Professor Michael Monteiro
Professor

Michael Monteiro

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 334 64164

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

Chemical Sciences Engineering Macromolecular and materials chemistry Materials engineering Polymerisation mechanisms Polymers and plastics

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)

Search Professor Michael Monteiro’s works on UQ eSpace

320 works between 1994 and 2025
All (320) Journal Article (253) Book Chapter (7) Conference Publication (45) Book (1) Other Outputs (14)

241 - 260 of 320 works

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

Kinetic simulation of single electron transfer-living radical polymerisation of methyl acrylate at 25C

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

Tailoring molecular weight distribution and structure with difunctional reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer agent. A model study

2006

Journal Article

Ultrafast synthesis of ultrahigh molar mass polymers by metal-catalyzed living radical polymerization of acrylates, methacrylates, and vinyl chloride mediated by SET at 25 degrees C

Percec, V., Guliashvili, T., Ladislaw, J. S., Wistrand, A., Stjerndahl, A., Sienkowska, M. J., Monteiro, M. J. and Sahoo, S. (2006). Ultrafast synthesis of ultrahigh molar mass polymers by metal-catalyzed living radical polymerization of acrylates, methacrylates, and vinyl chloride mediated by SET at 25 degrees C. Journal of The American Chemical Society, 128 (43), 14156-14165. doi: 10.1021/ja065484z

Ultrafast synthesis of ultrahigh molar mass polymers by metal-catalyzed living radical polymerization of acrylates, methacrylates, and vinyl chloride mediated by SET at 25 degrees C

2006

Journal Article

Surface-functionalized polymer nanoparticles for selective sequestering of heavy metals

Bell, C. A., Smith, S. V., Whittaker, M. R., Whittaker, A. K., Gahan, L. R. and Monteiro, M. J. (2006). Surface-functionalized polymer nanoparticles for selective sequestering of heavy metals. Advanced Materials, 18 (5), 582-586. doi: 10.1002/adma.200501712

Surface-functionalized polymer nanoparticles for selective sequestering of heavy metals

2006

Conference Publication

Synthesis of nanocomposite polymers in aqueous environments with controlled architecture

Bell, C. A., Gahan, L R and Monteiro, M J (2006). Synthesis of nanocomposite polymers in aqueous environments with controlled architecture. 28th Asian Polymer Symposium & Asian Society for Biomaterials, Rotorua, 5 - 9 Feb, 2006.

Synthesis of nanocomposite polymers in aqueous environments with controlled architecture

2006

Journal Article

Effect of degassing on surfactant-free emulsion polymerizations of styrene mediated with RAFT

Hartmann, J., Urbani, C., Whittaker, M. R. and Monteiro, M. J. (2006). Effect of degassing on surfactant-free emulsion polymerizations of styrene mediated with RAFT. Macromolecules, 39 (3), 904-907. doi: 10.1021/maO52295c

Effect of degassing on surfactant-free emulsion polymerizations of styrene mediated with RAFT

2006

Journal Article

RAFT-mediated emulsion polymerization of styrene using a non-ionic surfactant

Urbani, C. N., Nguyen, H. N. and Monteiro, M. J. (2006). RAFT-mediated emulsion polymerization of styrene using a non-ionic surfactant. Australian Journal of Chemistry, 59 (10), 728-732. doi: 10.1071/CH06231

RAFT-mediated emulsion polymerization of styrene using a non-ionic surfactant

2006

Book Chapter

Tailoring molecular weight distribution and structure with difunctional reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer agent: A model study

Johnston-Hall, Geoffrey and Monteiro, Michael (2006). Tailoring molecular weight distribution and structure with difunctional reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer agent: A model study. Controlled/ living radical polymerization:from synthesis to materials. (pp. 421-437) edited by Krzysztof Matyjaszewski. Washington DC, U.S.: American Chemical Society.

Tailoring molecular weight distribution and structure with difunctional reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer agent: A model study

2006

Journal Article

Mechanism and kinetics of dithiobenzoate-mediated RAFT polymerization. I. The current situation

Barner-Kowollik, C., Buback, M., Charleux, B., Coote, M. L., Drache, M., Fukuda, T., Goto, A., Klumperman, B., Lowe, A. B., Mcleary, J. B., Moad, G., Monteiro, M. J., Sanderson, R. D., Tonge, M. P. and Vana, P. (2006). Mechanism and kinetics of dithiobenzoate-mediated RAFT polymerization. I. The current situation. Journal of Polymer Science Part A-polymer Chemistry, 44 (20), 5809-5831. doi: 10.1002/pola.21589

Mechanism and kinetics of dithiobenzoate-mediated RAFT polymerization. I. The current situation

2006

Conference Publication

Chemoselective peptide attachment to well-defined star polymer for peptide delivery

Liang, M, Monteiro, M J and Toth, I (2006). Chemoselective peptide attachment to well-defined star polymer for peptide delivery. Annual Conference of the Australasian Pharmaceutical Science n, Adelaide, 3-5 Dec, 2006.

