Associate Professor Michael Oelgemöller
Applied and Green Photochemistry Group
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Dipl-Chem ( M ü nster ) Dr rer nat (Cologne) Associate Professor Molecular Sciences Building DB21, TOWNSVILLE CAMPUS Office: CH210 Lab: CH211 FULL TIME |
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Telephone: |
(07) 4781 4543 (Australia) |
+61 7 4781 4543 (International) |
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Facsimile: |
(07) 4781 6078 (Australia) |
+61 7 4781 6078 (International) |
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Email: |
michael.oelgemoeller@jcu.edu.au |
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Skype: |
michael.oelgemoeller |
PhD positions available!
As part of our successful ARC-DP project on ‘Microflow Photochemistry’ we are looking for 1-2 PhD students. Suitable candidates should have an expertise in organic synthesis, synthetic photochemistry and/or flow chemistry. Candidates should also have an Honours or equivalent qualification. Please contact Michael for further information. Starting date is as soon as possible.
Group News
January/February 2013: Tyler, David, Frances and Saira have joined the team. Welcome!
December 2012: Matthew made the News!
December 2012: Michael joined the International Advisory Board of the Journal of Flow Chemistry.
Experiences
since 2009: Associate Professor in Organic Chemistry, James Cook University, Australia
2004-2009: Lecturer in Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Dublin City University, Ireland
2001-2004: Researcher at Bayer CropScience K.K., Japan
1999-2001: Researcher at the Inoue Photochirogenesis Project, ERATO, JST, Japan
1999: PhD (summa cum laude; Cologne, Germany) with Prof. A. G. Griesbeck
1995: Dipl. Chem. (HD; Münster, Germany) with Prof. J. Mattay
Seminar: Organic Photochemistry – From Laboratory Synthesis to Large Scale Production to Microphotochemistry (A Personal Account)
Research Interests
Our research is dedicated to applied organic photochemistry (video by Prof. A. G. Griesbeck), photocatalysis and green photochemistry. Since 2004, our group has developed several novel phototransformations and has utilized them for the synthesis of known pharmacologically active compounds, for example 3-aryl- and 3-alkylmethyleneisoindolin-1-ones. We have also contributed significantly to the area of macrocyclizations and for example synthesised macrocyclic polypeptides with potential applications as drug-delivery vehicles or peptidomimetics. Other research areas dealt with the development of novel synthetic photochemistry tools for the pharmaceutical R&D community, e.g. photochemistry in microstructured reactors for which we introduced the term ‘Microflow-photochemistry’. We have published several review articles on this emerging technology and experimental set-ups from our laboratory were featured on journal and book covers. The first review article has also been highlighted in Chem. Technol. in its December 2008 issue. We are currently a world leader in this innovative technology.
A special focus within the synthesis stream has been solar chemistry, i.e. the implementation of solar energy into chemical production processes. Due to our contributions in this field, our research group has emerged as a world-leader in the synthesis of commodity chemicals with concentrated and non-concentrated sunlight. A series of publications entitled ‘Green Photochemistry’ underpin this leading position. Recently, we have launched a second research stream on photochemical water treatment. This more applied area deals with the destruction of priority pollutants and microorganisms in water. In collaboration with Prof. Glass at JCU, we are also interested in the stability of solid pharmaceutical formulations and cosmetics, in particular sunscreens, towards sunlight.
Continuous Microflow photochemistry – Lab & Light on a chip
Recently, microflow photochemistry has emerged as a new synthesis tool that successfully combines the small dimensions of microreactors with continuous flow mode. The compact size of microflow photoreactors also allow for the usage of light emitting diodes (LED) as miniaturized light sources.
Our group is investigating a series of homogeneous and heterogeneous photoreactions to demonstrate the superiority of microflow photochemistry over conventional batch syntheses. The results are compared to experiments in conventional chamber reactors. The research also involves the construction of novel LED-driven microchips and their implementation in the synthesis of bioactive compounds. Flexible and inexpensive microcapillary reactors have also been designed and fabricated as part of this project. One of the major drawbacks of current microflow photoreactors is the need to perform individual reactions separately in-series. Bundling of numerous microcapillaries enables the parallel synthesis of product libraries instead. This innovative reactor concept allows for rapid, resource- and space-efficient reaction optimization, scale-up and parallel synthesis.
Our group at JCU is a leader in this emerging technology and has developed a number of innovative microreactor systems for photochemical transformations in the past. Our research is part of an existing collaboration with the group of Prof Kakiuchi at the Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST) and the micro-photochemistry group in Dublin City University (DCU). Research stays in Japan as part of this project are thus possible via an existing exchange agreement between JCU and NAIST.
This research area is suitable for students with an interest in microtechnology/chemical engineering and organic chemistry.
