Synthesis of chemically well-defined and biocompatible oligopyrroles for tissue engineering applications

The synthesis of chemically well-defined and biocompatible oligopyrroles, especially sexipyrroles incorporating novel and highly variable substitution patterns, will be carried out for the first time using metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. The oligopyrroles so-formed will be tested as substrates for tissue engineering purposes, most particularly for creating scaffolds that facilitate the regeneration of damaged nerves and bone structures. As a result, potentially new methods will emerge for treating degenerative diseases and major injuries that affect a significant fraction of the Australian population at some stage in their lives.