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case western reserve university

THE ROWAN GROUP

LABORATORY FOR SUPRAMOLECULAR MATERIALS

     

Research
Metallo-Polymers  

Metallo-Polymers

One area of focus within the group is the investigation of metallo-supramolecular polymers as templates for complex polymer architectures, which hold potential for controllable molecular actuators. Similarly, we investigate the synthesis of linear conjugated metallo-supramolecular polymers, which offer the processability that their covalent counterparts do not. Finally, we are interested in the study of combining self-assembly of metallo-supramolecular polymers with forced assembly within multilayered systems.  Here, the self-assembly is controlled by the materials used or functional additives and the forced assembly is controlled by the processing conditions.  

 
Biomaterials  

Biomaterials and Nanocomposites

We are interested in the synthesis and characterization of a range of biomaterials whose attributes result from supramolecular interactions. One area of focus is that of coatings to promote the endothelialization of cardiovascular biomaterials. We also investigate supramolecular approaches to tissue engineering including three-dimensional scaffold materials and cell surface modification. Additionally, we are interested in the development of a stimuli- responsive material with ideal dynamic mechanical properties for use as a cortical implant.

 
Nanocomposites
Hydrogen-Bonding Materials  

Hydrogen-Bonding Materials

Another area of interest is the investigation of the capabilities of supramolecular interactions in nano-patterning and healable systems.  Surface self-assembly and bulk self-assembly have been achieved utilizing hydrogen bonding with potential properties ranging from antibacterial coatings to rapidly annealed plastic materials.

 
 
Gels  

Gels

Finally, we also focus on the development of multi-responsive metallo-supramolecular colloidal gels as well as the development of gelating systems based upon hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. The properties and gelation mechanisms of these systems are then investigated by techniques such as rheology, light scattering, UV, DSC, microscopy, and XRD.