Polymer

Polymer chemistry at Minnesota encompasses novel synthetic strategies (e.g., for functional polymers, biorenewable polymers, controlled architectures, block copolymers), detailed characterization in solution and in the solid state, and evaluation of properties for a variety of applications. This research is both interdisciplinary in nature and highly collaborative. As a result, connections to and collaborations with other University departments are commonplace. Students at Minnesota enjoy ready access to state-of-the-art characterization facilities as well as the opportunity to interact with technical representatives from many leading industrial organizations.

Some of our research topics include:

• controlled polymerization and functionalization of model polymers
  • drug-polymer binding, solubilization, and delivery
• nanostructured soft materials
• block polymer nanopatterning
• sustainable polymers
• metal-catalyzed polymerizations
  • polymer interaction with and toxicity in biological systems
• polymer membranes
  • molecular characterization (SEC, NMR, and MALDI)
  • structural characterization by scattering (light, x-rays, neutrons) and microscopy (TEM, SEM, cryoTEM)
  • rheological and transport properties
  • DNA and RNA synthesis and polymer-mediated delivery