Chemistry Honours 2016 Research Projects

Coordinator: Professor Brett Paull

2 | P a g e

HONOURS IN CHEMISTRY Admission to the Chemistry Honours Program is open to students with a major in chemistry. In 2016, the program will be similar in organisation and philosophy to the program in recent years. Students who have completed a BSc at a University other than Tasmania may also be eligible to undertake an Honours year in the School of Physical Sciences. A BSc Honours year in Chemistry represents the transition from an undergraduate student to becoming a scientist capable of independent research. Often it is the first time where students get "hands on" experience with a range of experimental methods in a research setting. The Honours program in Chemistry is a one-year course, comprising coursework and research-based study. The course aims to enable students to define and solve problems relating to their speciality and to conduct research in the field. Honours may be commenced in either first or second semester. Honours graduates possess the skills and qualifications to progress to higher degree (e.g. Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy) or to enter the science and technology industries. Honours is a necessary requisite for any student considering doing a research based higher degree such as an MSc or PhD. You should also be reminded that an Honours degree is more prestigious than a regular Bachelor’s degree and generally employers look favourably on candidates with an Honours degree. In many ways an Honours year is both the most demanding and rewarding year in an undergraduate degree. Honours graduates are eligible for membership of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute and chemical societies from around the world. The Chemistry Honours Coordinator is Professor Brett Paull, but your individual research supervisor will provide the majority of the specific guidance. Honours students are affiliated with the research group of their supervisor and are afforded most of the privileges of the staff and postgraduate students of the School of Physical Sciences. This includes after-hours access, office and laboratory space, and the facilities required for your research. These facilities will be provided through your supervisor’s research group. Is the Honours degree worth the extra year it takes? The answer would certainly be "yes!" for many people, for the following reasons: The overwhelming response of potential employers in industry (including

Biotechnology) and the public sector over the past few years has been that they would hire a good Honours graduate over someone with a pass degree.

Honours is necessary for anyone contemplating postgraduate degrees in chemistry and related subjects.

Honours gives you "hands-on" experience in problem solving, designing and undertaking research projects, experience at working independently and provides a rewarding finishing quality to your education.

The research project is your major activity in the Honours year. Types of projects possible are described in this booklet. Some members of staff describe specific projects while others sketch out general areas of research in which projects could be

3 | P a g e

found. The one important point to bear in mind is that undertaking a project means working closely with the member of staff supervising that project. The taught courses to be offered in the Honours year in 2016 will have varied content and purpose, but generally cover two general areas of chemistry – namely analytical/physical, and synthesis (inorganic or organic). In addition, students will be required to produce a written project plan and literature survey. Satisfactorily completion of a course on "Safety in a Chemical Laboratory" is also a requirement. The application of safety aspects in the chemical laboratory will form an integral and important part of your training ASSESSMENT The Honours degree is graded into Higher Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), and Pass (PP), or Honours may not be awarded. Assessment is on the basis of performance in the research project and the formal course work. You must write a thesis describing the aims, methods, results and conclusions of the research. Guidelines on the presentation and production of the thesis will be given in the Unit Outline issued to all Honours students upon commencement of the course. A panel consisting of the supervisor, a staff member familiar with the area of research, and a staff member less familiar with this area will assess the thesis. The panel interviews each student for about 15 minutes before assigning the thesis mark. Each student gives two 15-minute seminars, one at the beginning of the year describing what they hope to achieve, and one at the end presenting their results. The second seminar is assessed by academic staff, and also contributes to the total Honours mark. The coursework component of the degree is usually completed in the first half of the year, and consists of two courses, each approximately 9 lectures long. These course are given either by members of the School or visiting academics who are highly respected specialists in their field. The material is selected from a wide range of subjects, chosen to broaden the scope of the material covered in the undergraduate courses. Assessment is by examination and/or assignments, the proportion differing from one course to another.

4 | P a g e

ENTERING THE HONOURS PROGRAMME

September – October 2015 Discuss projects of interest to you with members of staff.

October – November 2015 Make your decision as to the project you would like to undertake. Consult with the Honours Coordinator, Professor Brett Paull, to confirm your eligibility for Honours and that the arrangements for supervision are satisfactory.

December 2015 – February 2016 Formally, enrol in the Honours Units (KRA426, KRA427, KRA428 and KRA429) and Honours Research Preparation Unit (KRA418), and discuss your enrolment with the Honours Coordinator, Professor Brett Paull.

Early February 2016, or by arrangement Commence work on your project and coursework.

SCHOLARSHIPS The following scholarships will be offered for Honours in Chemistry 2016.

1. Chemistry Honours Scholarships A number of scholarships will be offered from the School of Physical Sciences to work on any chemistry related project. These will be awarded on academic merit.

2. Tasmania Honours Scholarships

Available to students with excellent academic achievement in their undergraduate courses who wish to study at Honours level.

