Aaron Mothersole

• CDT Doctoral Researcher Supervisor: Prof Mike Waring
• Email: a.a.mothersole2@newcastle.ac.uk
• Project Title: Diversification of DNA-encoded libraries by photoredox catalysed sp3-coupling.

Institution: Newcastle University

Project Summary: DNA-tagged molecules present an opportunity to revolutionise the screening, and storage, of potential novel drug molecules. Conventional drug screening requires the time-consuming process of testing molecules individually against a target; however, if each molecule had a unique DNA tag, thousands or millions of molecules could be screened simultaneously, streamlining the process. The chemical diversity of DNA-encoded molecules has been left wanting due to the fragility of DNA, prohibiting the use of conventional methods of organic synthesis. One such area is the introduction of 3-dimensonality via sp³ carbon centres. This project will explore novel methods of sp³ carbon-coupling using light-activated catalysts. 

Interesting Fact: I’ve lived in three different capital cities.