Professor Paul Bernhardt
Professor

Paul Bernhardt

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 54266

Background

After completing my undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the University of Newcastle, I held a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Basel (Switzerland) from 1990-2. I returned to Australia in 1993 to take up an Australian Research Council Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Australian National University (Canberra) from 1993-4. I joined The University of Queensland in 1994.

Availability

Professor Paul Bernhardt is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Inorganic chemistry Medicinal and biomolecular chemistry

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy, University of Newcastle

Research interests

  • Protein Electrochemistry

    This research involves incorporating redox active enzymes with electrochemical systems such that the enzyme functions natively whilst in communication with an electrode (rather than with a natural electron transfer partner). We are currently investigating a number of systems, most from the molybdenum enzyme family that catalyse oxygen transfer reactions of both organic and inorganic substrates.

  • Copper Complexes as Atom Transfer Radical Catalysts

    Atom transfer radical polymerisation (ATRP) is one of the most widely used 'controlled' radical polymerisation techniques and has resulted in polymers with well defined molecular weights and architectures. Our work is focused on complexes that catalyse this process by generating organic radicals from the simple reaction between a Cu(I) complex and an alkyl halide initiator. We can probe this atom transfer reaction with cyclic voltammetry and we have gained new insight to this interesting and fundamentally important reaction. This has now progressed to developing electrocatalytic synthetic methods for C-C bond formation reactions in collaboration with Prof. Craig Williams (SCMB).

Research impacts

My research interests include all aspects of coordination chemistry; particularly its relevance to the areas of electrochemistry, bioinorganic chemistry, spectroscopy and catalysis.

In recent years some of the areas in which we have been, and continue to be, actively involved include:

  • Enzyme electrochemistry (collaborations with several UQ and international groups).
  • Invesitigation of copper complexes that are active in atom transfer radical polymerisation catalysis
  • Transition metal-mediated organic oxidation and reduction reactions

Search Professor Paul Bernhardt’s works on UQ eSpace

545 works between 1987 and 2025
All (545) Journal Article (513) Book Chapter (3) Conference Publication (28) Other Outputs (1)

221 - 240 of 545 works

2012

Journal Article

The role of Zn-OR and Zn-OH nucleophiles and the influence of para-substituents in the reactions of binuclear phosphatase mimetics

Daumann, Lena J., Dalle, Kristian E., Schenk, Gerhard, McGeary, Ross P., Bernhardt, Paul V., Ollis, David L. and Gahan, Lawrence R. (2012). The role of Zn-OR and Zn-OH nucleophiles and the influence of para-substituents in the reactions of binuclear phosphatase mimetics. Dalton Transactions, 41 (6), 1695-1708. doi: 10.1039/c1dt11187f

The role of Zn-OR and Zn-OH nucleophiles and the influence of para-substituents in the reactions of binuclear phosphatase mimetics

2012

Journal Article

A solid state study of keto-enol tautomerismin in three naphthaledene Schiff bases

Pierens, Gregory K., Venkatachalam, T. K., Bernhardt, Paul V., Riley, Mark J. and Reutens, David C. (2012). A solid state study of keto-enol tautomerismin in three naphthaledene Schiff bases. Australian Journal of Chemistry, 65 (5), 552-556. doi: 10.1071/CH12122

A solid state study of keto-enol tautomerismin in three naphthaledene Schiff bases

2012

Journal Article

Structures of 4-iminopyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidines, pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-ones, pyridopyrimidinium olates, and thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine analogues

Bernhardt, Paul V. and Wentrup, Curt (2012). Structures of 4-iminopyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidines, pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-ones, pyridopyrimidinium olates, and thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine analogues. Australian Journal of Chemistry, 65 (4), 371-375. doi: 10.1071/CH12040

Structures of 4-iminopyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidines, pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-ones, pyridopyrimidinium olates, and thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine analogues

2012

Journal Article

Reactivity of di-iodine toward thiol: Desulfuration reaction of 5-nitro-2-mercapto-benzimidazole upon reaction with di-iodine