For more information go to www.scholarships.utas.edu.au The closing date for scholarships is most likely the 31st of October 2015 WHO TO CONTACT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION & ASSISTANCE Professor Brett Paull Honours Coordinator Room 408, phone: 6226 6680, email: Brett.Paull@utas.edu.au

5 | P a g e

RESEARCH PROJECTS

Dr Alex BISSEMBER ..................................................................................... 7

Prof Michael BREADMORE ........................................................................... 8

A/Prof Michael GARDINER ............................................................................ 9

Prof Emily HILDER ...................................................................................... 10

Dr Nathan KILAH ......................................................................................... 10

Dr Trevor LEWIS ......................................................................................... 11

Prof Mirek MACKA ....................................................................................... 13

Prof Pavel NESTERENKO ........................................................................... 13

Prof Brett PAULL ......................................................................................... 14

A/Prof Joselito QUIRINO ............................................................................. 15

Dr Andrew SEEN ......................................................................................... 16

Dr Jason SMITH .......................................................................................... 17

Dr Karen STACK ......................................................................................... 19

Dr Stuart THICKETT .................................................................................... 20

6 | P a g e

Dr Alex BISSEMBER email Alex.Bissember@utas.edu.au phone (03) 6226 2158 room 433 (Hobart) Research Interests Research in the group seeks to utilize diverse molecular targets as the inspiration and driving force for the development of new reactions and synthetic methodology. We seek to employ novel and relatively simple strategies to rapidly construct complex and distinct molecular architecture and directly apply these processes to the synthesis of biologically active compounds. This perspective guides the design and evaluation of potential projects, some of which are described below.

Research Projects Visible-light copper-based photoredox catalysis: functionalization of organic molecules.

This project is concerned with utilising visible light copper(I)-photocatalysts to establish novel synthetic reactions. Specifically, these projects are concerned with identifying, and subsequently exploring, new modes of reactivity and small molecule activation. Rapid hot water extraction for isolation of natural products. (with Dr Jason Smith)

Recently we have developed a method for the extraction and isolation of natural products using a commercial coffee machine. This strategy permits rapid screening of plant material to identify species that have significant quantities of metabolites that permit large-scale extraction and isolation. The goal is to identify plants that are a potential feedstock for chemical scaffolds that can be a starting point for synthetic projects. Synthesis and evaluation of new antibiotics, anti-cancer and other pharmacologically active compounds. (with Dr Jason Smith & Assoc. Prof Nuri Güven)

The increase in antibiotic strains of bacteria means there is a vital need for the development of new anti-bacterial agents. These agents will be discovered by the synthesis of novel compounds and evaluation against numerous biological targets. Projects are available in this broad area of medicinal chemistry in which target molecules will be synthesized and evaluated for activity by collaborators.

Other Potential Projects. Other topics that could form the basis of research project are possible and you should feel free to discuss these options with me.

7 | P a g e

Prof Michael BREADMORE email Michael.Breadmore@utas.edu.au phone (03) 6226 2154 room 432 (Hobart)

Research Interests My research interests lie in the field of electrophoresis and electrochromatography in capillaries and microchips for a number of applications, ranging from small molecules such as inorganic ions and drugs, through to macromolecules such as DNA, proteins and cells. My research ranges from fundamental aspects on designing new systems via computational fluid dynamics, through to the development of new experimental separation strategies that can be applied to the analysis of real-world samples. I have a particular interest in the development of integrated sample in/answer out systems suitable for the analysis of complex crude samples (such as sewage treatment water, river, lake and sea water, urine, blood, serum, etc). These have applications in a wide range of areas. For example, the ability to isolate low amounts of DNA is critical for the development of clinical diagnostics as well as in forensics. Cells are also important, as these can be markers of disease (such as cancer) or pose a significant health risk in food and water. Pollutants, such as pesticides, herbicides, and more recently, personal care products (such as over-the-counter pharmaceuticals and nanoparticles) are important to maintain the integrity of our environment. The rapid detection of trace levels of explosives can help to more rapidly apprehend offenders, enhancing the national security of the country. The ability to integrate multiple processes within a single microchip is also of value in neuroscience allowing the simulation and monitoring of individual cells to help understand the complex working of the human brain and ways to minimise the impact of trauma. Some of the specific projects involving the applications above may be based on:

Sample in/Answer out portable analytical technology for pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs in biological and environmental samples.

Novel fabrication of microfluidic devices (such as laser engraver, 3D printers)

High volume, high efficiency miniaturised methods of enrichment in microchips for pollutants, toxins and cells.

Rapid electrophoretic separations in low diffusion environments

Electrophoretic microfluidic devices for the rapid isolation of nucleic acids.

Multi-wavelength fluorescence detectors based on pulsed light emitting diodes

High resolution CE and CE-MS for the characterisation of biotech-derived therapeutic oligosaccharides.

Nanoparticle-templated and molecular-templated polymers for sensitive and selective separations

New electrophoretic approaches for characterising microbial communities.

Non-PCR based single cell detection

Microfluidic devices for neuroscience

Microfluidic devices with non-metallic electrodes.

