Overview
Background
Professor Michael Monteiro has established an international reputation in the field of 'living' radical polymerization to create complex polymer architectures. He is now building designer polymers for various biomedical applications, including vaccines, drug delivery and stem cells. He is dedicated to translating research into commercial outcomes, with 7 PCT and provisional patents since 2005 and start-up company DendriMed Pty Ltd. He was awarded an ARC QEII Fellowship in 2004 and an ARC Future Fellowship in 2009. He has attracted ARC and NHMRC grants; and Queensland State Government funding in excess of $7 million.
International links
Professor Monteiro has built a strong collaboration with Professor Virgil Percec from the University of Pennsylvania to develop and understand the new SET-LRP. He has developed a collaboration with Professor Rachel O'Reilly from the University of Warwick to develop nanoreactors that mimic enzyme activity. In collaboration with Professor Eugenia Kumacheva from the University of Toronto, they developed temperature responsive micron-sized particles from encapsulation of cells.
Availability
- Professor Michael Monteiro is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Research impacts
Research
Designer polymers: Synthesis of complex polymer architectures.
Professor Monteiro's research aims to develop methods of synthesising complex polymer architectures in water, with controlled particle size, molecular weight and morphology. By understanding the structure-property relations of these novel nanomaterials, targeted properties can be manufactured for vaccine and drug delivery. Easily recycled polymers that could be used in a variety of products have been synthesised.
Memberships, funding and patents
- Editorial Advisory Boards: Biomacromolecules (ACS Journal) (2013- ), Macromolecules (ACS Journal) (2008-2010), Journal of Polymer Science Part A Polymer Chemistry (2009-)
- ARC Funding: DP120100973 Prof MJ Monteiro; Dr TP Munro, On-demand scaffolds for directed stem cell differentiation
- Selected Patents: (i) Release Media Prov. AU2012902396, (ii) Polymeric dendrimers for siRNA delivery Prov. AU2012903138
Awards and plenaries
2013 UNESCO, Stellenbosch, SA Plenary 2013 ACS, New Orleans., USA – Invited lecture 2013 IPCG, Shanghi, China, Invited and Co-chair 2012 Australian Polymer Symposium, Hobart, Keynote 2012 IUAPC POC14, Qatar, Keynote 2011 Australian Leadership Award (ADC)
Works
Search Professor Michael Monteiro’s works on UQ eSpace
2008
Book Chapter
RAFT-mediated polymerization in heterogeneous systems
Urbani, Carl N. and Monteiro, Michael J. (2008). RAFT-mediated polymerization in heterogeneous systems. Handbook of RAFT polymerization. (pp. 285-314) edited by Barner-Kowollik, Christopher. Weinheim, Germany: Wiley-VCH. doi: 10.1002/9783527622757.ch8
2008
Journal Article
Self-assembly of amphiphilic polymeric dendrimers synthesized with selective degradable linkages
Urbani, Carl N., Bell, Craig A., Lonsdale, Daria, Whittaker, Michael R. and Monteiro, Michael J. (2008). Self-assembly of amphiphilic polymeric dendrimers synthesized with selective degradable linkages. Macromolecules, 41 (1), 76-86. doi: 10.1021/ma701993w
2008
Conference Publication
Convergent synthesis of 3rd generation dendrimer from 2nd generation polymeric dendron with 4-arm polymers
Whittaker, Michael R. and Monteiro, Michael J. (2008). Convergent synthesis of 3rd generation dendrimer from 2nd generation polymeric dendron with 4-arm polymers. 235th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, U.S.A., 6-10 April, 2008. Blacksburg, VA, United States: American Chemical Society, Division of Polymer Chemistry.
2008
Conference Publication
POLY 185-Living radical polymerization of tert-butyl acrylate using Cu(0) powder and nanopowder
Whittaker, M. R. and Monteiro, M. J. (2008). POLY 185-Living radical polymerization of tert-butyl acrylate using Cu(0) powder and nanopowder. 235th American-Chemical-Society National Meeting, New Orleans LA, APR 06-10, 2008. United States: American Chemical Society.
2008
Other Outputs
Soil remediation process
Rossato, Laurence Suzanne Rosa, Pudmenzky, Alexander, Doley, David, Monteiro, Michael, Whittaker, Michael and Schmidt, Susanne (2008). Soil remediation process. 20110182670.
