Text regarding the Sperry research (split to org chem, med chem and green chem?)
C-H functionalization
Study of natural product synthesis as a platform for methods development.
Particular emphasis is placed on compounds that possess unprecedented architecture, biomimetic synthesis and novel reaction development.
We have a strong interest in developing therapeutics for areas of unmet need, for example;
The synthesis and biophysical analysis of isocitrate lyase (ICL) inhibitors for the treatment of latent tuberculosis – in collaboration with Dr Ivan Leung and Dr Ghader Bashiri (University of Auckland)
Natural products (and their analogues) for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, psychosis, OCD, anxiety, etc.
Novel therapeutics targeting the PSA-NCAM complex – in collaboration with A/P Maurice Curtis (Centre for Brain Research). This work is focused on discovering fundamentally new strategies to treat brain cancers, glioma, glioblastoma etc.
Biorenewable platform chemicals in the synthesis of fine and commodity chemicals, in collaboration with A/P Shinji Kudo (Kyushu University, Japan), A/P Ning Yan (National University of Singapore) and Prof. Xianhei Zeng (Xiamen University)
Electrochemical synthesis
Mechanochemical synthesis and mechanochemical degradation of pollutants
Valorization of lignin to access valuable alkanes for use as bio-based solvents, transportation fuels etc
Green solvents and reagents