Computational fluid dynamics of electrophoresis and chromatography. All projects are developed on a case-by-case basis depending upon the technology and application interests of each student.

8 | P a g e

A/Prof Michael GARDINER email Michael.Gardiner@utas.edu.au phone (03) 6226 2404 room 301 (Hobart) Research Interests Our main research goal is to improve understanding of organometallic reagents, or make new and better ones, for contemporary applications in catalysis, synthesis or materials. Many projects are available based on various molecular design strategies, either close to the “pure” synthetic end or towards the “application” end of the research continuum. Collaborative projects are possible with researchers down the corridor or overseas. Research Projects

Representative projects are below; chances are by February next year the group will have made progress in these areas and we’ll have new challenges to tackle! Please see me to discuss options.

REACTIVITY STUDIES OF A NOVEL DINITROGEN REDUCTION COMPLEX We recently prepared the first “end-on” bound N2 f element complex utilising a bulky, non-flexible macrocyclic ligand to prevent typical “side-on” binding. Side-on binding results in encapsulation of the activated (N2)

2- unit hindering

proton/electron access that could “fix” dinitrogen to derivatives needed for application in fertiliser production;

the main driver of this research. In comparison, our unique end-on N2 complex has the reactive fragment sterically accessible for further reaction chemistry (as shown). This project will develop reaction chemistry of this complex. Ample scope exists to explore the likely novel outcomes from other small molecule activations that we have not examined. BACTERIAL INFECTION PREVENTION BY IRON UPTAKE INHIBITION FROM MAMMALIAN HOSTS

Capitalising on recent structural findings of Staphylococcus aureus cell wall proteins that scavenge iron from mammalian haemoglobin (Hb), this project aims to develop S. aureus growth inhibitors by blocking the iron-scavenging-from-Hb pathway. The structure of the haem-binding domain is known, allowing the design of synthetic porphyrin complexes to outcompete binding of the native ligand. Depending on your interest, this collaborative project (with Dr David Gell, Menzies RI) can vary in emphasis on porphyrin synthesis, protein binding studies or NMR structural methods. Downstream research would involve conjugation of lead compounds to protein carriers for intravenously administered therapeutics with improved solubility and circulation time.

STRUCTURE/REACTIVITY STUDIES OF N-HETEROCYCLIC CARBENE PALLADIUM CHEMISTRY

Many conventional catalytic cycles are Pd(0)/(II) based. We recently published a surprising Pd(II) reduction giving the

first Pd(I) NHC complex. Of broader fundamental and catalytic interest, a new analogue is the first Pd(I) dimer lacking

a Pd-Pd bond. This led to our hypothesis that NHCs have M-M bond weakening influences that are key to generating

active mononuclear catalysts from nanoparticles. There are many follow up studies to these initial findings planned,

including probing hydride ligand fluxionality mechanisms on clusters in relation to catalyst structure. This latter aspect

involves a number of neutron scattering techniques using the instruments in the Bragg Institute at the ANSTO research

reactor, as well as facilities in the UK, France, Germany and the US.

Whatever the project details, you will find yourself involved with a mix of synthetic chemistry and testing of your complexes for suitability in various applications. This will involve gaining competency in handling highly air-sensitive compounds and hands on usage of a large range of the School’s modern characterisation equipment (especially: X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy). External experiments are also proposed for the X-ray absorption spectroscopy and crystallography beamlines at the Australian Synchrotron and neutron-based techniques at research nuclear reactors to probe advanced structural aspects. The projects are very interdisciplinary: You will become multi-talented and will retain a good deal of general chemistry knowledge!

9 | P a g e

Prof Emily HILDER email: Emily.Hilder@utas.edu.au phone (03) 6226 7670 room 403 (Hobart) Research Interests Analytical and Materials Chemistry My research interests lie in the general area of separation science, in particular the design and application of new polymeric materials, such as polymer monoliths or nanoparticles. This includes fundamental studies focused on synthesis and performance characterisation as well as exploring applications of these materials to solve complex separation problems such as for sample of biological or pharmaceutical origin.

I am also interested in the development of miniaturised analytical systems (e.g. portable analysers or lab-on-a-chip). The aim of this research is to develop faster, simpler and/or smaller analytical separation systems and has applications in many different areas such as clinical diagnostics, proteomics, pharmaceutical analysis, polymer characterisation and counter-terrorism research. Research Projects Projects involve a combination of polymer synthesis, characterisation and analytical separation science or focus on applied analytical separation science. All projects can be tailored to suit the interests and abilities of a particular student. Projects are usually instrumentally based. My research is undertaken within ACROSS and some projects are in collaboration with other members of ACROSS or with medical researchers. Projects may also be in collaboration with industry partners. Examples of specific projects are given below and suggestions for project in a specific area of interest are also welcome.

New materials for sample preparation in bioanalysis

Polymer nanoparticles and their assembled supracolloidal monolithic structures as new stationary phases in separation science (in collaboration with Uni of Warwick).

Capillary electrochromatography – mass spectrometry (CEC-MS) using polymer nanoparticles as pseudo stationary phases.

