Chemical Synthesis Laboratory @ Biopolis

	Main Page Research Activities Technical Capabilities Our People Contact Us Chemical Synthesis Laboratory @ Biopolis The mission of the laboratory is to advance the chemical sciences, particularly chemical synthesis and chemical biology, and to educate and train young men and women in these important areas of science and technology. The ultimate goal of this mission is to generate new knowledge and produce highly trained professionals to boost the biotechnology sector and other chemistry dependent industries in Singapore. Chemical synthesis is both a central and fundamental science onto which many other disciplines rely. It provides essential foundations for biology, medicine, drug discovery and development, physics, material science, nanotechnology, and manufacturing just to mention a few important areas. Thus, the impact of chemical synthesis is both direct and indirect and, therefore, this art and science ought to be constantly advanced for its own sake on one hand and to be applied opportunistically on the other. Research Synopsis The laboratory is focused in the area of total synthesis targeting biologically active natural products, and such substances have a glorious history in enabling discoveries in biology and medicine. By exploiting the opportunities provided by novel bioactive naturally occurring substances, endeavors in total synthesis often lead to discoveries and inventions in chemistry, biology and medicine. Thus, in addition to delivering the frequently scarce targeted substances for further investigations, such pursuits often lead to new synthetic technologies and strategies that have broader applicability in other areas of chemistry. The strategies developed towards the target molecule can also be applied to synthesis arrays of designed analogs of the natural products for biological evaluation in the hope of improving their pharmacological properties. In addition to its potential for discoveries and inventions in chemistry and biology, endeavors in total synthesis offer unique opportunities for drug discovery and development and for training and preparing talented individuals for the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and chemical sectors. The generosity of nature in providing biologically active molecules is well known. Whether these precious and inspiring gifts of nature come from the forest (plants), soil (microorganisms) or the ocean (marine creatures), these compounds are often scarce and appear as single chemical entities, although sometimes they come plentiful and in clusters. Interwoven within endeavors in total synthesis, programs in chemical biology are directed toward the molecular design, chemical synthesis and biological investigation of analogs of the naturally occurring molecules produced by combinatorial chemistry or target-oriented synthesis. These efforts often result in collaborations with biologists and lead to important new advances in biology and medicine. Indeed, it is the synergistic and integrated efforts of biologists and chemists that lead to medical breakthroughs whether these occur in academia or industry. On the other hand, the imaginative and skillful chemist may design his or her own molecules with specific functions intended for any purpose, whether for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, nutritional, agricultural, material or nanotechnology applications. We, therefore, welcome such interdisciplinary collaborations and encourage biologists and nanotechnologists to contact us for possible joint ventures in which our chemical synthesis expertise can complement theirs in projects directed toward solving major scientific, medical and technological challenges. Indeed, we look forward to fruitful interactions with other scientists within Biopolis as well as outside Biopolis as we attempt to garner new knowledge for the benefit of mankind. Our current efforts are directed at the synthesis of several complex molecules endowed with important biological activities such as antitumor, antibiotic and other disease relevant properties. Technical Capabilities Anhydrous Solvent System Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) Glovebox High Performance Liquid Chromatography System (HPLC) Liquid Chromatography System with Mass Spectrometer Detection (LCMS) Microwave Synthesiser Fourier Transform Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) 600MHz System Ozone generator Parr Hydrogenator Polarimeter Automated Flash Chromatography System (SP1) Our People Researchers Dr CHEN Yu-Kai David, (Program Manager) Dr Chan Kok Ping Dr Chennamaneni, Lohitha Rao Dr CHENG Hau Man Dr DING Hanfeng Dr DONG Lin Dr Bhartesh Mohanbhai DHUDSHIA Dr Kevin McQuaid Dr KANG Qiang Dr Gulice LEUNG Yiu Chung Dr Lim Yee Hwee Dr Philippe Alexandre Peixoto Dr RAVU Vengala Rao Dr Rebecca Helen Pouwer Dr Severin Rene Markus Dr Jean-Alexandre Julien RICHARD Dr TIAN Weiwei Dr TSENG Chih-Chung Support Staff Ms. Jenny Tan Ms Alexia LOH Wan Chih Jahangir S/O Jiavudeen Contact Us For enquiries, please contact: Ms. Jenny Tan Chemical Synthesis Laboratory @ Biopolis 11 Biopolis Way, Helios, #03-08, Singapore 138667 Tel : (65) 6799-8599 Fax : (65) 6874-5870 More enquiries