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)

41 - 60 of 545 works

2022

Journal Article

Catalytic electrochemistry of the bacterial Molybdoenzyme YcbX

Kalimuthu, Palraj, Harmer, Jeffrey R., Baldauf, Milena, Hassan, Ahmed H., Kruse, Tobias and Bernhardt, Paul V. (2022). Catalytic electrochemistry of the bacterial Molybdoenzyme YcbX. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Bioenergetics, 1863 (7) 148579, 148579. doi: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2022.148579

Catalytic electrochemistry of the bacterial Molybdoenzyme YcbX

2022

Journal Article

Scanning optical spectroelectrochemistry: applications in protein redox potential measurements

Bernhardt, Paul V. (2022). Scanning optical spectroelectrochemistry: applications in protein redox potential measurements. Chemistry–Methods, 3 (3) e20220004. doi: 10.1002/cmtd.202200047

Scanning optical spectroelectrochemistry: applications in protein redox potential measurements

2022

Journal Article

Nitroimidazopyrazinones with oral activity against tuberculosis and Chagas disease in mouse models of infection

Ang, Chee Wei, Lee, Brendon M., Jackson, Colin J., Wang, Yuehong, Franzblau, Scott G., Francisco, Amanda F., Kelly, John M., Bernhardt, Paul V., Tan, Lendl, West, Nicholas P., Sykes, Melissa L., Hinton, Alexandra O., Bolisetti, Raghu, Avery, Vicky M., Cooper, Matthew A. and Blaskovich, Mark A.T. (2022). Nitroimidazopyrazinones with oral activity against tuberculosis and Chagas disease in mouse models of infection. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 65 (19), 13125-13142. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00972

Nitroimidazopyrazinones with oral activity against tuberculosis and Chagas disease in mouse models of infection

2022

Journal Article

Minimizing the reorganization energy of cobalt redox mediators maximizes charge transfer rates from quantum dots

Fort, Madeleine J., Click, Sophia M., Robinson, Evan H., He, Felix M. C., Bernhardt, Paul V., Rosenthal, Sandra J. and Macdonald, Janet E. (2022). Minimizing the reorganization energy of cobalt redox mediators maximizes charge transfer rates from quantum dots. Angewandte Chemie (International Edition), 134 (27) e202202322, e202202322. doi: 10.1002/anie.202202322

Minimizing the reorganization energy of cobalt redox mediators maximizes charge transfer rates from quantum dots

2022

Journal Article

Dihydroxy‐acid dehydratases from pathogenic bacteria: emerging drug targets to combat antibiotic resistance

Bayaraa, Tenuun, Gaete, Jose, Sutiono, Samuel, Kurz, Julia, Lonhienne, Thierry, Harmer, Jeffrey R., Bernhardt, Paul V., Sieber, Volker, Guddat, Luke and Schenk, Gerhard (2022). Dihydroxy‐acid dehydratases from pathogenic bacteria: emerging drug targets to combat antibiotic resistance. Chemistry: A European Journal, 28 (44) e202200927, 1-14. doi: 10.1002/chem.202200927

Dihydroxy‐acid dehydratases from pathogenic bacteria: emerging drug targets to combat antibiotic resistance

2022

Journal Article

Enzyme electrode biosensors for N-hydroxylated prodrugs incorporating the mitochondrial amidoxime reducing component

Zapiter, Joan, Harmer, Jeffrey R., Struwe, Michel, Scheidig, Axel, Clement, Bernd and Bernhardt, Paul V. (2022). Enzyme electrode biosensors for N-hydroxylated prodrugs incorporating the mitochondrial amidoxime reducing component. Analytical Chemistry, 94 (25), 9208-9215. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c02232

Enzyme electrode biosensors for N-hydroxylated prodrugs incorporating the mitochondrial amidoxime reducing component

2022

Journal Article

Glenthmycins A–M: macrocyclic spirotetronate polyketide antibacterials from the Australian pasture plant-derived Streptomyces sp. CMB-PB041

Wu, Taizong, Salim, Angela A., Khalil, Zeinab G., Bernhardt, Paul V. and Capon, Robert J. (2022). Glenthmycins A–M: macrocyclic spirotetronate polyketide antibacterials from the Australian pasture plant-derived Streptomyces sp. CMB-PB041. Journal of Natural Products, 85 (6), 1641-1657. doi: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.2c00444

Glenthmycins A–M: macrocyclic spirotetronate polyketide antibacterials from the Australian pasture plant-derived Streptomyces sp. CMB-PB041

2022

Journal Article

Borylated 2,3,4,5-tetrachlorophthalimide and their 2,3,4,5-tetrachlorobenzamide analogues: synthesis, their glycosidase inhibition and anticancer properties in view to boron neutron capture therapy