Development of LC-MS methods for high resolution metabolite screening. These methods can be applied in a range of areas. e.g. for the identification of molecules that signal early kidney disease or multiple sclerosis (in collaboration with Menzies Research Institute)

New stationary phases for high temperature liquid chromatography using subcritical water as the mobile phase.

High resolution separations (e.g. LC, CE, LC-MS, CE-MS) for the characterisation of therapeutics proteins and oligonucleotides.

The development of new materials for hydrophilic interaction (electro) chromatography (HILIC) for separation of polar molecules such as metabolites and polar pharmaceuticals.

10 | P a g e

Dr Nathan KILAH email: Nathan.Kilah@utas.edu.au phone (03) 6226 2183 room 205 (Hobart)

Research Interests My research interests cover all areas of synthetic chemistry, with a focus on inorganic stereochemistry and molecular recognition. The following projects are suggestions: please come and discuss with me if you have your own ideas in synthetic chemistry you are interested in pursuing. Research Projects Chiral recognition of metal complexes by proteins Metal complexes are significantly underdeveloped as biological probes and therapies, despite offering a number of unique properties not available with conventional organic molecules. For example, a hexa-substituted octahedral metal centre can have up to 30 stereoisomers, while a tetra-substituted carbon has only two.

The stereochemical richness of octahedral metal complexes makes them ideal structural scaffolds for the construction of enzyme inhibitors. Careful placement of the ligands around the central metal allow for fine tuning of the non-covalent interactions of the metal with an enzyme binding site. In this project you will synthesise new organic ligands and

metal complexes and explore the inhibition of enzymes by these chiral metal complexes. Asymmetric Synthesis of Octahedral Metal Complexes. The stereochemical complexity of octahedral metal complexes represents a significant synthetic and separation challenge. In this project, new synthetic methodologies for the stereoselective synthesis of coordination compounds will be developed. The project will make use of ligands derived from the “chiral pool”, such as amino acids, to develop general methods of inorganic asymmetric synthesis. Novel strategies investigated will include selective ligand unwrapping for substitution at the metal centre, and the application of commercially available enzymes for the stereoselective synthesis of metal complexes. Halogen bonding for small molecule sensors. Halogen bonding involves attractive interactions between positively polarized halogen atoms and electron rich Lewis bases. These interactions, though similar in strength to hydrogen bonds, are highly directionally dependent. Previous investigations of halogen bonding have focused on crystal engineering and liquid crystal applications. I am interested in expanding the application of these interactions to molecular recognition in solution. Possible projects in this area would examine the ability of halogen bonds to selectively recognize a wide range of small molecules, including chiral compounds, gases and anions. This project is particularly suited to students interested in X-ray crystallography.

Figure modified from

www.halogenbonding.eu

11 | P a g e

Dr Trevor LEWIS email: Trevor.Lewis@utas.edu.au phone (03) 6324 3826 room 202 (Hobart

room 27-336 (Launceston) Research Interests Applications of conducting polymers Conducting electroactive polymers (CEPs) are a class of plastics that are highly dynamic - they conduct electricity, interact with their environment and change their chemical and physical properties under chemical or electrochemical stimuli. The application of a small electric potential (at most +/- 1 V) is sufficient to convert them from extremely good conductors to extremely good resistors, changing their volume and their mechanical properties, and changing their colour, and their light absorbing properties. This has led to a wide range of possible applications for these materials including batteries, capacitors, sensors, corrosion protection and photovoltaic devices. Among these the use of CEPs in chemical sensors for environmental applications is particularly attractive as they can fulfil a number of critical roles in such devices. These include: active involvement in the sensing process (eg as ion exchange materials), electrical conductor or signal collector (eg in "electronic nose" arrays), active or inactive attachment material for sensing specific moieties (eg in biosensors). This project aims to use an array of CEP electrodes and computer aided pattern recognition to monitor indoor air quality in new offices, schools and homes with an emphasis on organic pollutants, for example plasticisers, formaldehyde etc from carpets, furniture, paints, glues. Environmental Chemistry Project 1: A practical way to reduce water usage in the paper industry is to increase the amount of recycling. The problem is that increased recycling leads to an increase in the amount of organic and inorganic material carried over in the water. The accumulated organic and inorganic material (sometimes referred to as “pitch”) can lead to deposits, poor process control, loss of efficiency and product quality. Problems with pitch deposits already cost the pulp and paper industry in Australia an average of two million to ten million dollars per annum in lost production, and this situation will be greatly exacerbated with increased process water recycling. The Norske Skog Paper Mill and the University of Tasmania have been working together for a number of years to understand the interactions and factors that lead to these deposits, work that has been beneficial in dealing with the problems to date. However, to allow a greater degree of water recycling, further work is needed to understand the complex interactions between these undesirable materials and other surfaces in the paper making and printing processes, including the factors that control deposition of the material on a range of surfaces. It is also important to consider the extraction of the materials for possible commercial applications, as well as new approaches to analysing the pitch (eg by new stationary phases and temperature programs for GC) and to gain insight into its chemistry (eg by size exclusion chromatography). These will allow the development of new strategies to control the process chemistry to remove the material either by attaching it to the paper fibres or paper additives or its removal for possible commercial use. Project 2: Selenium is an essential trace metal whose importance in livestock first became apparent in the 1960s. Originally thought to be toxic due to cases of excess, this mineral has since been found to be essential in trace amounts in the health of animals and humans. It forms many selenoproteins that have key roles in antioxidant defence and thyroid metabolism. Selenium has also been shown to have an inverse relationship with some cancers. It is known that inland Tasmania has soils notably deficient in selenium, though an in-depth analysis of these soils and the crops that are grown in or on them has not been performed. This study will correlate selenium in the soil and vegetables grown in that soil by analysing soil samples and vegetables from one of the crop growing regions of Tasmania and vegetables grown in those soils. It will focuses on potatoes, peas, asparagus and bok choy collected, along with soil samples, at the time of harvest from various locations around the state.