Corban, G. J., Antoniadis, C. D., Hadjikakou, S. K., Kourkoumelis, N., Tyurin, V. Yu., Dolgano, A., Milaeva, E. R., Kubicki, M., Bernhardt, P. V., Tiekink, E. R. T., Skoulika, S. and Hadjiliadis, N. (2012). Reactivity of di-iodine toward thiol: Desulfuration reaction of 5-nitro-2-mercapto-benzimidazole upon reaction with di-iodine. Heteroatom Chemistry, 23 (5), 498-511. doi: 10.1002/hc.21042

Reactivity of di-iodine toward thiol: Desulfuration reaction of 5-nitro-2-mercapto-benzimidazole upon reaction with di-iodine

2012

Journal Article

Polymorphism in 3-Pyridylsydnone: Preparative and Structural Aspects

Bernhardt, Paul V., Kvaskoff, David, Veedu, Rakesh Naduvile and Wentrup, Curt (2012). Polymorphism in 3-Pyridylsydnone: Preparative and Structural Aspects. Australian Journal of Chemistry, 65 (4), 376-380. doi: 10.1071/CH12041

Polymorphism in 3-Pyridylsydnone: Preparative and Structural Aspects

2012

Journal Article

Biologically active thiosemicarbazone Fe chelators and their reactions with ferrioxamine B and ferric EDTA; a kinetic study

Bernhardt, Paul V., Martínez, Manuel, Rodríguez, Carlos and Vazquez, Marta (2012). Biologically active thiosemicarbazone Fe chelators and their reactions with ferrioxamine B and ferric EDTA; a kinetic study. Dalton Transactions, 41 (7), 2122-2130. doi: 10.1039/C1DT11685A

Biologically active thiosemicarbazone Fe chelators and their reactions with ferrioxamine B and ferric EDTA; a kinetic study

2011

Journal Article

Halogenated 2′-benzoylpyridine thiosemicarbazone (XBpT) chelators with potent and selective anti-neoplastic activity: Relationship to intracellular redox activity

Stefani, Christian, Punnia-Moorthy, Gaya, Lovejoy, David B., Jansson, Patric J., Kalinowski, Danuta S., Sharpe, Philip C., Bernhardt, Paul V. and Richardson, Des R. (2011). Halogenated 2′-benzoylpyridine thiosemicarbazone (XBpT) chelators with potent and selective anti-neoplastic activity: Relationship to intracellular redox activity. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 54 (19), 6936-6948. doi: 10.1021/jm200924c

Halogenated 2′-benzoylpyridine thiosemicarbazone (XBpT) chelators with potent and selective anti-neoplastic activity: Relationship to intracellular redox activity

2011

Journal Article

An unusually flexible expanded hexaamine cage and its Cu(II) complexes: Variable coordination modes and incomplete encapsulation

Qin, Chang-Jin, James, Lloyd, Chartres, Jy D., Alcock, Leighton J., Davis, Kimberley J., Willis, Anthony C., Sargeson, Alan M., Bernhardt, Paul V. and Ralph, Stephen F. (2011). An unusually flexible expanded hexaamine cage and its Cu(II) complexes: Variable coordination modes and incomplete encapsulation. Inorganic Chemistry, 50 (18), 9131-9140. doi: 10.1021/ic201326d

An unusually flexible expanded hexaamine cage and its Cu(II) complexes: Variable coordination modes and incomplete encapsulation

2011

Journal Article

A turn-on fluorescent iron complex and its cellular uptake

Chartres, Jy D., Busby, Michael, Riley, Mark J., Davis, Jason J. and Bernhardt, Paul V. (2011). A turn-on fluorescent iron complex and its cellular uptake. Inorganic Chemistry, 50 (18), 9178-9183. doi: 10.1021/ic201495r

