CPOS Seminar: Stimuli-responsive Fluorogenic Hydrogels and Probes using NITEC Chemistry
Speaker: Shivshankar R. Mane, Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UC Santa Barbara, Carlini Group
Abstract: Over the past decades, the importance of photo-induced processes has surged across multiple disciplines, spanning organic chemistry, biochemistry, materials science, and polymer chemistry. Within the realm of polymer science, there has been a growing demand for efficient light-triggered ligation techniques, driven by the formidable challenges posed by post-polymerization transformations and purification procedures.
One particular notable technique attracting significant attention is NITEC (Nitrile Imine-mediated Tetrazole–Ene Cycloaddition) chemistry, distinguished by its fluorescent properties. This method entails the irradiation of a 2,5-substituted tetrazole, leading to the elimination of N2 and the formation of a highly reactive nitrile imine species that capable of rapid 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction.
In our present research efforts, I will introduce a synthesis methodology for a series of highly fluorescent polymers, hydrogels, and polymeric nanoparticles from non-fluorescent precursors. I highlight their versatility through diverse applications, including cellular imaging, detection of endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS), surface modification, and targeted drug delivery.