12 | P a g e

Prof Mirek MACKA email Mirek.Macka@utas.edu.au phone (03) 6226 6670 room 2027 (Hobart) Research Interests My research interests in the fields of chemical and biochemical analysis and associated physical chemistry and engineering, are both fundamental and applied, with emphasis on:

Miniaturised and portable analytical methods and devices, with emphasis on separation methods liquid chromatography (LC), capillary electrophoresis (CE) and on-a--chip devices;

Instrumentation aspects, including miniaturised, portable/point-of-care and remote analytical systems, and detection with optical and electrochemical methods;

Solid state light sources, namely light-emitting diodes (LEDs), laser diodes (LDs) and super-luminescent LEDS (SLEDs), and their utilisation in detection, sensors, photochemistry, heaters, actuators and lab-on-a-chip devices;

Numerical simulations of processes, with focus on microfluidic systems. My philosophy is in reaping the benefits of crossing boundaries between disciplines, between areas of fundamental or applied research, and in utilising at a maximum modern high-tech-low-$ ‘smart gadgets’. Some projects would be particularly suited for students who like a fair degree of involvement in instrumental design with plentiful hands-on and creative opportunities. Projects will be typically run in collaboration and under joint supervision with other colleagues in ACROSS, the School or the Faculty. A wider range of topics is available and enquiries in other projects of personal interest are welcome. Projects - examples: Sensors for remote air analysis with robotic micro-UAVs (In collaboration with School of Geography and Environmental Science) This transdisciplinary project will explore commercial and in-house designed sensors (such as LED based sensors for the detection of aerosols or gasses) for flexible on-demand air quality/pollution monitoring for use in robotic remotely operated micro-unmanned aerial vehicles (micro-UAVs), with applications ranging from environmental monitoring to industrial pollution monitoring etc.

Portable in-field liquid chromatography applied to real world challenges Portability of analytical devices is vital in on-site, in-field use. An existing modular flexible portable LC system designed in-house from off-the-shelve components will be integrated with various off- and on-line methods of sample treatment (such as micro-solid phase extraction) to achieve in-filed applicability to real world challenges. The application areas can range from medical diagnostics to food analysis.

In-field visualisation and detection: spectral imaging - imaging spectroscopy ‘Seeing is believing’, so for example fluorescence microscoscopy is not accidently one of the most utilised methods in life sciences. This project will explore the applicability of smart in-house-designed low-cost portable visualisation portable devices including for spectral imaging (imaging spectroscopy) and fluorescence microscopy, based on pulsed high-power LEDs, optical filters, simple optics (e.g. microscope objective) and a USB imaging sensor. Applicability to solutions of real-world problems including food analysis, detection and quantification of micro-organisms, or medical diagnostics, makes these approaches attractive.

Paperfluidics Paperfluidics - a 'fancy' name for micrufluidics using extremely low-cost paper-based devices, has quickly

become one of the most popular areas of analytical science. Paperfluidic devices are created using high-tech but low-cost modern printers and plotter-cutters, and apply analytical chemistries formulated to allow simple reading, such as based on colour-forming reactions - visual or using a smartphone, or electrochemical using low-cost electronics. This is a project for scientists with a strong creative mind and liking for visual, colour and geometry aspects.

13 | P a g e

Prof Pavel NESTERENKO email Pavel.Nesterenko@utas.edu.au phone (03) 6226 2165 room 407 (Hobart)

Research Interests Analytical and Environmental Chemistry. Particularly separation sciences, including high-performance liquid chromatography, ion chromatography, size-exclusion chromatography, chiral chromatography, capillary zone electrophoresis and chromatofocusing. Non-traditional separation modes based on novel adsorption materials and with novel approaches to separation including multidimensional separations. Design of new adsorption materials for specific purposes including biochemistry and biotechnology. Development of chromatographic methods for the analysis of complex samples. Current projects Diamond related materials as a new prospective generation of adsorbents: Synthetic detonation nanodiamonds and diamond related materials including bare nanodiamonds, microdispersed sintered nanodiamonds and nanodiamonds doped materials represent a new class of adsorbents having unique properties to be used in advanced separation technologies. The main features of nanodiamonds are low cost of their production, excellent mechanical and chemical stabilities, thermostability, ability to reveal semiconductive properties and serve as quantum dots. The idea of this project is in characterization of the adsorption properties of the different diamond related materials and in an effective realisation of their advantageous characteristics in high performance liquid chromatography, ion chromatography and capillary electrophoresis.

