With support from the Organic Dynamics Program, Dr. Regen will study the characterization of amphiphilic ion pairs, i.e., novel vesicle-forming materials derived from single-chain cations and single-chain anions, via careful examination of molecular structure-supramolecular structure/property relationships. His study focuses upon examination of the following structural variables: (i) alkyl chain length, (ii) chain length mismatch, (iii) head group size, and (iv) double- vs. triple-chain ion-paired amphiphiles (IPAs). %%% The primary objective of Dr. Regen's research program is to prepare new and improved models for biological membranes. Ion-paired amphiphiles (IPAs) are of interest in this connection due to their ability to function as vesicle-forming surfactants. Dr. Regen's study seeks to define experimentally those structural features of single-chain surfactants which are important in controlling vesicle formation, monolayer packing, and bilayer permeability. As an offshoot of this study, Dr. Regen plans to explore the feasibility of using IPA-based membranes as chemical sensors and as actuators. Thus, several of the IPAs to be synthesized may find application as a new class of chemical devices.
