Ramirez, Cesar: Computational Control of Polymer Design
Title: Computational Control of Polymer Design
Name: Cesar Ramirez
Home Institute: University at Buffalo
Programs: RISE program, REU – Cellular Bioengineering
Other contributors: Adam Gormley, Matthew Tamasi
Abstract: Achieving sequence-level controlled synthesis of polymers is of interest as this offers the potential of controlling material properties at a scale beyond current capacity. Increased control over resultant polymer compositions signify facilitating the exploration of polymer material function relationships; inherently intertwined to the chemical and physical properties present. We are developing a program able to predict the composition of polymers synthesized using CLRP as well as creating synthesis procedures to be executed by liquid handling robots. The program integrates CLRP chemistries to predict the resultant polymer compositions from user-defined parameters e.g. monomer reactivity ratios. The program can then utilize these inputs to generate a python script with synthesis procedures for liquid-handling robots to carry out the synthesis. Theoretical understandings of gradient-block copolymers are well developed yet, rarely applied in experimental plans due to its complexity; the automation of polymerization can facilitate including these on experimental plans. Implementing automation for polymer development/research increase productivity, and reproducibility thus, providing close control over polymer properties. The increased control over polymer compositions by the implementation of automation tools in polymer research may signify a stride toward achieving sequence-level controlled synthesis.
Biography: My name is Cesar Ramires, I am studying biomedical engineering at the University at Buffalo.