Covalent-supramolecular hybrid bonding polymer for studying structure-function correlation of aggrecan

• Applicant: Dr. Yang Yu
• Subject Area: Synthesis and Properties of Functional Materials ; Preparatory and Physical Chemistry of Polymers
• Term: from 2021 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 460447142

The object of this project is to understand the structure-function correlation of aggrecan with the emphasis on understanding the GAG domain. The main approach in this proposal is to develop an aggrecan-mimetic hybrid bonding polymer (AMHBP) and test its biomechanical properties. Towards the synthesis of AMHBP, the specific objectives are to:i) Synthesize a PA-based supramolecular system (PA fiber) modified with initiatorsii) Polymerize from the initiators on the PA fiberiii) Synthesize GAG-mimeticsiv) Conjugate GAG-mimetics to the polymer on the PA fiber.

• DFG Programme: WBP Fellowship
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professor Samuel I. Stupp, Ph.D.