Chemistry

Justin Ragains with his lab research group

Contact Us

232 Choppin Hall
Phone: 225-578-3361
Fax: 225-578-3458

Research Highlights

Carbon Nanohoops

Synthesis of Carbon Nanohoops using alkyne metathesis

Carbon nanohoops are conjugated macrocycles with radially-arranged aromatic groups. Their curved aromatic structures give rise to unique electronic and photophysical properties.

Carbon Nanohoops Article

BODIPY

We describe the synthesis and photochemical properties of linker-free BODIPY-glycine conjugates

A synthesis of linker-free BODIPY-glycine derivatives, via functionalization at the boron atom, is reported. The new compounds were studied experimentally and computationally, and shown to have high stability and fluorescence quantum yields.

BODIPY Article

Quorum Sensing

By encapsulating urease from watermelon seeds in agarose beads, a biological phenomenon known as quorum sensing is simulated when the beads are grouped up in a sufficient "quorum" to react in solution.

Quorum Sensing is a biological phenomenon of cellular communication which plays a role in biofilm development or even bacteria colony growth. We emulate this communication by using an analog of urease encapsulated beads subjected to a urea solution.

Quorum Sensing Article