
Overview
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
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Newcastle
Research interests
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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.
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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
Works
Search Professor Paul Bernhardt’s works on UQ eSpace
2003
Journal Article
trans-Cyano(6-methyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecan-6-amine)cobalt(III) bis(perchlorate) hydrate and trans-hydroxo(6-methyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecan-6-amine)cobalt(III) bis(perchlorate)
Bernhardt, Paul V. and Macpherson, Brendan P. (2003). trans-Cyano(6-methyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecan-6-amine)cobalt(III) bis(perchlorate) hydrate and trans-hydroxo(6-methyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecan-6-amine)cobalt(III) bis(perchlorate). Acta Crystallographica Section C-crystal Structure Communications, 59 (12), M533-M536. doi: 10.1107/S0108270103023370
2003
Journal Article
The synthesis and X-ray crystal structure of 9-carboxyhexahydro-7-methoxy-4a,7-ethano-benzopyran-5-en-1-one
Williams, C. M., Bernhardt, P. V., Wiedemann, S. and Barden, M. C. (2003). The synthesis and X-ray crystal structure of 9-carboxyhexahydro-7-methoxy-4a,7-ethano-benzopyran-5-en-1-one. Journal of Chemical Research (S), 12 (12), 784-785. doi: 10.3184/030823403322840387
2003
Journal Article
The preparation of zinc(II) and cadmium(II) complexes of the pentadentate N3S2 ligand formed from 2,6-diacetylpyridine and S-benzyldithiocarbazate (H2SNNNS) and the X-ray crystal structure of the novel dimeric [Zn2(SNNNS)2] complex
Ali, M. A., Mirza, A. H., Voo, C. W., Tan, A. L. and Bernhardt, P. V. (2003). The preparation of zinc(II) and cadmium(II) complexes of the pentadentate N3S2 ligand formed from 2,6-diacetylpyridine and S-benzyldithiocarbazate (H2SNNNS) and the X-ray crystal structure of the novel dimeric [Zn2(SNNNS)2] complex. Polyhedron, 22 (27), 3433-3438. doi: 10.1016/j.poly.2003.08.004
2003
Journal Article
Four cytotoxic N4-substituted thiosemicarbazones derived from 2-hydroxynaphthalene-1-carboxaldehyde
Bernhardt, P. V., Caldwell, L., Lovejoy, D. and Richardson, D. R. (2003). Four cytotoxic N4-substituted thiosemicarbazones derived from 2-hydroxynaphthalene-1-carboxaldehyde. Acta Crystallographica Section C: Crystal Structure Communications, 59 (11), o629-o633. doi: 10.1107/S0108270103021401
2003
Journal Article
Geometric isomers of chloro(6-methyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-6-amine)cobalt(III) tetrachlorozincate(II)
Bernhardt, P. V. and Macpherson, B. P. (2003). Geometric isomers of chloro(6-methyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-6-amine)cobalt(III) tetrachlorozincate(II). Acta crystallographica. Section C, Crystal structure communications, 59 (Part 11), m467-m470. doi: 10.1107/S0108270103021711
2003
Journal Article
Cytotoxic iron chelators: Characterization of the structure, solution chemistry and redox activity of ligands and iron complexes of the di-2-pyridyl ketone isonicotinoyl hydrazone (HPKIH) analogues
Bernhardt, P. V., Caldwell, L. M., Chaston, T. B., Chin, P. and Richardson, D. R. (2003). Cytotoxic iron chelators: Characterization of the structure, solution chemistry and redox activity of ligands and iron complexes of the di-2-pyridyl ketone isonicotinoyl hydrazone (HPKIH) analogues. Journal of Biological Inorganic Chemistry, 8 (8), 866-880. doi: 10.1007/s00775-003-0486-z
2003
Journal Article
Synthesis and characterization of mono- and bis-ligand zinc(II) and cadmium(II) complexes of the di-2-pyridylketone Schiff base of S-benzyl dithiocarbazate (Hdpksbz) and the X-ray crystal structures of the [Zn(dpksbz)2] and [Cd(dpksbz)NCS]2 complexes
