DST/NRF South African Research Chair (SARChI):  Advanced Macromolecular Architectures

Affiliation: Division of Polymer Science, Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch

Tel: +27-21-808 3988

E-mail: [email protected]

The Chair develops polymers for high-end applications, particularly for bio-application in Nanomedicine. One of the unique features of the research program is an emphasis on polymer bio-conjugates in which bioactive peptides and proteins are covalently attached to a water-soluble polymer to improve stability and pharmacological efficacy. Additional projects focus on delivery systems for small molecule drugs. For both systems, the active compounds are attached covalently to the delivery device for later release to induce a local high concentration in conjunction with a very low systemic concentration. Although based at the Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, the Chair works in close collaboration with the Departments of Biochemistry and Physiological Sciences in Stellenbosch.

Bert Klumperman