What our researchers do
Genetically encoding polymer catalysis
First and foremost, we are a chemistry group. We care about catalysis and the way we make molecules.
Modern advancements in molecular biology have allowed for the rapid engineering of enzymes through directed evolution. We seek to apply this catalytic platform to synthetic macromolecules.
Natural
Reactivity
We use the plethora of existing reactions provided by Nature’s enzymes to create valuable complex monomers in-situ. The near-diffusion limited rate and high selectivity provides an approach to complex and fleeting reactive monomers.
Non-Natural Reactivity
Engaging Nature’s enzymes with non-native substrates, mechanisms, and stimuli introduces avenues for interesting chemistry. Specifically, light can be used to poise enzyme cofactors in high-energy states for carrying out challenging transformations. We seek to apply this approach to the creation and deconstruction of synthetic polymers.
De-Novo
Design
Machine learning is transforming the world of biocatalysis with the rapid de-novo design of new enzyme scaffolds for emergent reactivity. We will take advantage of the massive computing power at the HiPerGator cluster on UF campus for solving outstanding reactivity challenges in polymer chemistry.
Publications Prior to UF
10. Pyridoxal photoenzymes for asymmetric radical-radical cross-couplings
Cole C. Sorensen‡, Suhao Wang‡, Yao Ouyang, Saim Waheed, Claire G. Page, Greg Mann, Simon Allmendinger, Todd K. Hyster; Nature, 2026, AAP
9. CREATE: Literature Forward Polymer Education (Coming Soon)
Sorensen, C., C.; Neidhart, E., K; Hutson, B.; Leibfarth, F., A.
8. Understanding and Enhancing Stereoselective Polymerization using a Data Science Approach.
Caleb T. Kozuszek, Cole C. Sorensen & Frank A. Leibfarth. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2025, 147, 45914-45923.
7. Examining Kinetics and Product Inhibition in the Catalytic Intramolecular Schmidt Reaction
Jackson G. Cacioppo, Cole C. Sorensen, Hashim F. Motiwala, Jeffrey Aubé. JOC 2025 90 (22), 7259-7269
6. Stereoregular Radical Polymers Enable Selective Spin Transfer
Hyunki Yeo‡, Cole C. Sorensen‡, Hamas Tahir‡, Andrew Marquardt, Yun-Fang Yang, Nick Legaux, Brett M. Savoie, Frank A. Leibfarth, and Bryan W. Boudouris. Science Advances, 2025, 11, eadr4004.
5. Stereoselective Polymerization of 3,6-Disubstituted N-Vinylcarbazoles
Cole C. Sorensen, Anthony Y. Bello & Frank A. Leibfarth. ACS Macro Lett. 2024, 13, 614-620.
4. Mechanistic Insight into the Stereoselective Cationic Polymerization of N-Vinylcarbazole
Cole C. Sorensen, Vittal Bhat, Anthony Y. Bello, and Frank A. Leibfarth. ACS Catalysis 2023, 13, 12163-12172.
3. Asymmetric Ion-Pairing in Stereoselective Vinyl Polymerization
Cole C. Sorensen, Caleb T. Kozuszek, Meredith A. Borden & Frank A. Leibfarth. ACS Catalysis 2023, 13, 3272-3284.
2. Stereoselective Helix-Sense -Selective Cationic Polymerization of N-vinylcarbazole using Chiral Lewis Acid Catalysis
Cole C. Sorensen and Frank A. Leibfarth. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2022, 144, 8487-8492.
Highlighted in Synfacts by Timothy M. Swager and Tiffany Q. Chen: “Thinking Inside the BOX for Helical, Isotactic Poly(NVC)s” Synfacts 2022, 18, 0737.
1. 100th Anniversary of Macromolecular Science Viewpoint:The Past, Present, and Future of Stereocontrolled Vinyl Polymerization
A. J. Teator, T. P. Varner, P. C. Knutson, C. C. Sorensen & F. A. Leibfarth. ACS Macro Letters, 2020, 9, 1638-1654.
Perspective as part of the 100th Anniversary of Macromolecular Science