Synthesis of Diphenyl Hydrogels for Pharmaceutical Applications: Chemistry Practicum with CNRC-NRC

Abstract

Hydrogels are self-assembling nanofibers with the potential for myriad applications such as; drug-delivery, cell scaffolding, 3-D printing, and many more. As part of the Chemistry Internship Practicum ( CHEM 497), from Jan 2023-April 2023, I interned at CNRC-NRC. In my presentation, I will highlight my project at the NRC focused on synthesizing diphenyl hydrogels. Diphenyl hydrogel consists of stimulus-responsive capping groups attached to two phenylalanine amino acids by a linking group. For my project, I focused on synthesizing a variety of hydrogels and linking groups to see if there were differences in characteristics between the gels. I will highlight how in my internship, I was required to refine my skills in organic chemistry to produce accurate and effective results. Additionally, throughout my internship, I learned various professional skills. I had to have good; time management, project planning, creating deadlines, independence, and careful time management.

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Samuel Mugo