Functionalisation of bacterial polymers
Principal Investigator: Jasmina Nikodinovic-Runic, PhD
Through this study, library of compounds based on the chiral monomers of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) is being generated and characterized. In addition, functionalisation of PHA materials will be carried out. (R)-3-Hydroxycarboxylic acids have been reported to be valuable synthons and can be used as starting materials for the synthesis of antibiotics, vitamins, flavors, and pheromones. It was also reported that some (R)-3-hydroxycarboxylic acids exhibit important biological activities, such as antimicrobial and/or antiviral potential. This multidisciplinary study is carried out in collaboration between the Bioplastech Ltd. (Dublin, Ireland; Dr Kevin O’Connor, http://www.ucd.ie/biocatal/biocatal/Welcome.html), University of Belgrade-Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering (Belgrade, Serbia, Dr Jasmina Nikodinovic-Runic) and University of Belgrade-Faculty of Chemistry (Belgrade, Serbia; Dr Veselin Maslak, http://www.chem.bg.ac.rs/osoblje/43.html).