Chemoselective peptide attachment to well-defined star polymer for peptide delivery

2006

Journal Article

Novel approach to tailoring molecular weight distribution and structure with a difunctional RAFT agent

Goh, Y. K. and Monteiro, M. J. (2006). Novel approach to tailoring molecular weight distribution and structure with a difunctional RAFT agent. Macromolecules, 39 (15), 4966-4974. doi: 10.1021/ma060395s

Novel approach to tailoring molecular weight distribution and structure with a difunctional RAFT agent

2006

Journal Article

Synthesis of soluble phosphate polymers by RAFT and their in vitro mineralization

Suzuki, Shuko, Whittaker, Michael R., Grondahl, Lisbeth, Monteiro, Michael J. and Wentrup-Byrne, Edeline (2006). Synthesis of soluble phosphate polymers by RAFT and their in vitro mineralization. Biomacromolecules, 7 (11), 3178-3187. doi: 10.1021/bm060583q

Synthesis of soluble phosphate polymers by RAFT and their in vitro mineralization

2006

Journal Article

Synthesis and aggregation behavior of four-arm star amphiphilic block copolymers in water

Whittaker, M. R. and Monteiro, M. J. (2006). Synthesis and aggregation behavior of four-arm star amphiphilic block copolymers in water. Langmuir, 22 (23), 9746-9752. doi: 10.1021/la0616449

Synthesis and aggregation behavior of four-arm star amphiphilic block copolymers in water

2006

Journal Article

Synthesis of monocyclic and linear polystyrene using the reversible coupling/cleavage of thiol/disulfide groups

Whittaker, M. R., Goh, Y. K., Gemici, H., Legge, T. M., Perrier, S. and Monteiro, M J (2006). Synthesis of monocyclic and linear polystyrene using the reversible coupling/cleavage of thiol/disulfide groups. Macromolecules, 39 (26), 9028-9034. doi: 10.1021/ma061070e

Synthesis of monocyclic and linear polystyrene using the reversible coupling/cleavage of thiol/disulfide groups

2006

Conference Publication

Synthesis and characterisation of phophate polymers for biomedical applications

Grondahl, L., Monteiro, M. J., Suzuki, S., Wentrup, C. and Whittaker, M. R. (2006). Synthesis and characterisation of phophate polymers for biomedical applications. 28th Australasian Polymer Symposium & Aust Society for Biomat, Rotorua, 5-9 Feb, 2006.

Synthesis and characterisation of phophate polymers for biomedical applications

2006

Journal Article

Synthesis of 3-miktoarm stars and 1st generation mikto dendritic copolymers by "living" radical polymerization and "click" chemistry

Whittaker, M. R., Urbani, C. N. and Monteiro, M. J. (2006). Synthesis of 3-miktoarm stars and 1st generation mikto dendritic copolymers by "living" radical polymerization and "click" chemistry. Journal of The American Chemical Society, 128 (35), 11360-11361. doi: 10.1021/ja0645990

Synthesis of 3-miktoarm stars and 1st generation mikto dendritic copolymers by "living" radical polymerization and "click" chemistry

2005

Journal Article

Accessing chain length dependent termination rate coefficients of methyl methacrylate (MMA) via the reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) process

Johnston-Hall, Geoffrey, Theis, Alexander, Monteiro, Michael J., Davis, Thomas P., Stenzel, Martina H. and Barner-Kowollik, Christopher (2005). Accessing chain length dependent termination rate coefficients of methyl methacrylate (MMA) via the reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) process. Macromolecular Chemistry And Physics, 206 (20), 2047-2053. doi: 10.1002/macp.200500354

Accessing chain length dependent termination rate coefficients of methyl methacrylate (MMA) via the reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) process

2005

Conference Publication

Mathias Destarac; A-living- radical Ab initio emulsion polymerization of styrene using a fluorinated xanthate agent

Monteiro, Michael J., Adamy, Monique M., Leeuwen, Bastiaan J. and van Herk, Alex M. (2005). Mathias Destarac; A-living- radical Ab initio emulsion polymerization of styrene using a fluorinated xanthate agent. 230th ACS National Meeting, Washington, DC., U.S.A., 28 August - 1 September, 2005. Standford, Conn., U.S.A.: American Chemical Society.