High-performance chelation ion chromatography of complex samples: The separation of metal ions in ion chromatography is mainly based on electrostatic interactions between oppositely charged functional groups of ion-exchanger and ionic metal containing species. The alternative separation mechanism includes the formation of complexes or chelates at the surface of specially designed chelating substrates and can be realized in high performance chelating ion chromatography (HPCIC). This approach has an extended possibility for selective separation and determination of transition and heavy metals in environmental samples of complex nature. The special attention will be directed on the development of new chelating ion-exchangers for the analysis of sea water.

Ultrahigh temperature ion chromatography: The variation of temperature has a great potential in liquid chromatography but could be even more pronounced in separation of ions. The aim of this fundamental project is to investigate different effects taking place at temperatures higher than boiling points of the eluents. A special care of the project must be directed on the development of thermostable ion-exchangers, which can operate in weak acid and alkali media at temperatures up to 250oC. The use of diamond related materials is one of the options.

Isolation of biologically active compounds using high-speed counter-current chromatography. At present counter-current chromatography represents the most versatile separation system allowing preparative isolation of biologically active compound from organic solvent extracts of various plant tissues. There is a big number of interesting plant around Tasmania, which attract the attention of pharmacologists, plant scientists and separations scientists.

14 | P a g e

Prof Brett PAULL email Brett.Paull@utas.edu.au phone (03) 6226 2165 room 408 (Hobart) Research Interests

Analytical and Bio-analytical Chemistry A major driver of our research is to expand the current boundaries of analytical science, developing new technologies and analytical approaches to enable greater qualitative and quantitative exploration of our chemical and biological environment. Any projects attempting to help achieve these ambitious goals will be of interest to us, and all interested and interesting individuals wishing to discuss such possibilities are welcome. On a more specific front, within the Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science (ACROSS) our research interests are centered around the production and characterisation of new materials and platforms for application within the analytical and bio-analytical sciences, and in particular advanced inorganic and organic phase materials for selective extraction and separation purposes. Projects here are wide and varied and individuals with a general interest in the separation sciences, including HPLC, GC or CZE, are encouraged to discuss their interests informally at any time. However, to give a feel for some of the work on-going, see the projects listed below.

Project 1 3D additive fabrication of composite materials

Composite materials exhibit unique and complex properties, which can be tailored and exploited throughout a diverse range of applications. Additive fabrication technologies (such as 3D printing) can now be applied to the production of new composite materials, enabling exciting new applications in areas such as functional microfluidics. The development of composites to provide both structural and functional surfaces, within complex 3D microfluidic platforms will form the basis of this project.

Project 2 3D printed chromatography columns for LC/GC 3D printing and other additive fabrication tools are enabling new and exciting possibilities in the design and production of new instrumentation and analytical platforms. Within our group we have been working on using this technology to explore a range of new chromatography column designs and structures, fabricated in both plastics and printed metals, characterising chromatographic performance and determining the limitations of current 3D fabrication technology. This project is carried out within the ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science (ACES).

Project 3 Bio-selective monolithic polymers Porous polymer monoliths are versatile platform materials for the immobilisation of various bio-ligands and active agents, for both selective extraction/separation of bio-molecules, and as flow through bio-reactors. The monolithic phase can be formed within a variety of moulds, including capillaries, thin films or sheets, pipette tips and various micro-fluidic devices. Analytical utility of this immobilised biochemistry is the basic aim of this project, including direct coupling with mass spectrometry. The image (left) shows an SEM of a polymer monolith, modified with 20 nm gold nano-particles, each coated with a glycoprotein selective lectin.

15 | P a g e

A/Prof Joselito QUIRINO email Joselito.Quirino@utas.edu.au phone (03) 6226 2529 room 2001 (Hobart)

Research Interests Analytical chemistry

Techniques: capillary electrophoresis and mass spectrometry Applications: pharmaceutical and environmental analysis, drug discovery

Research Projects

1. On-line sample preconcentration in capillary electrophoresis Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is a powerful liquid phase separation technique used for the analysis of small and large molecules, as well as particles. A major drawback of CE is poor detection sensitivity, which hinders its application to the analysis of dilute analytes in real samples. A solution to poor detection sensitivity is the development of on-line sample preconcentration techniques. On-line sample preconcentration is very attractive because of its simplicity. The chemistry of the sample or separation solution is changed by addition or removal of surfactants, organic solvent, or electrolyte.

a. Sweeping is a popular preconcentration technique.

