Karen Wooley

Research Interests

Our research activities combine organic syntheses, polymerization strategies and polymer modification reactions in creative ways to afford unique macromolecular structures, which have been designed as functional nanostructures, polymer systems having unique macromolecular architectures, and/or degradable polymers. The emphasis is upon the incorporation of functions and functionalities into selective regions of polymer frameworks. In some cases, the function is added at the small molecule, monomer, stage, prior to polymerization, whereas, in other cases, chemical modifications are performed upon polymers or at the nanostructure level; each requires a strategic balance of chemical reactivity and the ultimate composition and structure.

Fundamental and applied studies are leading toward the incorporation of various functions into polymer materials, including biological activity, imaging capabilities, drug or gene delivery performance, toxin sequestration, photo- or electroactivity, triggered destruction, chemical reactivity, anti-biofouling characteristics, among others. Covalent and non-covalent interactions are employed in the development of new synthetic methodologies for the construction of the materials. Rigorous physicochemical characterization and in vitro and in vivo biological evaluations are performed. Therefore, students gain broad experience and achieve expertise across disciplines, with a foundation based upon organic chemistry, and extensions into analytical, physical and biological chemistries and engineering. Our primary, overarching aim that is involved in all projects within our research team is to develop synthetic strategies that harness the rich compositional, regiochemical and stereochemical complexity of natural products for the construction of hydrolytically-degradable polymers. Our materials are designed to have impact toward sustainability, reduction of reliance on petrochemicals, and to lead to the production of biologically-beneficial and environmentally-benign natural products upon degradation. While most of our research is of a fundamental nature, the outputs from the materials developed have translational potential, which are also being pursued to impact the global issue of plastic pollution and address challenges resulting from climate change, among other issues. Research activities begin with the development of novel synthetic strategies, and proceed through to fundamental study of physicochemical and mechanical properties and investigation of functional performance.