2008
Conference Publication
Bimolecular termination in semi-dilute polymer solutions
Johnston-Hall, Geoffrey and Monteiro, Michael J. (2008). Bimolecular termination in semi-dilute polymer solutions. ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, U.S.A., 6-10 April, 2008. Standford, Conn., U.S.A.: American Chemical Society, Division of Polymer Chemistry.
2008
Conference Publication
POLY 619-Convergent synthesis of third generation dendrimers
Monteiro, MJ (2008). POLY 619-Convergent synthesis of third generation dendrimers. 235th American-Chemical-Society National Meeting, New Orleans LA, APR 06-10, 2008. WASHINGTON: AMER CHEMICAL SOC.
2008
Journal Article
Outer-sphere electron transfer metal-catalyzed polymerization of styrene using a macrobicyclic ligand
Bell, Craig A., Whittaker, Michael R., Gahan, Lawrence R. and Monteiro, Michael J. (2008). Outer-sphere electron transfer metal-catalyzed polymerization of styrene using a macrobicyclic ligand. Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry, 46 (1), 146-154. doi: 10.1002/pola.22366
2008
Conference Publication
Living radical polymerisation of tert-butyl acrylate using Cu(0) powder and nanopowder
Whittaker, Michael R. and Monteiro, Michael J. (2008). Living radical polymerisation of tert-butyl acrylate using Cu(0) powder and nanopowder. 2008 Spring National American Chemical Society Meeting, New Orleans, U. S., 6-10 April, 2008. Standford, Conn., U.S.: American Chemical Society, Division of Polymer Chemistry.
2007
Journal Article
Kinetic modeling of "living" and conventional free radical polymerizations of methyl methacrylate in dilute and gel regimes
Johnston-Hall, G. and Monteiro, M. J. (2007). Kinetic modeling of "living" and conventional free radical polymerizations of methyl methacrylate in dilute and gel regimes. Macromolecules, 40 (20), 7171-7179. doi: 10.1021/ma070984d
2007
Journal Article
Degradative chain transfer in vinyl acetate polymerizations using toluene as solvent
Lonsdale, D. E., Johnston-Hall, G., Fawcett, A., Bell, C. A., Urbani, C. N., Whittaker, M. R. and Monteiro, M. J. (2007). Degradative chain transfer in vinyl acetate polymerizations using toluene as solvent. Journal of Polymer Science Part A-polymer Chemistry, 45 (16), 3620-3625. doi: 10.1002/pola.22101
2007
Journal Article
Chain length dependent termination rate coefficients of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in the gel regime: Accessing k(t)(i,i) using reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization
Johnston-Hall, Geoffrey, Stenzel, Martina H., Davis, Thomas P., Barner-Kowollik, Christopher and Monteiro, Michael J. (2007). Chain length dependent termination rate coefficients of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in the gel regime: Accessing k(t)(i,i) using reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Macromolecules, 40 (8), 2730-2736. doi: 10.1021/ma062405v
2007
Journal Article
Original approach to multiblock copolymers via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization
Gemici, H., Legge, T.M., Whittaker, M.R., Monteiro, M.J. and Perrier, S (2007). Original approach to multiblock copolymers via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. Journal of Polymer Science Part A-polymer Chemistry, 45 (11), 2334-2340. doi: 10.1002/pola.21985
2007
Journal Article
Formation of tethered polyacrylic acid loops in core-shell micelles
Whittaker, M.R., Urbani, C.N. and Monteiro, M.J. (2007). Formation of tethered polyacrylic acid loops in core-shell micelles. Langmuir, 23 (15), 7887-7890. doi: 10.1021/la700724h
2007
Journal Article
Versatile synthetic approach to reversible crosslinked polystyrene networks via RAFT polymerization
Goh, Y. K., Whittaker, A. K. and Monteiro, M. J. (2007). Versatile synthetic approach to reversible crosslinked polystyrene networks via RAFT polymerization. Journal of Polymer Science Part A-polymer Chemistry, 45 (17), 4150-4153. doi: 10.1002/pola.22162
2007
Journal Article
Kinetic simulation of single electron transfer-living radical polymerisation of methyl acrylate at 25C
Monteiro, M.J., Guliashvili,T. and Percec,V. (2007). Kinetic simulation of single electron transfer-living radical polymerisation of methyl acrylate at 25C. Journal of Polymer Science Part A-polymer Chemistry, 45 (10), 1835-1847. doi: 10.1002/pola.21947
2007
Journal Article
Reactive alkyne and azide solid supports to increase yield and purity of novel polymeric stars and dendrimers via the "click" reaction
Urbani, C.N., Bell, C.A., Lonsdale, D.E., Whittaker, M.R. and Monteiro, M.J. (2007). Reactive alkyne and azide solid supports to increase yield and purity of novel polymeric stars and dendrimers via the "click" reaction. Macromolecules, 40 (19), 7056-7059. doi: 10.1021/ma071121n
2007
Conference Publication
In vitro mineralization of phosphate-containing polymer ad-layers
Suzuki, S., Rintoul, L., Monteiro, M. J., Wentrup-Byrne, E. and Grondahl, L. (2007). In vitro mineralization of phosphate-containing polymer ad-layers. Division of Polymer Chemistry, Chicago, June 2007. USA: American Chemical Society.
