Small Molecule Interactions with Polydopamine Polymerizations
Location
Science Center: Bent Corridor
Document Type
Poster - Open Access
Start Date
4-28-2023 12:00 PM
End Date
4-28-2023 2:00 PM
Abstract
Polydopamine is an extremely versatile material derived from the oxidative polymerization of dopamine. It is an analog of human melanin pigments and adhesive materials from mussels. Current research has found that it possesses adhesive, antioxidant, antibiotic, and antifungal properties, all of which make it an ideal case study in biomaterials science. Building on previous studies from our lab on synthetic eumelanin, we are investigating how small molecules interact with polydopamine polymerizations. This can shed light on the structure of polydopamine and the molecules can be used as modifiers to optimize polymers for specific applications. We are continuing to explore compounds with boronic acid functional groups which interact with polydopamine intermediates via reversible covalent interactions. We employ UV/Vis spectroscopy to investigate polymerization extent in the presence of a variety of boronic acids, helping us to determine how different structural features impact molecular interactions and to design next generation modifiers. We are also investigating interactions with organic dyes which can serve as models for polydopamine-based water purification and other applications. This poster describes our recent results from boronic acid and dye capture assays.
Keywords:
Biomaterials, Polydopamine, Organic dyes, Boronic acids
Recommended Citation
Choi, Bolam; Elias, Kayla; and Lee, Jenny, "Small Molecule Interactions with Polydopamine Polymerizations" (2023). Research Symposium. 16.
https://digitalcommons.oberlin.edu/researchsymp/2023/posters/16
Major
(Bio)Chemistry; Neuroscience
Project Mentor(s)
Jason Belitsky, Chemistry and Biochemistry
2023
Small Molecule Interactions with Polydopamine Polymerizations
Science Center: Bent Corridor
Polydopamine is an extremely versatile material derived from the oxidative polymerization of dopamine. It is an analog of human melanin pigments and adhesive materials from mussels. Current research has found that it possesses adhesive, antioxidant, antibiotic, and antifungal properties, all of which make it an ideal case study in biomaterials science. Building on previous studies from our lab on synthetic eumelanin, we are investigating how small molecules interact with polydopamine polymerizations. This can shed light on the structure of polydopamine and the molecules can be used as modifiers to optimize polymers for specific applications. We are continuing to explore compounds with boronic acid functional groups which interact with polydopamine intermediates via reversible covalent interactions. We employ UV/Vis spectroscopy to investigate polymerization extent in the presence of a variety of boronic acids, helping us to determine how different structural features impact molecular interactions and to design next generation modifiers. We are also investigating interactions with organic dyes which can serve as models for polydopamine-based water purification and other applications. This poster describes our recent results from boronic acid and dye capture assays.
