Hexiang Deng, from Wuhan University, will deliver a seminar entitled, "Metal-Organic Frameworks for Protein and DNA Inclusion." Hosted by Tianning Diao.
For more information about the speaker, click here.
Abstract: Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are known to interact specifically with small molecules, thus MOFs are often used for the storage, capture and conversion of various gases. When come to the uptake of larger molecules, however, the interactions are complex and thus largely underdeveloped. In this talk we will demonstrate the pore size extension of MOFs into previously unattained regime (5-10 nm) through topological design and modular synthesis of organic links. A plethora of large molecules including drugs, single strand DNAs and proteins can be introduced into the MOF pore in a controllable manner. The precise interactions dialed-in between MOFs and guest molecules allow for high selectivity in their inclusion, excellent protection against degradation, and their programed release.
Short Bio:
Hexiang Deng received Ph.D from Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UCLA under the guidance of Prof. Omar Yaghi in 2011. He joint UC Berkeley as a postdoctoral research fellow in 2012. Currently, He served as a professor in both College of Chemistry & Molecular Sciences, and The Institute for Advanced Studies at Wuhan University. His research group focuses on the design and synthesis of crystalline porous materials such as Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) for applications in energy, environment and health. He has interests in the mechanism of molecular recognition in complex porous environment, the fine tuning of weak interactions in crystals and how these two aspects can be used to maximize the selectivity and efficiency of molecular conversion. His recent works were published on Nature, Science, Nature Chem., J. Am. Chem. Soc., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., etc.
Group Website: hdeng.whu.edu.cn
Selected Publications:
1. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2017, DOI: 10.1021/jacs.7b07392
2. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2016, 138, 13822-13825
3. Nature, 2015, 527, 503-507
4. Science, 2012, 336, 1018-1023