Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology

Nandanan Erathodiyil, Nor Lizawati Ibrahim, Yong Wang, Leng Leng Chng and Jackie Y. Ying

The reproducible growth and differentiation of pluripotent stem cells are one of the frontiers in modern tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Of prime importance is the development of functional scaffolds that present the appropriate chemical, physical and biological cues so that they can interact effectively with living cells and encourage the development of new tissues. The heterogeneity of animal-derived cell culture substrates leads to variability in the responses of cultured cells, and the carryover of pathogens or immunogens complicates the use of human cells in therapeutic applications. The ideal scaffold should be biocompatible, non-immunogenic, pathogen-free, biochemically defined and support the regeneration of specific tissue types. We are developing chemically well-defined synthetic functional substrates that support embryonic stem cell passage or differentiation, with the aim of overcoming the disadvantages of current cell culture substrates. These synthetic polymer-based materials would offer great versatility in controlling chemical structure, molecular weight, mechanical strength and specific functions to mimic cellular environments. This new family of synthetic biomaterials is safe, versatile and may replace complex biological matrices of animal origin for applications in cell culture, tissue engineering, drug delivery, biosensors and regenerative medicine.

Yugen Zhang, Michael Reithofer, Liuqun Gu, Dingyi Yu, Siti Nurhanna Riduan, Mei Xuan Tan, and Jackie Y. Ying

Green chemistry is the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances. To achieve this target, we are interested in the development of novel green and environmentally friendly technology for organic synthesis and the pharmaceuticals industry. Our research is focused on metal-free organo catalysis, sustainable resources (e.g. using CO₂ as C1 resource), and environmentally benign catalysis (e.g. non-toxic, inexpensive iron catalysts and water-mediated reactions). We are also interested in the development of alternative and renewable energy resources and technologies through the use of novel catalyst systems. This includes creating highly efficient and highly selective catalyst systems for the dehydration of biomass into chemicals, fuels and materials. We are also working on transforming greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide into useful chemicals or fuels such as methanol.

Yugen Zhang, Ting Lu, Liuqun Gu, Siti Nurhanna Riduan, Leng Leng Chng, Nandanan Erathodiyil and Jackie Y. Ying

Heterogeneous catalysis has many advantages over homogeneous catalysis. However, there are certain limitations on current protocols for producing heterogeneous catalysts via the immobilization of homogeneous catalysts onto inorganic or organic solid supports. This project aims to develop a new type of supported catalysts based on mesoporous silica and polymers, and organic-inorganic nanocomposites. This research will focus on the development of new materials and new chemistry. Organocatalysts, organometallic catalysts or biocatalysts will be investigated. The aim of this study is to build new catalyst support platforms to develop highly efficient catalyst systems. The target heterogeneous catalysts will allow for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals with superb activity, excellent enantioselectivity and recyclability. They will also enhance efficiency in the production of pharmaceuticals and specialty chemicals.

Jaehong Lim, Jian Liang Cheong and Su Seong Lee

This research tackles the major issues in ring-closing metathesis (RCM) associated with the synthesis of macrocycles. The homogeneous catalysts are effectively immobilized on mesoporous silica support, allowing for catalyst recycling and the use of continuous flow reactors. The reaction chemistry is also optimized by modifying the architecture of the catalytic species on the mesoporous supports.

Jinhua Yang, Xianfeng Yang, Xiaojun Chen and Jackie Y. Ying

Fuel cells and batteries based on nanocomposite materials have attracted significant attention. This research focuses on the synthesis of a variety of inorganic nanostructures with designed compositions and morphologies for fuel cell and battery applications. These novel materials possess excellent catalytic activity, and are promising for use in highly efficient and low-cost fuel cell and battery systems.