Mathias Destarac; A-living- radical Ab initio emulsion polymerization of styrene using a fluorinated xanthate agent

2005

Journal Article

Design strategies for controlling the molecular weight and rate using reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer mediated living radical polymerization

Monteiro, Michael J. (2005). Design strategies for controlling the molecular weight and rate using reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer mediated living radical polymerization. Journal of Polymer Science Part A-polymer Chemistry, 43 (15), 3189-3204. doi: 10.1002/pola.20845

Design strategies for controlling the molecular weight and rate using reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer mediated living radical polymerization

2005

Journal Article

Modeling the molecular weight distribution of block copolymer formation in a reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer mediated living radical polymerization

Monteiro, Michael J. (2005). Modeling the molecular weight distribution of block copolymer formation in a reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer mediated living radical polymerization. Journal of Polymer Science Part A-polymer Chemistry, 43 (22), 5643-5651. doi: 10.1002/pola.21069

Modeling the molecular weight distribution of block copolymer formation in a reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer mediated living radical polymerization

Current funding

  • 2025 - 2028
    Next Generation Engineered Antiviral Coatings
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2019 - 2023
    Precision-built dynamic and functional polymer vesicles
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2020
    Thin film microfluidic systems facility (ARC LIEF Project administered by Flinders University)
    Flinders University
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2022
    Cellular mechanics in unusual systems
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2019
    A versatile accurate mass, high resolution QTOF mass spectrometer for chemistry and proteomic applications
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    Development of polymer coated surface with a significantly greater surface area & functionality to capture and kill microbes - Phase 2
    Boeing Defence Australia Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2019
    Designer Dendrimer Nanodevices with Biomimetic Function
    Vice-Chancellor's Research and Teaching Fellowship
    Open grant
  • 2016
    Exosome and Bio/Nanoparticle Characterisation Facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Reaching new heights in high-resolution electron microscopy
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2016
    Precision-Engineered Polymer Nanomaterials
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2016
    Highly productive and selective bio-organic hybrid membrane water filters
    Murdoch University
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2016
    Improving the processing of low quality iron ores by the modification of particle interactions
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2013
    A general platform technology for functional nanocomposites with advanced applications
    UWA-UQ Bilateral Research Collaboration Award
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2014
    On-Demand 3-Dimensional Polymer Scaffolds for Directed Stem Cell Differentiation
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2013
    Highly productive and selective bio-organic hybrid membrane water filters - National Centre of Excellence in Desalination
    Murdoch University
    Open grant
  • 2010
    Fabrication and Testing Facilites for Mono-Dispersed Nanoporous Spheres in Advanced Bio-applications
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2010
    Rapid and high-resolution nanocharacterisation of proteins, nanoparticles and polymers
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2013
    Transformer 3D Nanostructures: Stimuli Responsive Polymers
    ARC Future Fellowships
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2011
    Designer Nanoreactors: An Environmentally Friendly Solution for Polymer Synthesis
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2009
    Enabling Software and Equipment for Computational Bio- and Nano-technology
    UQ School/Centre Co-Funding
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2011
    Engineered Polymer Nanoparticles: A Potent Weapon Against Cancer
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2009
    High Resolution LC/MS and MALDI for Molecular and Macromolecular Characterisation (ARC LIEF Administered by Univeristy of New South Wales)
    University of New South Wales
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2014
    The Toxicology of Nanomaterials
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2008
    Amphiphilic multi-arm block copolymers for solvent-polarity switchable micelles
    UQ Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Strategic Initiatives
    Open grant
  • 2008
    Automated Microvave Reactor for Polymer Chemistry, Materials Development and Nanotechnology
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2008
    Quantitative Particle and Cell Size Distribution Facility: Accelerating the Development of Advanced Materials, Water Treamtnet and Mineral Processing at UQ
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2006
    Form Fundamentals to complex Architecture in Free-Radical Polymerisation
    ARC LIEF Collaborating/Partner Organisation Contributions
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2008
    Next Generation Polymer Nanostructures
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2005
    Ultra high molecular weight polymers with uniform chain length
    UQ New Staff Research Start-Up Fund
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2005
    Next Generation Nanostructures
    UQ Foundation Research Excellence Awards - DVC(R) Funding
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2008
    QEII FELLOWSHIP: Synthesis of nanocomposite polymers with targeted properties
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Michael Monteiro is:
Available for supervision

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

Available projects

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Precision-built dynamic and functional polymer dendrimers

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Synthesis of polymeric vessicles

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Translational meaning of the efficacy of immunotherapies as neoadjuvants to treat Head and Neck cancers.

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Wenyi Gu, Dr Merja Joensuu

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Triblock copolymer nanoparticles for anti-cancer delivery

    Principal Advisor

Completed supervision

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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