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Polymers from polyphenols

Ubiquitous in the plant kingdom, polyphenols are naturally occurring compounds containing one or more phenol groups, which are well-known for their antioxidant properties. A high dietary intake of polyphenols has been linked to a reduced incidence of a number of diseases including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis and neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo studies show polyphenols have potential as therapeutic agents with cardioprotective, antimicrobial, anticancer, neuroprotective, and antidiabetic effects demonstrated. Despite their impressive therapeutic effects, polyphenols suffer from a number of drawbacks including instability when exposed to light, heat and basic conditions; poor bioavailability; rapid metabolism; and poor membrane permeability. 

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By developing new conjugation and polymerisation techniques, we have been able to improve the stability and therapeutic effects of polyphenols, demonstrating antioxidant, anticancer and antimicrobial effects.

Related publications

  • Oliver, S.; Wagh, H.; Liang, Y.; Yang, S.;  and Boyer, C., Enhancing the antimicrobial and antibiofilm effectiveness of silver nanoparticles prepared by green synthesis. Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 2018, DOI: 10.1039/C8TB00907D.
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  • Oliver, S.;  Yee, E.; Kavallaris, M.; Vittorio, O.; Boyer, C., Water soluble antioxidant dextran–quercetin conjugate with potential anticancer properties. Macromol. Biosci. 2018, 18, 1700239. https://doi.org/10.1002/mabi.201700239
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  • Oliver, S.; Jofri, A.; Thomas, D. S.; Vittorio, O.; Kavallaris, M.; Boyer, C., Tuneable catechin functionalisation of carbohydrate polymers. Carbohydr Polym 2017, 169, 480-494.
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  • Oliver, S.; Hook, J. M.; Boyer, C., Versatile oligomers and polymers from flavonoids - a new approach to synthesis. Polymer Chemistry 2017, 8 (15), 2317-2326.
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  • Oliver, S.; Vittorio, O.; Cirillo, G.; Boyer, C., Enhancing the therapeutic effects of polyphenols with macromolecules. Polymer Chemistry 2016, 7 (8), 1529-1544.
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  • Oliver, S.; Thomas, D. S.; Kavallaris, M.; Vittorio, O.; Boyer, C., Efficient functionalisation of dextran-aldehyde with catechin: potential applications in the treatment of cancer. Polymer Chemistry 2016, 7 (14), 2542-2552.
    View paper

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