Campkin, David M., Shimadate, Yuna, Bartholomew, Barbara, Bernhardt, Paul V., Nash, Robert J., Sakoff, Jennette A., Kato, Atsushi and Simone, Michela I. (2022). Borylated 2,3,4,5-tetrachlorophthalimide and their 2,3,4,5-tetrachlorobenzamide analogues: synthesis, their glycosidase inhibition and anticancer properties in view to boron neutron capture therapy. Molecules, 27 (11) 3447, 1-28. doi: 10.3390/molecules27113447

Borylated 2,3,4,5-tetrachlorophthalimide and their 2,3,4,5-tetrachlorobenzamide analogues: synthesis, their glycosidase inhibition and anticancer properties in view to boron neutron capture therapy

2022

Journal Article

Ascorbate-and iron-driven redox activity of Dp44mT and Emodin facilitates peroxidation of micelles and bicelles

Selyutina, O.Yu., Kononova, P. A., Koshman, V. E., Shelepova, E. A., Azad, M. Gholam, Afroz, R., Dharmasivam, M., Bernhardt, Paul V., Polyakov, N. E. and Richardson, D. R. (2022). Ascorbate-and iron-driven redox activity of Dp44mT and Emodin facilitates peroxidation of micelles and bicelles. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - General Subjects, 1866 (4) 130078, 1-16. doi: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2021.130078

Ascorbate-and iron-driven redox activity of Dp44mT and Emodin facilitates peroxidation of micelles and bicelles

2022

Journal Article

Electrochemically driven catalysis of the bacterial molybdenum enzyme YiiM

Kalimuthu, Palraj, Harmer, Jeffrey R., Baldauf, Milena, Hassan, Ahmed H., Kruse, Tobias and Bernhardt, Paul V. (2022). Electrochemically driven catalysis of the bacterial molybdenum enzyme YiiM. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Bioenergetics, 1863 (3) 148523, 148523. doi: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2021.148523

Electrochemically driven catalysis of the bacterial molybdenum enzyme YiiM

2022

Journal Article

Glenthenamines A–F: enamine pyranonaphthoquinones from the Australian pasture plant derived Streptomyces sp. CMB-PB042

Wu, Taizong, Salim, Angela A., Cui, Hui, Khalil, Zeinab G., Bernhardt, Paul V. and Capon, Robert J. (2022). Glenthenamines A–F: enamine pyranonaphthoquinones from the Australian pasture plant derived Streptomyces sp. CMB-PB042. Journal of Natural Products, 85 (2) acs.jnatprod.1c00821, 337-344. doi: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.1c00821

Glenthenamines A–F: enamine pyranonaphthoquinones from the Australian pasture plant derived Streptomyces sp. CMB-PB042

2022

Journal Article

The (±)-6-Aza[1.0]triblattane skeleton: contraction beyond the Wilder–Culberson ring system

Fahrenhorst-Jones, Tyler, Bernhardt, Paul V., Savage, G. Paul and Williams, Craig M. (2022). The (±)-6-Aza[1.0]triblattane skeleton: contraction beyond the Wilder–Culberson ring system. Organic Letters, 24 (3) acs.orglett.1c04240, 903-906. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.1c04240

The (±)-6-Aza[1.0]triblattane skeleton: contraction beyond the Wilder–Culberson ring system

2022

Journal Article

An altered heme environment in an engineered cytochrome P450 enzyme enables the switch from monooxygenase to peroxygenase activity

Podgorski, Matthew N., Harbort, Joshua S., Lee, Joel H. Z., Nguyen, Giang T.H., Bruning, John B., Donald, William A., Bernhardt, Paul V., Harmer, Jeffrey R. and Bell, Stephen G. (2022). An altered heme environment in an engineered cytochrome P450 enzyme enables the switch from monooxygenase to peroxygenase activity. ACS Catalysis, 12 (3), 1614-1625. doi: 10.1021/acscatal.1c05877

An altered heme environment in an engineered cytochrome P450 enzyme enables the switch from monooxygenase to peroxygenase activity

2022

Journal Article

Organocopper(II) complexes: new catalysts for carbon–carbon bond formation via electrochemical atom transfer radical addition (eATRA)

Gonzálvez, Miguel A., Su, Chuyi, Williams, Craig M. and Bernhardt, Paul V. (2022). Organocopper(II) complexes: new catalysts for carbon–carbon bond formation via electrochemical atom transfer radical addition (eATRA). Chemical Science, 13 (35), 10506-10511. doi: 10.1039/d2sc03418b

Organocopper(II) complexes: new catalysts for carbon–carbon bond formation via electrochemical atom transfer radical addition (eATRA)

2022

Journal Article

To be, or not to be, an inhibitor: a comparison of Azole interactions with and oxidation by a cytochrome P450 enzyme

