Kanad Das

Co Advisor Jacques Penelle, Polymer Science and Engimeering

1305 LGRT

(413) 545-4865

Daskan@chem.umass.edu

Education:

Ph.D. University of Massachusetts, MA; 1998-

B.S. University of California, Berkeley; (Research Advisor: Prof. Kenneth N. Raymond)

Research Interests:

Polymer science, materials chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, IR techniques

Current Research:

Molecular imprinting of polymers is a potential technique for the general fabrication of receptors for small molecules or biomacromolecules. These systems are useful in chiral separations, drug delivery, and the removal of organic contaminants from water. However, several fundamental questions arise concerning the nature of the recognition microcavities and the efficiency of the process. Using IR techniques as our primary tool, we are currently investigating the nature of molecular recognition in these polymer films.

We are also applying the imprinting process towards environmental issues. In a industrial collaboration, we are investigating the removal of organic contaminants from fresh water streams. By exploiting hydrophobic interactions, the uptake of contaminants can be monitored by using Quartz Crystal Microcrystal (QCM) technology. This instrument measures the change in mass over time and one of the goals of this research is to develop QCM technology in molecular recognition studies.

Presentations:

1999: MRSEC /CUMIRP Poster Presentations, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering

Publications:

1."Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Systems for Selective Recognition via Hydrogen Bonding Interactions" D. Duffy, K. Das, S. Hsu, J. Penelle, V. Rotello, H. Stidham, Polymer Preprints, in press.

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