Efforts in my laboratory
focus on a new class of dendrimers (perfectly branched, globular polymers)
that allow for unprecedented control over composition. Our long term
goals look at using these scaffolds for drug delivery, diagnostic imaging,
and as the basis for new materials. As such, most of our time is spent
on synthesis of these molecules. Evaluation and understanding of their
properties (i.e. their ability to recognize guests) is what guides our
target selection.
Details of the chemistry can be obtained by going to our "Research" homepage. This
work has been supported by the College of Science of Texas A&M University,
the ARP/ATP Program of Texas, and the Research Corporation. Continued and
future support from the Welch Foundation, the NSF-NER program, DARPA, the
NIH, and the USDA is appreciated.