Department of Chemistry, McGill University
Regular Researcher

Our research develops sustainable chemical methodologies inspired by the remarkable efficiency of biological cells. By designing single- and multi-compartment catalytic systems, we emulate cellular compartmentalization to optimize reaction pathways – reducing reliance on toxic solvents and harsh conditions while enabling precise control over molecular transport and catalytic selectivity. Our strategy combines polymer vesicles, coacervates, and nanoparticles to build robust, functional microreactors. These systems not only advance green chemistry but also deepen our understanding of cellular organization and introduce novel building blocks for engineering active soft matter. With broad applications in pharmaceuticals, materials science, and biotechnology, our work aims to establish a new paradigm for environmentally friendly catalysis and materials design.

Keywords:
compartmentalized catalysis, microreactors, biomimetic chemistry, soft-matter engineering, cell-mimicking systems, coacervates, polymer vesicles.

Address:
Department of Chemistry
McGill University
801 Sherbrooke St. West
Montréal, Québec H3A 0B8

Contact: lucas.cairedasilva@mcgill.ca

Website: https://cairesilvagroup.com/