2007
Conference Publication
In vitro mineralization of phosphate containing polymer ad-layers
Suzuki, Shuko, Rintoul, Llew, Monteiro, Michael J., Wentrup-Byrne, Edeline and Grondahl, Lisbeth (2007). In vitro mineralization of phosphate containing polymer ad-layers. 233rd ACS National Meeting, Chicago, United States, 25-29 March 2012. Washington, United States: American Chemical Society.
2006
Conference Publication
Tailoring molecular weight distribution and structure with difunctional reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer agent. A model study
Johnston-Hall, Geoffrey and Monteiro, Michael J. (2006). Tailoring molecular weight distribution and structure with difunctional reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer agent. A model study. American Chemical Society. doi: 10.1021/bk-2006-0944.ch029
Funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Michael Monteiro is:
- Available for supervision
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Available projects
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Synthesis of well-defined thermoresponsive polymer structures.
A general strategy through the use of direct azidation of alcohols allowed the sequence control of macromers via both the iterative sequential growth and iterative exponential growth methods. The chemistry was highly efficient in building polymers from a sequence of compositionally different macromers tethered together in close proximity. Using the DPPA/DBU method for near quantitative azidation of the benzyl alcohol moiety, sequence controlled polymers were made via a direct and one-step procedure for CuAAC activation. With four different macromers, spherical miktoarm star-like polymers of 50 000 molecular weight were prepared with a low dispersity, and the polymer coil size depended on the type of added macromer. Polymers made via the iterative methods opens the way for the design of advanced materials with predictable properties.
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Water-borne nanocoating for rapid inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses
The rise in coronavirus variants has resulted in surges of the disease across the globe. The mutations in the spike protein on the surface of the virion membrane not only allow for greater transmission but also raise concerns about vaccine effectiveness. Preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2, its variants, and other viruses from person to person via airborne or surface transmission requires effective inactivation of the virus. Here, we report a water-borne spray-on coating for the complete inactivation of viral particles and degradation of their RNA. Our nanoworms efficiently bind and, through subsequent large nanoscale conformational changes, rupture the viral membrane and subsequently bind and degrade its RNA. Our coating completely inactivated SARS-CoV-2 (VIC01) and an evolved SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern (B.1.1.7 (alpha)), influenza A, and a surrogate capsid pseudovirus expressing the influenza A virus attachment glycoprotein, hemagglutinin. The functional nanoworms can be easily modified to target viruses in future pandemics, and is compatible with large scale manufacturing processes.
