Overall Research Goal
Research in the Calvo Group is centered on the design and synthesis of functional polymers to address fundamental questions and real-world challenges. We use a bottom-up approach to control polymer functionality, composition, and molecular architecture and investigate how these structural features influence molecular interactions, macroscopic properties, and material performance. Our research combines organic synthesis with advanced polymerization and post-polymerization functionalization techniques to create well-defined polymers with tailored structures and functions. We are particularly interested in developing antimicrobial and metal-chelating polymers, polymeric delivery systems, and sustainable materials derived from bio-renewable feedstocks. Across these applications, we seek to develop new synthetic and functionalization strategies, explore complex polymer architectures, and establish fundamental structure–property relationships that guide the design of next-generation functional materials.
RESEARCH PROJECTS
Antimicrobial Polymers
Antimicrobial resistance is a significant threat to our health. We are developing new antimicrobial polymers and materials to combat chronic infections and antimicrobial resistance. We are particularly interested in exploring how monomer functionality and polymer structure relate to antimicrobial effectiveness. Additionally, we seek to form a fundamental understanding of how polymers interact with microorganisms and using these interactions to modulate microbial growth.
Advanced Polymer Synthesis & Architectures
Polymer properties are governed not only by chemical composition, but also by molecular architecture, sequence, and topology. We develop advanced synthetic strategies to access polymers with precisely controlled and increasingly complex structures, including block, hyperbranched, sequence-controlled, and degradable polymers. Our research utilizes controlled polymerization techniques such as RAFT polymerization, self-condensing vinyl polymerization, and precision polymer synthesis, while exploring emerging approaches including photochemical and microwave-assisted polymerization.
Metal Chelating Polymers
Chelating polymers are polymeric materials that contain ligands capable of coordinating metal ions. Chelating groups include organic ligands and cationic groups that bind metals through electrostatic interactions. Chelating polymers are useful in a variety of applications, including chelation therapy, radiation therapy and water purification. Our group synthesizes novel chelating polymers and investigates their ability to bind various metals, while studying structure-property relationships
Polymer Functionalization
Functionalized polymers are essential to create functional materials. A large emphasis of our research group is to develop new methods for installing functionality, including post-polymerization functionalization and incorporation of functional end groups. We are specifically interested in upcycling common commercial polymers. Additionally, we are exploring new polymerization methods to create these functionalized macromolecules.
Drug Delivery
Polymers find various applications in drug and vaccine delivery, including polymer-drug conjugates and polymeric nanoparticles. Our group is interested in developing polymeric delivery systems for various diseases and vaccines. We utilize targeting moieties, biomimetic groups, and stimuli responsive materials to design sophisticated delivery systems that can target tissues and release the drug with spatial and temporal control.
Sustainable & Bio-Renewable Materials
Most synthetic polymers are derived from non-renewable petroleum resources. Additionally, many polymers are not biodegradable and thereby add to our worldwide plastic pollution crisis. We are designing functional materials from bio-renewable feedstocks, including carbohydrates and proteins. We seek to create sustainable alternatives to traditional materials. Our goal is to create materials that are bioderived and biodegradable while still possessing the properties to meet their intended use.