synthesis and open source science

Our lab motto is: To make the right molecule in the right place at the right time. While figuring out what this means, the group make molecules in new ways, observe their interactions with biomolecules, and think up new ways to monitor organic reactions and discover catalysts. Talk to Mat about possible projects, or talk to the group members directly.

Project 1

Open source drug discovery

We have pioneered the application of open source methods from software development to experimental science.¹ We’re now applying these ideas to finding a new drug for the treatment of malaria, where all data and ideas are freely available on the web.² This world-first project, in collaboration with the Medicines for Malaria Venture and GlaxoSmithKline, is accelerating drug discovery by allowing anyone in the world to work with us, and operates without patents. Techniques used: organic synthesis.

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Project 2

Open source catalyst discovery

The Pictet-Spengler reaction is useful for the synthesis of a number of important medicines. Despite the reaction being known for over a century it was only a few years ago that the first catalytic, asymmetric version was reported. The known catalysts and substrates for the asymmetric PS reaction are remarkably narrow in scope and of limited effectiveness. Following up on leads from our lab, we want to solve the catalytic, asymmetric PS reaction once and for all by adopting a collaborative open source approach where we share all results and allow anyone to join the project.³ Techniques used: organic synthesis, screening.

Project 3

New metal Ion sensors for biology and medicine

With the Rutledge group we have developed a class of sensors for metal ions that are a) very selective and b) able to operate in biological media.⁴ Metal ions are involved in some of the most serious and important diseases. An uncharted area of biology is what metal ions do in the intercellular space. Your project will be to develop the next generation of our sensors that will image these areas in high definition, through their attachment to fluorescent nanoparticles called quantum dots. Techniques used: organic/inorganic synthesis, fluorescence measurements.

Project 4

High-throughput catalyst discovery using polarized light

A long-term, high-impact project we are pursuing is to develop a new way of screening for asymmetric catalysts using only polarized light. This promises to be the fastest method for catalyst discovery in the future. Your project will be to monitor a series of new reactions using polarized light, and to develop a semi-rational search for new catalysts for several asymmetric reactions. Techniques: organic synthesis, analytical chemistry.