Research Interests

Kari’s research group activities are mainly focused towards

1. SYNTHESIS OF CHIRAL POLYMERS:

 2. POLYELECTROLYTE –GELS – MEMBRANES- GAS SEPARATION MEMBRANES:

3. MOLECULARLY/ IONICALLY IMPRINTED POLYMERS (MIPS) &FUNCTIONAL RESIN

 4. POLYMER STABILIZED METAL NPS:

  5. ASSEMBLING AND REASSEMBLING POLYMERS:

6. Synthesis of task specific ILs and polymerizable IL monomers


Synopsis of Kari’s Research Activities

Novel Chiral Polymers & their Applications in Chiral Induction [Funded by DST-SERB]:

Synthesis of chiral polymers is quite challenging that involve multiple syntheses.  In organocatalysis for selectivity towards two different enantiomers, one needs to use polymers with opposite configuration.  This demands the synthesis of different polymers from the corresponding monomers having different configuration.  In order to address these problems, our research group at VIT, Vellore synthesizing ionic responsive chiral poly(ionicliquids) (CPILs).  These CPILs are responsive polymers, whose conformation can be stimulated.  We have successful used the synthesized chiral PILs in chiral induction with targeted chiral switch. These results were published in Polymer Chemistry, 2017, 8, 918-925 & Reactive and Functional Polymers, 2016, 106, 132–136.

Poly(ionic liquid) based Membranes:

We are developing poly(ionic liquid) based membranes for CO2 separation.  This membrane based technologies are widely used in CO2 separation alternative to traditional CO2 separation methods.  We are carrying out this research work in collaboration with Dr. Isabel Marrucho from Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal.

Polyelectrolyte-DNA Interaction Studies:

For the first time the binding characteristics, mode of interaction and the effect of imidazolium-based polyelectrolyte alkyl side chains hydrophobicity on the binding affinity to DNA were investigated by our research group in detail which are published in Biomacromolecules, 2015, 16 (3), 894-903.  Here we reported the existence of electrostatic interaction between Polyelectrolyte and DNA.  Now we are studying the influence of counter anion in polyelectrolyte on DNA interaction.

Antivermicidal activities of ILs and PILs:

    Imidazolium based ILs and poly(Ils) showed good anti-vermicidal activity towards Indian earth worm (Pheretima posthuma) in dose dependent and time dependent manner. 

PILs as Smart Stabilizers for Metal Nanoparticles and their Applications:

Preparation of stable metal NPs in aqueous and organic medium is quite challenging.  We have demonstrated that PILs are very good stabilizers for preparing stable metal nanoparticles. These PIL stabilized metal NPs showed reversible soluble switch.  At the same time our PIL stabilized Ag, Ni, and ZnO showed good catalytic and antimicrobial activity.  Due to the inherent antimicrobial activity of PIL stabilized Ag and ZnO NPs, we can use them in variety of applications such as painting, varnish, etc.  PIL stabilized Ni NPs are used as magnetically separable and recyclable catalyst for chemo-selective TH reduction of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds under base free conditions. These results were published in ChemCatChem, 2016, 8(6), 1139–1145.

Moleculary Imprited Polymers (MIP) and Resins for Nuclear Waste Treatment [Funded by 1). UGC-DAE-CSR and  2). IGCAR-Kalpakkam]:

Towards a specific target we have been preparing a series of phosphoryl acetamide functionalized molecules , molecularly imprinted polymers  as well as resings (NIP) for nuclear waste treatment. 

Amphiphilic Homo- and Block Copolymers: Their Self-assembly and Drug Delivery:

Different functionalized homo and block copolymers were being prepared by controlled polymerization techniques.  The self-assembling behaviour of synthesized homo and block copolymers as a function of counter anion, solvent, temperature and PH is under way.  We also demonstrated that the synthesized polymers are very good dye entrapping agents that suggest them as a good candidates as a drug carriers.