Steven C. Zimmerman

Research

Research in our group focuses on the understanding, development, and application of molecular recognition processes. In particular, we design, synthesize, and study organic compounds that can: (1) act as synthetic antibodies to bind any target molecule, as well as signaling its presence, (2) bind to predefined sequences of DNA and RNA with very high affinity, (3) self-assemble into large, nanoscopic structures, and (4) act as supramolecular polymers. The applications of our work are in the areas of drug delivery, chemical sensors and medical diagnostics, anti-gene therapy, and novel materials.

Synthetic Antibodies by Molecular Imprinting: Nature is especially adept at producing molecules that can recognize other molecules. For example, the exquisitely selective molecular recognition shown by antibodies has long inspired chemists, who for decades have tried to synthesize analogous molecular receptors. We are working to create molecular receptors using a fully general approach in which one molecule imprints its structure within another, much like the way in which any object can cast its own shape in plaster of Paris. The overall process involves a molecular template forming an imprint of itself in a highly branched polymer called a dendrimer.

Molecular Recognition of DNA and RNA: My research group also has an interest in designing, synthesizing, and studying molecules that recognize specific sequences or structures of nucleic acids. A general DNA or RNA recognition scheme would provide a powerful strategy for gene regulation and, for example, allow the development of "genetic medicines". We are developing novel nucleobases and other small molecules that can complex certain DNA and RNA structures efficiently and selectively.

Nanoscopic Organic Structures by Self-Assembly: A largely unexplored area of organic chemistry involves molecules with "nanoscale" dimensions (1-10 nm). My group is attempting to synthesize nanoscale objects, such as hollow spheres and hollow nanotubes. A particularly powerful approach involves compounds that spontaneously assemble into larger structures. In the process we are learning the rules that guide this type of non-covalent organic synthesis.

Supramolecular Polymer Chemistry: What kinds of polymers can be made noncovalently? What are their properties? How can one modify existing polymers noncovalently? We are developing some simple recognition modules that allow these questions to be answered. One goal of this research is to modify cheap, commercially available polymers in a way that gives them more advanced materials properties.

Publications

Darrell Kuykendall and Steven C. Zimmerman, "A Very Versatile Nanocapsule," Nature Nanotechnol. 2007, 2, 201-202.

Taiho Park, Steven C. Zimmerman, Hugo C. Ong, Eric M. Todd, Darrell W. Kuykendall, Kwansima Quansah, "Supramolecular polymers formed by intermolecular interaction of hydrogen bonding," PMSE Preprints 2007, 96, 138-139.

Jordan R. Quinn, Steven C. Zimmerman, Janet E. Del Bene, and Isaiah Shavitt , "Does the A•T or G•C Base-Pair Possess Enhanced Stability? Quantifying the Effects of CH•••O Interactions and Secondary Interactions on Base-Pair Stability Using a Phenomenological Analysis and Ab Initio Calculations", J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2007, 128, 934 - 941.

Taiho Park and Steven C. Zimmerman, "Interplay of Fidelity, Binding Strength, and Structure in Supramolecular Polymers," J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2006, 128, 14236-14237.

Taiho Park and Steven C. Zimmerman, "A Supramolecular Multi-Block Copolymer with a High Propensity for Alternation," J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2006, 128, 13986-13987.

Taiho Park and Steven C. Zimmerman, "Formation of a Miscible Supramolecular Polymer Blend through Self-Assembly Mediated by a Quadruply Hydrogen-Bonded Heterocomplex," J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2006, 128, 11582-11590.

Hugo Ong and Steven C. Zimmerman, "Higher Affinity Quadruply Hydrogen-Bonded Complexation with 7-Deaza-guanine Urea (DeUG)," Org. Lett. 2006, 8, 1589-1592.

Chun Yan, Wakana Matsuda, David R. Pepperberg, and Steven C. Zimmerman, Deborah E. Leckband, "Synthesis and Characterization of an Electroactive Surface that Releases γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)," J Colloid Interfac. Sci. 2006, 296, 165-177.

Taiho Park, Eric M. Todd, Shoji Nakashima, and Steven C. Zimmerman, "A Quadruply Hydrogen Bonded Heterocomplex Displaying High Fidelity Recognition," J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2005, 127, 18133-18142.

Michael F. Mayer, Shoji Nakashima, and Steven C. Zimmerman, "Synthesis of a Soluble Ureido-Naphthyridine Oligomer that Self-Associates via Eight Contiguous Hydrogen Bonds," Org. Lett. 2005, 7, 3005-3008.

Steven C. Zimmerman and Taiho Park, "Structure-Property Relationships in Supramolecular Polymer Chemistry," Polym. Prepr., (Am. Chem. Soc. Div. Polym. Chem.) 2005, 42, 1159-1160.

Eric M. Todd, Jordan R. Quinn, Taiho Park, and Steven C. Zimmerman, "Fidelity in the Supramolecular Assembly of Triply and Quadruply Hydrogen Bonded Complexes," Isr. J. Chem. 2005, 45, 381-389.

Perry S. Corbin and Steven C. Zimmerman, "Linear Supramolecular Polymers and Networks," in Supramolecular Polymers, Ed. A. Cifferi; CRC Press: New York; 2005, pp. 153-186.

Jordan R. Quinn and Steven C. Zimmerman, "Structure-Function Studies on a Synthetic Guanosine Receptor that Simultaneously Binds Watson-Crick and Hoogsteen Sites," J. Org. Chem. 2005, 70, 7459-7467.

Taiho Park, Michael F. Mayer, Shoji Nakashima, and Steven C. Zimmerman, "Preparation of 2,7-Diamino-1,8-naphthyridine, A Useful Building Block for Supramolecular Chemistry," Synlett 2005, 1435-1436.

Taiho Park, Steven C. Zimmerman, and Shoji Nakashima, "A Highly Stable Quadruply Hydrogen Bonded Heterocomplex Useful for Supramolecular Polymer Blends," J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2005, 127, 6520-6521.

Awards

• Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science
• Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award, American Chemical Society
• Buck-Whitney Award, Eastern New York Section of American Chemical Society
• Presidential Young Investigator Award, National Science Foundation
• Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship
• Camille and Henry Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award
• Cyanamid Academic Award
• Eli Lilly Grantee
• American Cancer Society Junior Faculty Award
• School of Chemical Sciences Teaching Awards (3 total)

Highlights