A turn-on fluorescent iron complex and its cellular uptake

2011

Journal Article

Revision of the absolute configurations of bethosides B and C and their aglycone

Challinor, Victoria L., Hayes, Patricia Y., Bernhardt, Paul V., Kitching, William, Lehmann, Reginald P. and De Voss, James J. (2011). Revision of the absolute configurations of bethosides B and C and their aglycone. Journal of Organic Chemistry, 76 (17), 7275-7280. doi: 10.1021/jo2012797

Revision of the absolute configurations of bethosides B and C and their aglycone

2011

Journal Article

Vapour phase assembly of a halogen bonded complex of an isoindoline nitroxide and 1,2-diiodotetrafluorobenzene

Davy, Karl J. P., McMurtrie, John, Rintoul, Llew, Bernhardt, Paul V. and Micallef, Aaron S. (2011). Vapour phase assembly of a halogen bonded complex of an isoindoline nitroxide and 1,2-diiodotetrafluorobenzene. CrystEngComm, 13 (16), 5062-5070. doi: 10.1039/c1ce05344b

Vapour phase assembly of a halogen bonded complex of an isoindoline nitroxide and 1,2-diiodotetrafluorobenzene

2011

Journal Article

A rapid electrochemical method for determining rate coefficients for copper-catalyzed polymerizations

Bell, Craig A., Bernhardt, Paul V. and Monteiro, Michael J. (2011). A rapid electrochemical method for determining rate coefficients for copper-catalyzed polymerizations. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 133 (31), 11944-11947. doi: 10.1021/ja205193f

A rapid electrochemical method for determining rate coefficients for copper-catalyzed polymerizations

2011

Conference Publication

Globin-mediated nitric oxide detoxification in the foodborne pathogenic bacterium Campylobacter jejuni proceeds via a dioxygenase or denitrosylase mechanism

Shepherd, Mark, Bernhardt, Paul V. and Poole, Robert K. (2011). Globin-mediated nitric oxide detoxification in the foodborne pathogenic bacterium Campylobacter jejuni proceeds via a dioxygenase or denitrosylase mechanism. Maryland Heights, MO, U.S.A.: Academic Press. doi: 10.1016/j.niox.2010.12.006

Globin-mediated nitric oxide detoxification in the foodborne pathogenic bacterium Campylobacter jejuni proceeds via a dioxygenase or denitrosylase mechanism

2011

Journal Article

Structure and absolute configuration of helosides A and B, new saponins from Chamaelirium luteum

Challinor, Victoria L., Stuthe, Julia M. U., Bernhardt, Paul V., Lehmann, Reginald P., Kitching, William and De Voss, James J. (2011). Structure and absolute configuration of helosides A and B, new saponins from Chamaelirium luteum. Journal of Natural Products, 74 (7), 1557-1560. doi: 10.1021/np200100a

Structure and absolute configuration of helosides A and B, new saponins from Chamaelirium luteum

2011

Journal Article

Insights into structure and function of the active site of SoxAX cytochromes

Kilmartin, James R., Maher, Megan J., Krusong, Kuakarun, Noble, Christopher J., Hanson, Graeme R., Bernhardt, Paul V., Riley, Mark J. and Kappler, Ulrike (2011). Insights into structure and function of the active site of SoxAX cytochromes. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 286 (28), 24872-24881. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M110.212183

Insights into structure and function of the active site of SoxAX cytochromes

2011

Journal Article

Synthesis and structural characterization of (Z)-3-[(4-chlorophenylamino) methylene] naphthalene-2(3H)-one: An enol, keto or zwitterionic tautomer?

Venkatachalam, T. K., Pierens, Gregory K., Bernhardt, Paul V., Hammond, Luke and Reutens, David C. (2011). Synthesis and structural characterization of (Z)-3-[(4-chlorophenylamino) methylene] naphthalene-2(3H)-one: An enol, keto or zwitterionic tautomer?. Journal of Chemical Crystallography, 41 (7), 944-951. doi: 10.1007/s10870-011-0022-x

Synthesis and structural characterization of (Z)-3-[(4-chlorophenylamino) methylene] naphthalene-2(3H)-one: An enol, keto or zwitterionic tautomer?