There is a project to apply sweeping in partial filling electrokinetic chromatography with electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry. Refs. Quirino, J. P.; Terabe, S. Science 1998, 282, 465. Quirino, J. P.; Terabe, S. Anal. Chem. 1999, 71, 1638.

b. Two techniques were recently developed, namely analyte focusing by micelle collapse

(AFMC) and micelle to solvent stacking (MSS). The student project will involve one new technique. The objective is to extend the applicability of AFMC or MSS to other systems. Refs. Quirino, J.P.; Haddad, P.R. Anal. Chem. 2008, 80, 6824. (AFMC) Quirino, J.P.; J. Chromatogr. A 2009, 1216, 294. (MSS)

2. Isotachophoretic trapping of cells in capillary electrophoresis

Research here is done in collaboration with Prof. Michael Breadmore. The big objective is to develop a screening tool for drug discovery. The student project involves the handling, isotachophoretic trapping, and lysis of cells.

16 | P a g e

Dr Andrew SEEN email Andrew.Seen@utas.edu.au phone (03) 6324 3829 room S252 (Launceston) Research Interests Analytical and Environmental Chemistry Dr Seen’s primary research interests are in the development and application of passive sampling devices for sampling contaminants in the environment. For example, diffusive gradient in thin films (DGT) devices developed by Davison et al. at Lancaster University passively sample trace metals in-situ in water and sediments, and rely on diffusion of metals under a concentration gradient across a diffusion layer with the metal then “fixed” in a binding phase. Similar techniques can be used for passively sampling organic contaminants such as herbicides and pesticides in the environment. Research is also being undertaken to understand the sources, history and mobility of contaminants in the environment, including recent work establishing historical profiles of heavy metal pollution in the Tamar and Derwent Estuaries through analysis of sediment cores, and investigations into the potential application of chemical fingerprints for studying the provenance of suspended sediment to the Tamar Estuary. Examples of Projects Project 1 - Development of alternative diffusion layers and binding phases for DGT devices Although DGT devices have been extensively studied over the past decade many opportunities still exist for further development of the DGT sampling technique, including development/assessment of alternative diffusion layers and binding phases. One such opportunity is the development of self-indicating metal chelating binding phases. This project will involve the design of suitable metal chelating resins that are inexpensive, self-indicating (i.e. exhibiting a colour change when metal binding occurs), and are selective for metals such as Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd. Project 2 - Application of passive sampling devices for sampling herbicides in the environment The use and sampling of herbicides such as atrazine, simazine and MCPA have been issues of public concern in Tasmania in recent years. Previous work has shown the application of passive samplers for sampling herbicides and the development of passive samplers for routine monitoring of herbicides in the environment would provide a cost effective means for time-integrated sampling. Further work is required to determine appropriate diffusion layers and binding phases, and to validate/calibrate passive sampling of atrazine, simazine and MCPA in the environment. Project 3 – Assessment of DGT devices as bio-mimetic samplers Aquatic organisms such as oysters are often used for bio-monitoring of metals in the environment. Recent trials of DGT devices in parallel with oyster biomonitoring in the Derwent Estuary revealed a strong correlation between metal uptake in oysters and DGT devices. Laboratory studies are now required to better understand the metal accumulation mechanism in oysters to determine if DGT devices can replace oysters in biomonitoring. Where applicable, projects will be undertaken in collaboration with government organizations and industries. Additional projects are available and suggestions for projects are welcome.

17 | P a g e

Dr Jason SMITH email Jason.Smith@utas.edu.au phone (03) 6226 2182 room 435 (Hobart) Research Interests Research in the group is directed towards developing new synthetic methodology and the synthesis of biologically active compounds as potential new treatments for disease. Four such projects are described below. Pyrroles as Molecular Templates:- Chemical conversion to pyrrolidines Recently we have shown that pyrrole can be exploited as a molecular template in the synthesis of natural products. We have shown that pyrrole can undergo reduction to give pyrrolines that are practical synthetic intermediates for further manipulation. Recently we have been investigating the selective oxidation of pyrroles to yield pyrrolidinones. These compounds are highly functionalised and can undergo a range of further reactions through the allylic benzoate, the unsaturated lactam or the aminal function. The projects in this area involve the development of new methods for the reduction of pyrrolic derivatives and exploring the reactivity of the highly functionalised pyrrolidinones.

Synthesis of sensors of ppGpp, a signal molecule for stringent response in bacteria. (With Prof Tom McMeekin and Dr Rolf Nilsson, TIA and School of Ag. Sci.) This project will involve the synthesis of molecules that will be used for the detection of the proposed stringent response signal molecule in bacteria ppGpp. This will be used to probe the effect of heat and other stress related event on bacteria and could be sued a predictive method the survival of bacteria. Synthesis of new derivatives of Thaxatomins. (with Assoc. Prof Calum Wilson, TIA and School of Ag. Sci.)) Thaxtomins are a class of natural products isolated from the soil borne bacteria Streptomyces Scabies. These compounds cause damage to crops at very low concentrations but also have the potential as potent herbicides. Research in our group has identified the basic structure activity principles of the thaxtomins and this project will involve the synthesis of new derivatives that are more soluble or posses a simpler structure than the natural products. The Development of new Manganese based oxidation catalysts. (with Dr Michael Gardiner) Dinuclear managanese catalysts have been used for the selective oxidation of many organic species such as alkene, alcohols, sulphides and phenols. This project will investigate the synthesis of simple mononuclear complexes and investigate the formation of the active binuclear species in-situ. The synthesis of some new simple complexes, including chiral complexes, will be targeted and the oxidative chemistry investigated. Other projects are possible and if you have a particular idea we can discuss specific projects.

