About the project
This project aims to uncover how nature constructs complex molecules by mimicking biosynthetic pathways through synthetic chemistry. By embracing this biomimetic approach, we will develop new strategies that can rapidly and efficiently increase molecular complexity. Crucially, these strategies are inherently more sustainable, as they minimize step count and waste generation.
The overarching aim of this project is to develop efficient and sustainable strategies for constructing three-dimensionally complex natural products. Our focus is on a distinctive and medicinally important class of natural products known as meroterpenoids. These molecules are assembled in nature from two different types of molecular building blocks and display striking structural diversity.
A defining feature of meroterpenoid biosynthesis is the transformation of simple, flat aromatic molecules into complex, polycyclic three-dimensional structures. In living systems, this dramatic increase in molecular complexity is often achieved through cascade reactions, in which several chemical bonds are formed and broken in a single process. Our primary objective is to replicate this remarkable efficiency in the laboratory by designing carefully controlled biomimetic cascade reactions inspired directly by natural biosynthetic pathways.
You will receive expert training in synthetic organic chemistry and other specialist areas as required by the project, either from the George Group or appropriate collaborators. You will also gain extensive experience of a range of analytical techniques including advanced Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis and single crystal x-ray diffraction. We'll mentor you in writing high-impact publications and delivering engaging scientific presentations.
The School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.
Research in the George Group
We have developed many concise, biomimetic total syntheses of complex molecules – some of which are summarised in the Biomimetic Dearomatization Strategies in the Total Synthesis of Meroterpenoid Natural Products review.
Sometimes our synthetic routes are used to help decipher biosynthetic pathways in collaboration with biochemists (examples include A unifying paradigm for naphthoquinone-based meroterpenoid (bio)synthesis and Total Synthesis Establishes the Biosynthetic Pathway to the Naphterpin and Marinone Natural Products).
Into our total synthesis projects, we have also integrated modern methods of
- photoredox catalysis (Visible-Light Photoredox Catalysis Enables the Biomimetic Synthesis of Nyingchinoids A, B, and D, and Rasumatranin D)
- photochemistry (Total Synthesis of Atrachinenins A and B)
- biocatalysis (Biomimetic and Biocatalytic Synthesis of Bruceol)
Many of our projects involve the biosynthetically-inspired structure revision of natural products, and even the prediction and isolation of new natural products.
Our ultimate goal is to discover new ways to make complex natural products as quickly and easily as possible; sometimes achieving this in just one step (A bioinspired, one-step total synthesis of peshawaraquinone).