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Temperature-directed morphology transformation method to produce well-defined complex multifunctional polymer particles
Producing synthetic soft worm and rod structures with multiple chemical functionalities on the surface would provide potential utility in drug delivery, nanoreactors, tissue engineering, diagnostics, rheology modifiers, enzyme mimics, and many other applications. Here, we have synthesized multifunctional worms and rods directly in water using a one-step reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT)-mediated dispersion polymerization at high weight fractions of polymer (>10 wt %). The chain-end functionalities included alkyne, pyridyl disulfide, dopamine, β-thiolactone, and biotin groups. These groups could further be converted or coupled with biomolecules or polymers. We further demonstrated a nanorod colorimetric system with good control over the attachment of fluorescent probes
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Shape Control over the Polymer Molecular Weight Distribution and Influence on Rheological Properties
The shape, breadth, and average molecular weight of the overall molecular weight distribution (MWD) largely define polymer properties. In conventional free-radical polymerization, control over this distribution is through the many competing kinetic pathways dominated by radical termination events. “Living” radical polymerization mechanistically minimizes these termination events, providing a facile route to a desired Gaussian distribution with the distribution breadth dependent upon the activity of the catalyst or modulating agent. However, producing unusually shaped distributions can only be achieved through modeling of the complex polymerization kinetics and invoking feeding and other methods. Here, we construct square, slanted, and chair-like MWDs by blending two to four polymers made using a low-reactive RAFT agent with dispersities close to 2. The blending method described here overcomes many of the difficulties in producing unusually shaped MWDs and allows control over the shape and breadth of the MWD. The concept further provides a general synthetic strategy for studying important structure–property relationships of polymers with desired processing and performance characteristics.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Synthesis of polymeric vessicles
Principal Advisor
Completed supervision
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Topology and Molecular Weight Distribution Control in Polymers
Principal Advisor
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Synthesis and Self-Assembly of Stimuli-Responsive of Polymer Nanoparticles
Principal Advisor
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Synthesis of Well-defined Thermoresponsive Polymer Nanostuctures
Principal Advisor
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Reducing allergic airway inflammation with high-density microprojection array skin patches
Principal Advisor
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Temperature-Directed Morphology Transformation Method to Produce Well-Defined Complex Multifunctional Polymer Particles
Principal Advisor
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
New Insights into Copper-Mediated Polymerization and Polymer Topologies
Principal Advisor
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Synthesis of Well-defined Complex Polymer Architectures by Iterative Growth
Principal Advisor
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Design, Synthesis and Applications of Functional Cabonaceous Nanospheres
Principal Advisor
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
Engineered Polymer Nanoparticles for Intracellular DNA Delivery
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Peter Gray
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
Synthesis of Functional Polymers and Nanostructures for siRNA Delivery
Principal Advisor
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
Development of Ultrafast, Selective and Reversible Nitroxide Radical Coupling Reactions
Principal Advisor
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2011
Doctor Philosophy
Copper Catalysed Reactions for the Synthesis of Polymeric Architectures
Principal Advisor
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2011
Doctor Philosophy
Synthesis of Complex Polymer Topologies and Their Self-Assembly in Water
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Joanne Blanchfield
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2009
Doctor Philosophy
New Insights into Diffusion¿Controlled Bimolecular Termination using `Controlled/Living¿ Radical Polymerisation
Principal Advisor
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Synthesis of Novel Nitroxide Radical Derivatives for Energy Storage and Green Catalyst applications
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Yusuke Yamauchi
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2018
Doctor Philosophy
Rational Design of Nitroxide Radical Polymers for Enhanced Electrochemical Performance in Rechargeable Batteries
Associate Advisor
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the Mechanisms of Transition Metal Catalysed Redox Reactions
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Paul Bernhardt
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Development of a Culture Platform for the Expansion of Pluripotent Human Embryonic Stem Cells Cells with the use of Nanopolymers
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Peter Gray
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
Zinc oxide-centred deterioration of modern artists' oil paint and implications for the conservation of twentieth century paintings
Associate Advisor
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
A Novel Platform Built on Designed Materials for Purification, Enrichment and Detection of Bio-Molecules
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Wenyi Gu, Professor Michael Yu
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2011
Doctor Philosophy
The Synthesis, Physicochemical Characterization and Biological Interactions of Polymer-coated Nanoparticles
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Istvan Toth
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2010
Doctor Philosophy
Tailored nanoparticles for nanotoxicological investigations
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Darren Martin
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2008
Doctor Philosophy
Nanoparticulate Carriers And Adjuvants For Novel Synthetic Peptide Vaccines
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Istvan Toth
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2008
Doctor Philosophy
Synthesis of Nano-scale Polymers via RAFT Polymerization
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Andrew Whittaker
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2007
Master Philosophy
SURFACE MODIFICATION USING AMPHIPLILIC DIBLOCK COPOLYMERS FOR TISSUE ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Justin Cooper-White
Media
Enquiries
Contact Professor Michael Monteiro directly for media enquiries about:
- Dendrimers
- Dendrons
- Drug delivery
- Emulsion polymerisation
- Immunisation - delivery of
- Living radical ploymerisation
- Nanostructures
- Polymer dendrimers
- Polymer nanoparticles
- Polymerisation
- Vaccine delivery
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