18 | P a g e

Dr Karen STACK email Karen.Stack@utas.edu.au phone (03) 6226 2169 room 325 (Hobart) Research Interests Dr Stack is part of the Paper Chemistry group. Her research interests are in the general field of colloid and surface chemistry and more specifically in projects related to the pulp and paper industry. Most of the work is based on projects associated with Norske Skog Paper who are a global company. In Australia they operate two paper mills at Albury, NSW and Boyer, Tasmania, producing mechanical pulp and newsprint and related paper grades. Research Projects Projects are based on real problems and provide the student with valuable experience working with a local industry and possible career opportunities. A project can be designed around specific interests of the student and issues of concern to the paper industry. Projects can range from a focus on analytical chemistry, colloidal and surface chemistry, environmental chemistry, polymer chemistry, computational chemistry, organic or inorganic chemistry. Many of the projects involve collaboration with other research groups in the School of Chemistry. Examples of some projects are: Characterisation of wood resins in paper using NIR and Raman spectroscopy This project aims to investigate the use of near infrared spectroscopy, raman spectroscopy and multivariate data analysis to characterise the extractives in paper. Recovery of wood resins for value adding This project aims to investigate the recovery of wood resins from pulp and papermaking process streams using air flotation and developing processes to recover the material for use in other chemical and industrial applications Synthesis of a grafted copolymer – effect on stability and fixation of troublesome wood pitch This project builds on work undertaken by a previous PhD student. It will look at optimising the reaction conditions to produce the new polymer and evaluate its effectiveness in the papermaking process. NMR studies of changes to the mixed micelle structure of wood extractives with increased process water recycling This project is part of a larger study used to develop strategies for the paper mill to reduce its water usage. Self diffusion coefficients of mixtures will be measured using techniques based on pulsed field gradient (PFG) nuclear spin echo.

19 | P a g e

Dr Stuart THICKETT Email: Stuart.Thickett@utas.edu.au Room 304 (Hobart) Phone: 6226 2783 Research Interests

Polymers – Colloids – Interfaces My research interests lie in the general area of polymer chemistry, specifically polymer nanoparticles, colloids, interfaces and thin films. As a physical chemist I am particularly interested in understanding kinetic and mechanistic phenomena that govern these systems, with a goal of using this knowledge to create new materials with specific properties for medical, biological or industrial purposes. My research regularly utilizes advanced polymer synthesis, including controlled radical polymerization, in addition to numerous characterization techniques. Research Projects Projects typically involve the synthesis and characterization of polymers, nanoparticles or colloids, and can be readily tailored to suit the interests and abilities of students. Some examples of specific research projects are listed below, however please feel free to discuss further options with me!

Radical Ring Opening Polymerization in Dispersed Systems Important commodity polymers such as polyesters and polyamides are typically made by step growth polymerization or ring-opening methods that require metal catalysts and harsh reaction conditions. This project will explore the use of unique monomers that can undergo ring-opening polymerization (ROP) with a conventional radical initiator to yield new classes of polymers. These materials will be synthesized in a nanoparticle dispersion to improve processability and scalability. Polymer-Inorganic Hybrid Materials via Self-Assembly Techniques Controlled radical polymerization (e.g. RAFT, ATRP, NMP) has revolutionized polymer synthesis and the ability to create precision polymer materials. Additionally, self-assembled nanostructures (spheres, rods, lamellae, vesicles) can be created in solution using these approaches. This project will explore the synthesis and characterization of various polymer nanostructures, with a view to making hybrid polymer-inorganic materials. Micropatterned Polymer Surfaces by Dewetting for Water Collection Devices Dewetting is an everyday phenomenon, whereby liquid films break apart on a solid surface (the reason why water forms droplets on a freshly washed and waxed car!). This is due to unfavourable intermolecular forces at the interface, and can also occur in polymer systems. We have used this approach as a simple method of making patterned materials with chemical and topographical contrast, as opposed to more complex methods such as photolithography or micro-contact printing. This project will investigate these patterned surfaces as water collecting devices. Janus Particles and Their Use as 3D Stabilizers Polymer nanoparticles with two “faces” (regions of different chemistry or topography) are termed “Janus particles” are the two-faced Roman god. These are particularly interesting materials due to their ability to self-assemble at interfaces in a manner similar to molecular surfactants. This project will investigate simple methods of Janus particle preparation by dispersed phase polymerization techniques and their ability to act as ‘particle surfactants’.