David Ng

David Ng
Group Leader
Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research
Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz
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Complex macromolecular functions are often dictated by their precision in molecular make-up and their positioning within a three dimensional space to create individual domains with highly specialized functions. Our strategy combines the absolute atomic precision of biomolecules together with synthetic and polymer chemistry to create a new generation of functional hybrid materials spanning multiple length scales. Stimulus responsive chemistry i.e. boronic acids are regularly used within the group to impact physiological features that involve pH gradients, reactive oxygen species.

We are equipped with the chemical expertise on different macromolecular platforms ranging from synthetic (dendrimers/polymers) to biological origin (peptides, proteins, DNA). With a core focus on precision at the atomic and/or nanoscale, we develop synthetic tools at the interface of chemistry and biology to construct an optimal nanodevice that exhibit multifold functions for targeted biomedical application (cancer therapeutics, antiviral, antimicrobial, regenerative medicine).

Key techniques: Organic Synthesis, Peptide/Protein/DNA Chemistry, Self Assembly

Research system/organism: Macromolecular Hybrid Materials (Proteins/DNA/Polymers), Self assembly in living systems

1. Y. Tokura, S. Harvey, C. Chen, Y. Wu, D.Y.W. Ng, T. Weil. Fabrication of defined polydopamine nanostructures by DNA origami-templated polymerization. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2018, 57, 1587.
2. D.Y.W. Ng, R. Vill, Y. Wu, K. Koynov, Y. Tokura, W. Liu, S. Sihler, A. Kreyes, S. Ritz, H. Barth, U. Ziener, T. Weil. Directing intracellular supramolecular assembly with N-heteroaromatic quaterthiophene analogues. Nat. Commun. 2017, 8 (1850), 1.
3. C. Seidler, D.Y.W. Ng, Y. Wu, T. Weil. pH Responsive Supramolecular Core-Shell Protein Hybrids. Supramol. Chem. 2016, 28, 742.
4. D.Y.W. Ng, Y. Wu, S.L. Kuan, T. Weil. Programming Supramolecular Biohybrids as Precision Therapeutics. Acc. Chem. Res. 2014, 47, 12, 3471.
5. D.Y.W. Ng, M. Arzt, Y. Wu, Seah Ling Kuan, M. Lamla, T. Weil. Constructing hybrid protein zymogens through protective dendritic assembly. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2014, 53, 324.