[return to list] 
Cassandra  L.  Fraser
Degree(s): Ph.D.
Graduate School: University of Chicago
Primary Appointment: Professor of Chemistry
Research Interests:
Polymeric Metal Complexes. Metallobiomaterials for Medicine and Biotechnology. Bio-inspired and Sustainable Design. Responsive Nanoscale Assemblies.

Email Address: cf4n@virginia.edu
Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program(s)
  • Biomedical Engineering
    • Research Description

    Our research program is concerned with the synthesis, properties and applications of metal complexes with polymeric ligands. These multifunctional targets are prepared by combining coordination chemistry with living polymerization methodologies. Like metalloproteins, polymeric metal complexes feature site-isolated metal centers with responsive properties, and offer many opportunities for further modification. The metal center can lend color, luminescence, magnetism, and reactivity. As materials, these systems can function as soluble agents, nanoparticles, films and coatings, or bulk materials, and block copolymers can form higher order nanoscale assemblies. In recent years, we have directed our attention to biomaterials—namely polymers used in biology and medicine and materials that are safe for the environment. Along with fundamental studies in metallopolymer synthesis and properties, we also explore uses for biocompatible and degradable polymers as optical imaging agents, oxygen sensors, and drug delivery systems in biomedicine and sustainable design.

    Selected Publications
  • Zhang, G.; Kim, S. H.; Evans, R. E.; Kim, B. H.; Demas, J. N.; Fraser, C. L. “Luminescent Donor-Acceptor ß-Diketones:Modulation of Emission by Solvent Polarity and Group II Metal Binding” J. Fluoresc. 2009, in press.
  • Zhang, G.; Fiore, G. L.; St. Clair, T. L.; Fraser, C. L. “Difluoroboron Dibenzoylmethane PCL-PLA Block Copolymers: Matrix Effects on Room Temperature Phosphorescence” Macromolecules 2009, 42, 3162–3169.
  • Zhang, G.; St. Clair, T. L.; Fraser, C. L. “Synthesis and Fluorescent Properties of Difluoroboron Dibenzoylmethane Polycaprolactone” Macromolecules 2009, 42, 3092–3097.
  • Fiore, G. L.; Klinkenberg, J. L.; Pfister, A.; Fraser, C. L. “Iron Tris(bipyridine) PEG Hydrogels with Covalent and Metal Coordinate Crosslinks” Biomacromolecules 2009, 10, 128–133.
  • Pubmed listing for this faculty member
    • Intranet Profile
    [To add/update Intranet profile information, read these instructions.]
    Contact Information
      Office Address: PO Box 400319, Chemistry, 123, 
      Office Phone: +1 434-924-7998, +1 434-924-6992
      Fax Phone: +1 434-924-3710
      Web Site: http://faculty.virginia.edu/fraserlab/

    Other Websites for this mentor:
    http://faculty.virginia.edu/fraserlab/

    (Find Out How to Update Your Faculty Profile)