B.S. 1983 St. Bonaventure University
Ph.D. 1987 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Research efforts are focused on the synthesis and characterization of novel macromolecules for diverse applications, ranging from biology to materials and devices (electromechanical devices). A range of synthetic techniques are utilized to create these macromolecules, including living polymerization techniques (living radical, anionic) and step growth techniques (melt polyesterification, polyurethanes).

Non-covalent chemistry, the foundation for supramolecular chemistry, is an area of great interest in our group. The hydrogen bonding between nucleobases in the DNA double helix, which is responsible for holding the strands together despite repulsive electrostatic interactions between the phosphate ester backbones provides and inspiration for supramolecular chemistry. Investigations into the synthesis of nucleobase containing block copolymers have enabled the attachment of ionic guest molecules and compatibilization of complementary block copolymers.

Studying the effect of polycation topology (linear vs. branched) on gene transfection has been an area of interest for our research group lately. Gene transfection is an important new technique for the treatment of genetic diseases. We have investigated the formation of polyplexes and transfection of plasmid DNA into human brain microendothelial cells using the branched poly(2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate).

1. McKee, M. G.; Layman, J. M.; Cashion, M. P.; Long, T. E. Phospholipid Nonwoven Electrospun Membranes. Science (Washington, DC, United States) (2006), 311(5759), 353-355.
2. Karikari, Afia S.; Edwards, Wesleigh F.; Mecham, Jeffrey B.; Long, Timothy E. Influence of peripheral hydrogen bonding on the mechanical properties of photo-cross-linked star- shaped poly(D,L-lactide) networks. Biomacromolecules (2005), 6(5), 2866-2874.
3. Unal, Serkan; Lin, Qin; Mourey, Thomas H.; Long, Timothy E. Tailoring the degree of branching: Preparation of poly(ether ester)s via copolymerization of polyethylene glycol oligomers (A2) and 1,3,5-benzenetricarbonyl trichloride (B3). Macromolecules (2005), 38(8), 3246-3254.