Ali, M. A., Mirza, A. H., Nazimuddin, M., Ahmed, R., Gahan, L. R. and Bernhardt, P. V. (2003). Synthesis and characterization of mono- and bis-ligand zinc(II) and cadmium(II) complexes of the di-2-pyridylketone Schiff base of S-benzyl dithiocarbazate (Hdpksbz) and the X-ray crystal structures of the [Zn(dpksbz)2] and [Cd(dpksbz)NCS]2 complexes. Polyhedron, 22 (11), 1471-1479. doi: 10.1016/S0277-5387(03)00125-6
2003
Journal Article
1-Ethynyl-2-isopropoxy-3-methoxybenzene
Williams, Craig M., Mander, Lewis N. and Bernhardt, Paul V. (2003). 1-Ethynyl-2-isopropoxy-3-methoxybenzene. Acta Crystallographica Section E, 59 (4), 0561-0563. doi: 10.1107/S1600536803006585
2003
Journal Article
Structural variations and formation constants of first-row transition metal complexes of biologically active aroylhydrazones
Armstrong, C. M., Bernhardt, P. V., Chin, P. and Richardson, D. R. (2003). Structural variations and formation constants of first-row transition metal complexes of biologically active aroylhydrazones. European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry, 2003 (6), 1145-1156. doi: 10.1002/ejic.200390146
2003
Journal Article
Redox active macrocyclic receptors for neutral guests
Bernhardt, Paul V. and Hayes, Elizabeth J. (2003). Redox active macrocyclic receptors for neutral guests. Inorganic Chemistry, 42 (4), 1371-1377. doi: 10.1021/ic026000c
2003
Conference Publication
Probing molecular properties: Direct electrochemistry of sulfite dehydrogenase from Starkeya novella
Aguey, F.K., Bernhardt, P. V., Kappler, U. and McEwan, A. G. (2003). Probing molecular properties: Direct electrochemistry of sulfite dehydrogenase from Starkeya novella. Biospektrum, Berlin, 23-26 March, 2003.
2003
Conference Publication
Direct electrochemistry of cytochrome P450cin : new insights into P450 mechanism
Bernhardt, Paul V., Aguey-Zinsou, Kondo-Francois, De Voss, James J. and Slessor, Kate E. (2003). Direct electrochemistry of cytochrome P450cin : new insights into P450 mechanism. 11th International Conference on Biological Inorganic Chemistry, Cairns, Qld, 19-23 July, 2003. New York: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/S0162-0134(03)80462-2
2003
Journal Article
Direct electrochemistry of a bacterial sulfite dehydrogenase
Aguey-Zinsou, Kondo-Francois, Bernhardt, Paul. V., Kappler, Ulrike and McEwan, Alastair G. (2003). Direct electrochemistry of a bacterial sulfite dehydrogenase. Journal of The American Chemical Society, 125 (2), 530-535. doi: 10.1021/ja028293e
2003
Journal Article
Chiral resolution of hexaamine cobalt(III) cages: Substituent effects on chiral discrimination
Bernhardt, P. V., Dyahningtyas, T. E., Harrowfield, J. M., Kim, J. Y., Kim, Y. and Rukmini, E. (2003). Chiral resolution of hexaamine cobalt(III) cages: Substituent effects on chiral discrimination. Australian Journal of Chemistry, 56 (12), 1187-1191. doi: 10.1071/CH03160
2003
Conference Publication
Orally active Chelators for the treatment of iron overload diseases
Chin, Alex P., Bernhardt, Paul V. and Richardson, Des R. (2003). Orally active Chelators for the treatment of iron overload diseases. 11th International Conference on Biological Inorganic Chemistry, Cairns, Australia, 19-23 July, 2003. New York: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/S0162-0134(03)80592-5
2003
Journal Article
Isomers of 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-6,13-dicarboxylate characterized as cobalt(III) complexes
Bernhardt, P. V., Hambley, T. W., Lawrance, G. A., Maeder, M. and Wilkes, E. N. (2003). Isomers of 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-6,13-dicarboxylate characterized as cobalt(III) complexes. Australian Journal of Chemistry, 56 (7), 679-684. doi: 10.1071/CH02246
2003
Conference Publication
Intramolecular PET & EET - ricepaper screens and masthead lanterns
Moore, E. G., Bernhardt, P. V., Fuerstenberg, A., Pigliucci, A., Riley, M. J., Smith, T. and Vauthey, E. (2003). Intramolecular PET & EET - ricepaper screens and masthead lanterns. 6th Brisbane Inorganic Chemistry Symposium, Brisbane, Australia, 2 Dec 2003.