2011

Journal Article

The truth about false unicorn (Chamaelirium luteum): Total synthesis of 23R,24S-Chiograsterol B defines the structure and stereochemistry of the major saponins from this medicinal herb

Matovic, Nicholas J., Stuthe, Julia M. U., Challinor, Victoria L., Bernhardt, Paul V., Lehmann, Reginald P., Kitching, William and De Voss, James J. (2011). The truth about false unicorn (Chamaelirium luteum): Total synthesis of 23R,24S-Chiograsterol B defines the structure and stereochemistry of the major saponins from this medicinal herb. Chemistry-A European Journal, 17 (27), 7578-7591. doi: 10.1002/chem.201100503

The truth about false unicorn (Chamaelirium luteum): Total synthesis of 23R,24S-Chiograsterol B defines the structure and stereochemistry of the major saponins from this medicinal herb

2011

Journal Article

A new N,N-dimethyl purine from an Australian dictyoceratid sponge

Suciati, Garson, Mary J., Bernhardt, Paul V. and Pierens, Gregory K. (2011). A new N,N-dimethyl purine from an Australian dictyoceratid sponge. Journal of Chemical Crystallography, 41 (11), 1669-1672. doi: 10.1007/s10870-011-0155-y

A new N,N-dimethyl purine from an Australian dictyoceratid sponge

2011

Journal Article

Self-assembling dicopper(II) complexes of di-2-pyridyl ketone Schiff base ligands derived from S-alkyldithiocarbazates

Ali, Mohammad Akbar, Mirza, Aminul H., Butcher, Ray J., Bernhardt, Paul V. and Karim, Mohammad Rezaul (2011). Self-assembling dicopper(II) complexes of di-2-pyridyl ketone Schiff base ligands derived from S-alkyldithiocarbazates. Polyhedron, 30 (9), 1478-1486. doi: 10.1016/j.poly.2011.02.048

Self-assembling dicopper(II) complexes of di-2-pyridyl ketone Schiff base ligands derived from S-alkyldithiocarbazates

2011

Journal Article

Synthesis and x-ray crystal structure of 1- and 2-cinnamoyaloxy acetonaphthones

Venkatachalam, T. K., Pierens, G. K., Bernhardt, P. V. and Reutens, D. C. (2011). Synthesis and x-ray crystal structure of 1- and 2-cinnamoyaloxy acetonaphthones. Journal of Chemical Crystallography, 41 (4), 563-569. doi: 10.1007/s10870-010-9923-3

