Abstract
The integration of fuel-driven chemical reaction networks with soft polymer materials is a first step towards the development of interactive materials, enabling advanced temporary functions and communication with the environment through chemical signal processing. In the talk, I will discuss development of new functions and signal processing concepts in hydrogels and polymer surfactants, and their possible integration with biology. I will also discuss the relevance of chemical reaction networks in a new approach for radiotherapy-targeted chemotherapy.
Bio
Rienk Eelkema is a group leader at Delft University of Technology. He obtained his PhD from the University of Groningen in 2006, where he worked with Ben Feringa on motors and chirality in liquid crystals. Following a postdoctoral position with Harry Anderson at Oxford University, he joined TU Delft in 2008. His research interests include the development of new chemical reaction networks and integrating them into soft materials, responsive biomedical polymer materials applications such as injectable hydrogels and radiation responsive drug carriers, and organic chemistry in aqueous environments.