2003
Conference Publication
Site-directed mutagenesis of dimethylsulfoxide reductase from Rhodobacter capsulatus: The critical roles of tyrosine-114 and tryptophan-116
McEwan, Alastair G., Ridge, Justin P., Aguey-Zinsou, Kondo-Francois, Bernhardt, Paul V. and Hanson, Graeme R. (2003). Site-directed mutagenesis of dimethylsulfoxide reductase from Rhodobacter capsulatus: The critical roles of tyrosine-114 and tryptophan-116. 11th International Conference on Biological Inorganic Chemistry, Cairns, Australia, 19 - 23 July, 2003. New York: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/S0162-0134(03)80496-8
2003
Journal Article
Structural definition of the low-temperature phase transition of tris(ethane-1,2-diamine)zinc(II) dinitrate
Bernhardt, P. V. and Riley, M. J. (2003). Structural definition of the low-temperature phase transition of tris(ethane-1,2-diamine)zinc(II) dinitrate. Australian Journal of Chemistry, 56 (4), 287-291. doi: 10.1071/CH03023
2003
Journal Article
N-aminopyrroledione-hydrazonoketene-pyrazolium oxide-pyrazolone rearrangements and pyrazolone tautomerism
Ebner, S., Wallfisch, B., Andraos, J., Aitbaev, I., Kiselewsky, M., Bernhardt, P. V., Kollenz, G. and Wentrup, C. (2003). N-aminopyrroledione-hydrazonoketene-pyrazolium oxide-pyrazolone rearrangements and pyrazolone tautomerism. Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry, 1 (14), 2550-2555. doi: 10.1039/b304070d
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Paul Bernhardt is:
- Available for supervision
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Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Developing novel copper catalysts for carbon-carbon bond forming reactions using electrosynthesis.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Craig Williams, Dr Masnun Naher
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Doctor Philosophy
Quantum Chemistry as a tool for Spectroscopic Analysis
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Quantum Chemistry as a tool for Spectroscopic Analysis
Principal Advisor
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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
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Doctor Philosophy
New Applications for Photoactive Lanthanoid and Earth Abundant Metal Complexes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Evan Moore
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Doctor Philosophy
New Applications for Photoactive Lanthanoid and Earth Abundant Metal Complexes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Evan Moore
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Doctor Philosophy
Pioneering stable copper carbanions for new C-C bond forming paradigms
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Craig Williams
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Doctor Philosophy
Electrochemical investigations of bacterial molybdenum enzymes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Ulrike Kappler
Completed supervision
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Immobilisation of human molybdenum enzymes for mediated electrochemical catalysis
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Gary Schenk
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Electrocatalysis at the Atypical Cu(II)-C bond: Electrochemical and Spectroscopic Studies
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Craig Williams
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the Mechanisms of Transition Metal Catalysed Redox Reactions
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Michael Monteiro
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2011
Doctor Philosophy
Tuning the redox potential of conducting polymeric films
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Philip Sharpe
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2010
Doctor Philosophy
The molecular basis for sulfite oxidation in a bacterial sulfite dehydrogenase from Starkeya novella
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Ulrike Kappler
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2009
Doctor Philosophy
Mediated Electrochemistry of DMSO Reductase from Rhodobacter capsulatus
Principal Advisor
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2009
Doctor Philosophy
Iron chelators in the treatment of cancer
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Philip Sharpe
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2008
Doctor Philosophy
Structural and mechanistic investigations into Dimethylsulfide dehyddrogenase from Rhodovulum sulfidophilum; a moyybdoenzyme from the DMSO reductase family
Principal Advisor
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2004
Doctor Philosophy
DISCRETE CYANO-BRIDGED MIXED VALENCE SYSTEMS
Principal Advisor
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2004
Doctor Philosophy
ORALLY ACTIVE CHELATORS FOR THE TREATMENT OF IRON OVERLOAD DISEASES
Principal Advisor
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2004
Doctor Philosophy
A MACROCYCLIC SCAFFOLD FOR ELECTRONIC ENERGY TRANSFER AND PHOTOINDUCED ELECTRON TRANSFER
Principal Advisor
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2002
Doctor Philosophy
INORGANIC COMPLEXES AS CANDIDATES FOR ENERGY UPCONVERSION MATERIALS
Principal Advisor
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2002
Doctor Philosophy
MACROCYCLIC COMPLEXES AS CHEMICAL RECEPTORS
Principal Advisor
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Characterisation of Bacterial Cytochromes P450
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor James De Voss
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Modifications and a Mechanistic Study of the Ley-Griffith Oxidation, and Generation of Hydroxyl Radicals in the Gas Phase
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Craig Williams
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2008
Doctor Philosophy
Cytochrome P450cin: Chemistry and Biochemistry
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor James De Voss
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2007
Doctor Philosophy
REDOX PROPERTIES AND MEMBRANE LOCALIZATION OF HUMAN RECOMBINANT CYTOCHROME P450 SYSTEMS
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Elizabeth Gillam, Professor James De Voss
Media
Enquiries
Contact Professor Paul Bernhardt directly for media enquiries about:
- Crystallography
- Electrochemistry
- Transition metal chemistry
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