Chemistry Seminar: Dr Nathan Boase
- Date: Fri, 28 Jun 2019, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
- Location: MacBeth Lecture Theatre - Badger Building
- Cost: FREE
- Contact: Dr Christopher Newton 8313 5308
- Email: christopher.newton@adelaide.edu.au
Presenter
Dr Nathan Boase
School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering
The Queensland University of Technology
Abstract
Spin Doctor – Synthesis of nitroxide polymers to prevent biofilm fouling
Biofilms are highly organised colonies of bacteria and other microorganisms at a surface or interface. These colonies show a high level of structural complexity, which helps to protect the microorganisms from removal from a surface by both physical and chemical processes. Biofilms can cause major issues for industry, and are also implicated in the vast majority of hospital acquired infections.
Our research group has shown that small molecule nitroxides (persistent and stable free radical species) are able to inhibit the formation of biofilms on a surface, as well as being able to disperse existing biofilms. In this project, we look to extend these molecules further by designing surface coatings and polymeric materials bearing pendant nitroxide groups, which have the potential to be used as anti-biofilm surface coatings and nanoparticles. This talk will describe the different material classes that have been designed and synthesised, including functional silanes, copolymers and photoactive materials.
As a teaching and research academic, I also have a passion for undergraduate education, and have been investigating how technology can be used to provide a more personalised learning experience for students. I will introduce my work over the past three years on how adaptive learning can enhance independent student learning at university.
Biography
Nathan Boase earned his B.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of Queensland in 2010. He completed his PhD at UQ, working in the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and the Centre for Advanced Imaging, under the supervision of Dr Kristofer Thurecht and Dr Idriss Blakey. His PhD investigated the synthesis of hyperbranched polymers as molecular imaging agents, and the development of the preclinical imaging techniques necessary to study nanomedicine behaviour in vivo. Nathan began working at the Queensland University of Technology in 2015, working with Dr Kathryn Farifull-Smith on nitroxide material to prevent biofilm fouling. He is now a Lecturer in the School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering and continues his work on antibiofilm materials, nitroxide materials and molecular imaging agents.