ACS GREET Program: 2011 Laureates

2011 ACS GREET Laureates

Howard University / Kilimanjaro School of Pharmacy

Title: Novel, Green Synthesis of Artemisinin Combination Therapy (ACT) Dihydroartemisinin:Piperaquine (DHAP)
Mentor
: Dr. Joseph M. Fortunak
Mentee
: Christopher L. King
Home Institution
: Howard University; Washington, DC
Host Institution
: Kilimanjaro School of Pharmacy; Moshi, Tanzania
Project Abstract
: The proposed research and education project will establish a chemistry collaboration with 2 goals. Goal (1) is that SLF/KSP will enable pharmaceutical companies to make malaria drugs that are less expensive and "green" (water as the only solvent, fewer synthetic steps) than currently practiced. The will enable African companies to practice this technology and submit their quality-assured medicines to the Global Fund to purchase by donor agencies, bringing money into Africa. This host institution was chosen because they are the only place in Africa where cGMP is taught. Goal (2) is to modernize the chemistry curriculum at KSP by working with the school to revise how they teach organic, medicinal, and pharmaceutical chemistry. This will improve the education received by KSP students.

University of Arizona / L'Institut de Biologie Structurale

Title: Next generation sensors - Polymeric Phospholipid Membranes with Incorporated Chimeric Membrane Transporters
Mentor
: Dr. Craig A. Aspinwall
Mentee
: Mark Agasid
Home Institution
: University of Arizona; Tuscon, AZ
Host Institution
: L’Institut de Biologie Structurale; Grenoble, France
Project Abstract
: This project proposes to develop a novel class of chemical sensors in which a recombinant G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) is fused with a transmembrane ion channel (IC). This technology will yield label-free, electrophysiological detection of GPCR modulators that lack optical or electrochemical activity; facilitating preparation of GPCR-IC-functionalized, highly stable bilayer membranes that can be used for chemical sensing, pharmaceutical screening and clinical diagnostic applications.

Colorado School of Mines / University of Bucharest

Title: Biomass Pyrolysis Oil Conversion into Fuel using Metal Oxide Catalysts
Mentor
: Dr. Ryan M. Richards
Mentee
: Kenneth B. Finch
Home Institution
: Colorado School of Mines; Golden, CO
Host Institution
: University of Bucharest; Bucharest, Romania
Project Abstract
: This research project will be investigating biomass pyrolysis oil upgrading. As both U.S. and EU directives require significant increases in the amounts of biomass derived fuels in the coming decade this area of research is particularly important. Principally, this research will explore the stability and catalytic properties of recently developed metal oxides with (111) facets as primary surface for aldol condensations and other pyrolysis upgrading reactions.

University of Colorado-Denver / Stockholm University

Title: The Influence of Hydrophobic Silane Anchors on the Stability of Nanoparticle Templated Lipid Bilayers
Mentor
: Dr. Scott M. Reed
Mentee
: Aundrea R. Piper
Home Institution
: University of Colorado-Denver; Denver, CO
Host Institution
: University of Stockholm; Stockholm, Sweden
Project Abstract
: While many research groups utilize lipid coatings, especially in the area of drug delivery, these two groups share an interest in using membranes as model systems for understanding protein function. Preparing mimics that have similar properties will be an important step toward understanding biological membranes and toward using them in the design of sensors. The outcomes and primary educational goal of the proposed project is for members of each research group to become familiar with novel techniques developed in the others lab.

University of Southern Mississippi / University of York

Title: Synthesis, Characterization, and CO2 Sequestering Studies of Cobalt(III)-containing Metallomesogens
Mentor
: Dr. Alvin A. Holder
Mentee
: Dorothy C. Horton
Home Institution
: University of Southern Mississippi; Hattiesburg, MS
Host Institution
: University of York; York, UK
Project Abstract
: The research team will carry out novel research into the area of liquid crystal chemistry through the use of metal-containing liquid crystals (metallomesogens) with a Co(III) metal center for copolymerization of CO2 and racemic propylene oxide to form a biodegradable polymer. Unlike conventional materials which display three states of matter, liquid crystals exhibit four states of matter. This Fourth State of Matter exists between the solid and the liquid states and is fluid with anisotropic physical properties.

More about ACS GREET

2012 Application
April 10, 2012 Deadline

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