Synthesis and x-ray crystal structure of 1- and 2-cinnamoyaloxy acetonaphthones

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2027
    Emergent organocopper complexes as robust catalysts for electrosynthesis
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2026
    An Innovative, Non-Hormonal, Pharmacological Strategy that Down-Regulates the Oestrogen, Androgen, Progesterone, and Prolactin Receptors and Inhibits the Triad-of-Death in Breast Cancer (Griffith led)
    Griffith University
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2025
    Pharmaceutical Development of Innovative "Trojan Horse" Anti-Cancer Agents that Inhibit Desmoplasia by Reprogramming Signalling (NHMRC Ideas Grant administered by Griffith University)
    Griffith University
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2025
    Bioelectrochemical interconversion of the building blocks of life
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2023 - 2024
    High-Resolution Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2024
    Pioneering stable copper carbanions for new C-C bond forming paradigms
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2022
    Molybdenum enzyme electrochemical communication
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2021
    To Biochemically Trick P-Glycoprotein (Pgp) to Target Resistance via Lysosomal Pgp (NHMRC Project Grant led by Griffith University)
    Griffith University
    Open grant
  • 2017
    Advanced X-ray Facility for Structural Elucidation and Photocrystallography
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2017
    Enzyme Electrochemical Communication
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2019
    The fate of copper in atom transfer radical reactions
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2014
    A facility for ex-vivo molecular imaging
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2012
    Facilities for Integrated Bioinorganic and Materials Chemistry Research
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2014
    Short circuiting redox enzymes
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2010
    An integrated high -throughput fluorescence imaging facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2012
    Spotlighting Biologically Active Fe Chelators within Cells
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2011
    Pharmacology of Potential Anti-Tumour Agents: Iron Chelators of the BpT Class (NHMRC project grant administered by the University of Sydney)
    University of Sydney
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2010
    Electrochemically Driven Molybdoenzyme Catalysis
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2008
    An X-Ray Diffraction Facility for Molecular Structure Determination
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2009
    Chemical and Biochemical Characterisation of Novel Iron Chelators with Therapeutic Potential
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2009
    Examination of the molecular pharmacology of anthracyclines induced via their interaction with iron
    University of Sydney
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2008
    Mechanistic Studies on Biologically Active Iron Chelators
    ARC Linkage International
    Open grant
  • 2005
    New synthetic routes to the immobilisation of mixed valence transition metal complexes on conducting metal oxides
    ARC Linkage International
    Open grant
  • 2004
    Australian Bio-Metals Research Network
    ARC Seed Funding for Research Networks
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2006
    Chemical and Biochemical Characterisation of Novel Iron Chelators with Therapeutic Potential
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2004
    Research expenses for visiting Research Fellow (Dr A. Meacham)
    The Royal Society
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2005
    Mechanistic Studies of Dimethylsulfide Dehydrogenase: A Novel Bacterial Molybdoenzyme
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2003
    Novel Molecular Electrochronic Devices
    University of Queensland Research Development Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2002
    Single electron reactions of multi-redox centred systems (CREDITS ONLY AWARDED)
    Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering
    Open grant
  • 2001
    Single electron transfer reactions of multi-redox centre complexes
    Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering
    Open grant
  • 2000
    Excited state dynamics of light induced molecular processes.
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 2000 - 2002
    Mixed-Valence Transition Metal Assemblies
    ARC Australian Research Council (Large grants)
    Open grant
  • 2000
    Single electron transfer reactions of multi redox centre complexes
    Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering
    Open grant
  • 1999
    Self-assembling transition metal arrays
    UQ External Support Enabling Grant
    Open grant
  • 1999
    Single electron transfer reactions of multi redox centre complexes
    Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering
    Open grant
  • 1999
    Toward discrete dinuclear cyano-bridged coordination compounds
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1998
    Macrocyclic receptors for ionic guests
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1998
    Toward supramolecular charge separated molecules
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1997 - 1998
    Single electron transfer reactions of multi-redox centre complexes
    Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering
    Open grant
  • 1997
    Toward Proactive Supramolecular Coordination Compounds
    UQ External Support Enabling Grant
    Open grant
  • 1996
    Single electron transfer reactions of multi-redox centre complexes
    Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering
    Open grant
  • 1996
    Structurally organised oligonuclear coordination compounds
    University of Queensland New Staff Research Grant
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Paul Bernhardt is:
Available for supervision

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Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Quantum Chemistry as a tool for Spectroscopic Analysis

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Quantum Chemistry as a tool for Spectroscopic Analysis

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Developing novel copper catalysts for carbon-carbon bond forming reactions using electrosynthesis.

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Craig Williams, Dr Masnun Naher

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Electrochemical investigations of bacterial molybdenum enzymes

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Ulrike Kappler

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Development of innovative synthetic methodologies: electrochemical Atom Transfer Radical Addition (eATRA) and strained nitrogen ring synthesis paradigms

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Craig Williams

  • Doctor Philosophy

    New Applications for Photoactive Lanthanoid and Earth Abundant Metal Complexes

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Evan Moore

  • Doctor Philosophy

    New Applications for Photoactive Lanthanoid and Earth Abundant Metal Complexes

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Evan Moore

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Pioneering stable copper carbanions for new C-C bond forming paradigms

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Craig Williams

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Professor Paul Bernhardt directly for media enquiries about:

  • Crystallography
  • Electrochemistry
  • Transition metal chemistry

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