Podgorski, Matthew N., Coleman, Tom, Giang, Peter D., Wang, C. Ruth, Bruning, John B., Bernhardt, Paul V., De Voss, James J. and Bell, Stephen G. (2022). To be, or not to be, an inhibitor: a comparison of Azole interactions with and oxidation by a cytochrome P450 enzyme. Inorganic Chemistry, 61 (1) acs.inorgchem.1c02786, 236-245. doi: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.1c02786

To be, or not to be, an inhibitor: a comparison of Azole interactions with and oxidation by a cytochrome P450 enzyme

2021

Journal Article

Activation of PKC supports the anticancer activity of tigilanol tiglate and related epoxytiglianes

Cullen, Jason K., Boyle, Glen M., Yap, Pei-Yi, Elmlinger, Stefan, Simmons, Jacinta L., Broit, Natasa, Johns, Jenny, Ferguson, Blake, Maslovskaya, Lidia A., Savchenko, Andrei I., Mirzayans, Paul Malek, Porzelle, Achim, Bernhardt, Paul V., Gordon, Victoria A., Reddell, Paul W., Pagani, Alberto, Appendino, Giovanni, Parsons, Peter G. and Williams, Craig M. (2021). Activation of PKC supports the anticancer activity of tigilanol tiglate and related epoxytiglianes. Scientific Reports, 11 (1) 207, 207. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-80397-9

Activation of PKC supports the anticancer activity of tigilanol tiglate and related epoxytiglianes

2021

Journal Article

Molecular approach to alkali-metal encapsulation by a Prussian Blue analogue FeII/CoIII cube in aqueous solution: a kineticomechanistic exchange study

Gonzálvez, Miguel A., Bernhardt, Paul V., Font-Bardia, Mercè, Gallen, Albert, Jover, Jesús, Ferrer, Montserrat and Martínez, Manuel (2021). Molecular approach to alkali-metal encapsulation by a Prussian Blue analogue FeII/CoIII cube in aqueous solution: a kineticomechanistic exchange study. Inorganic Chemistry, 60 (23) acs.inorgchem.1c03001, 18407-18422. doi: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.1c03001

Molecular approach to alkali-metal encapsulation by a Prussian Blue analogue FeII/CoIII cube in aqueous solution: a kineticomechanistic exchange study

2021

Journal Article

Bhimamycin J, a rare benzo[f]isoindole-dione alkaloid from the marine-derived actinomycete Streptomyces sp. MS180069

Song, Fuhang, Yang, Na, Khalil, Zeinab G., Salim, Angela A., Han, Jiahui, Bernhardt, Paul V., Lin, Rui, Xu, Xiuli and Capon, Robert J. (2021). Bhimamycin J, a rare benzo[f]isoindole-dione alkaloid from the marine-derived actinomycete Streptomyces sp. MS180069. Chemistry and Biodiversity, 18 (11) e2100674, e2100674. doi: 10.1002/cbdv.202100674

Bhimamycin J, a rare benzo[f]isoindole-dione alkaloid from the marine-derived actinomycete Streptomyces sp. MS180069

2021

Journal Article

Bioinorganic systems responsive to the diatomic gases O2, NO, and CO: From biological sensors to therapy

Gonzaga de França Lopes, Luiz, Gouveia Júnior, Florêncio S., Karine Medeiros Holanda, Alda, Maria Moreira de Carvalho, Idalina, Longhinotti, Elisane, Paulo, Tércio F., Abreu, Dieric S., Bernhardt, Paul V., Gilles-Gonzalez, Marie-Alda, Cirino Nogueira Diógenes, Izaura and Henrique Silva Sousa, Eduardo (2021). Bioinorganic systems responsive to the diatomic gases O2, NO, and CO: From biological sensors to therapy. Coordination Chemistry Reviews, 445 214096, 214096. doi: 10.1016/j.ccr.2021.214096

Bioinorganic systems responsive to the diatomic gases O2, NO, and CO: From biological sensors to therapy

2021

Journal Article

Temperature and counterion dependent spin crossover in a hexaamineiron(II) complex

Connolly, Blake J. P., Brosius, Victor, Mertes, Nicole, Demidova, Caroline, Bilyj, Jessica K., Riley, Mark J. and Bernhardt, Paul V. (2021). Temperature and counterion dependent spin crossover in a hexaamineiron(II) complex. European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry, 2021 (38), 3938-3949. doi: 10.1002/ejic.202100560

Temperature and counterion dependent spin crossover in a hexaamineiron(II) complex

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

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

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Craig Williams, Dr Masnun Naher

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Quantum Chemistry as a tool for Spectroscopic Analysis

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

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

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Craig Williams

  • 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

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Professor Paul Bernhardt directly for media enquiries about:

  • Crystallography
  • Electrochemistry
  • Transition metal chemistry

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