James Cooper

My research group is interested in the integration of stimuli-responsive macromolecules with soft matter. Our research encompasses both fundamental investigations and applied research.

We want to gain an understanding of how stimuli-responsive macromolecules operate in lipid membranes, which may lead to new therapeutics but will also serve to enhance our understanding of how biological membrane proteins operate and express their activity. This knowledge will enable us to integrate stimuli-responsive macromolecules with compartmentalised matter to generate out-of-equilibrium conditions and harness energy in a manner akin to biological cells.

We are also interested in incorporating stimuli-responsive macromolecules into synthetic materials, such as polymers and gels. The stimuli-responsive materials that result should undergo changes in their macroscopic properties, for example morphology and permeability and rheology, and give rise to controllable synthetic materials that can be used in biomedical devices and filtration technologies.

Our ultimate goal is to combine these two areas of research in order to create artificial soft matter that the properties of biological tissue, including regeneration, replication, adaptability and memory.

We are keen to work with individuals with an interest in synthetic, supramolecular or materials chemistry. If you have experience in these areas, are interested in working with us, or want to know more about our group, please get in touch!

For more information about our research and our research group, please see our group website: https://www.cooperchemistry.com/