemistry, the lack of synthetic alternatives has hindered the realization of many promising biotechnologies. Our lab seeks to replicate and improve upon these natural biomaterials by combining carbohydrate and polymer chemistry to create synthetic mucins.