Falling film microreactor, LED-driven microchip and dual-microcapillary tower
References:
1. M. Oelgemöller, A. Murata MedChem News, 2012, 22(4), 30.
2. M. Oelgemöller Chem. Eng. Technol., 2012, 35, 1144.
3. M. Oelgemöller, O. Shvydkiv Molecules, 2011, 16, 7522.
4. E. Coyle, M. Oelgemöller Photochem. Photobiol. Sci., 2008, 7, 1313.
Outdoor Chemistry – The Production of Fine Chemicals with Sunlight
Over the last years, the call for sustainable developments and reduction of CO2-emission has led to increasing interest in environmentally friendly technologies and thus in Green Chemistry in general. Photochemistry can serve as a sustainable technology (light as a clean reagent), especially if sunlight is used as the source of radiation. Our group at JCU is a leader in this technology and has realised solar, semi-technical scale reactions in the past.
This research area investigates the large-scale, solar synthesis of fragrances, flavours and pharmaceutical precursors. These target compounds are valuable fine-chemicals of industrial importance. Additionally, many starting materials are available in large quantities from biomass, in particular agricultural waste material. Our research results will thus help to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels. Recently, we have launched the ‘Solar Chemicals from and for the Tropics’ initiative, which has been funded through a Pathfinder award. We are also collaborating with the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) in Cologne, Germany, on the usage of concentrated sunlight.
In collaboration with the University of Hawaii, we are also investigating the usage of ‘solar floats’. These devices use natural water-reservoirs as heat-sinks and thus avoid the high cooling water demand of conventional photochemical processes.
This research area is suitable for students with an interest in environmental, technical and organic chemistry.
Matthew with our solar reactors at JCU, PROPHIS loop at the DLR and ‘solar float’ (Prof. R. Liu)
References:
1. M. Oelgemöller, C. Jung, J. Mattay Pure Appl. Chem., 2007, 79, 1939.
2. M. Oelgemöller, C. Jung, J. Ortner, J. Mattay, E. Zimmermann Green Chem. 2005, 7, 35.
3. C. Schiel, M. Oelgemöller, J. Ortner, J. Mattay Green Chem. 2001, 3, 224.
Medicinal Chemistry with Light – Photochemical Synthesis of Bioactive Compounds
The neglect of organic photochemistry by the industrial R&D community has left a diverse structural pool of possible new lead structures almost completely unexplored. Over the last years, our Group at JCU has developed a series of useful photochemical transformations, which are applied to the synthesis of novel bioactive compounds.
In particular, the photodecarboxylative (PDC) addition of a carboxylates to phthalimides can be utilized in the synthesis of pharmacologically active alkyl- or arylmethylidene isoindolinones. Members of this important target family possess cardiovascular, anti-cancer and anaesthetic properties. Despite conventional photochemical chamber reactors, microreactors are being investigated and this research stream is conducted together with the micro-photochemistry group in Dublin City University, Ireland.
The research involves chemical analysis, biological screening and the development of structure-activity profiles.
This research area is suitable for students with an interest in medicinal and organic chemistry.
Rayonet chamber reactor (Southern New England) and Glass-made microreactor (Dwell device, mikroglas) under a UV exposure panel (Luzchem)
References:
1. F. Hatoum, J. Engler, C. Zelmer, J. Wißen, C. A. Motti, J. Lex, Michael Oelgemöller Tetrahedron Lett. 2012, 53, 5573.
2. V. Belluau, P. Noeureuil, E. Ratzke, A. Skvortsov, S. Gallagher, C. A. Motti, M. Oelgemöller Tetrahedron Lett. 2010, 51, 4738.
3. F. Hatoum, S. Gallagher, L. Baragwanath, J. Lex, M. Oelgemöller Tetrahedron Lett. 2009, 50, 6335.
Twisting Molecules with Light – Photochemical Macrocyclisations
The focus of this research area is to study photoinduced cyclization reactions of peptides and peptide analogues. The aims are twofold: (I) to identify new candidates for encapsulation, molecular recognition or sensoring and (II) to synthesise novel peptidomimetics that mimic γ- or β-turns. Interesting biologically active target families are benzodiazepines and pyrrolames. The project includes the synthesis of polypeptides and their isosteres using parallel synthesis and photochemical studies using various photochemical reactors and techniques.
The research involves chemical analysis, biological screening and the development of structure-activity profiles.
This research area is suitable for students with an interest in medicinal and organic chemistry.
Rayonet chamber reactor (Southern New England) and parallel synthesizer (Büchi)
References:
1. Y.-J. Lee, D.-H. Ahn, K.-S. Lee, A. R. Kim, D. J. Yoo, M. Oelgemöller Tetrahedron Lett. 2011, 52, 5029.
2. A. R. Kim, K.-S. Lee, C.-W. Lee, D. J. Yoo, F. Hatoum, M. Oelgemöller Tetrahedron Lett. 2005, 46, 3395.
3. A. G. Griesbeck, T. Heinrich, M. Oelgemöller, A. Molis, J. Lex J. Am. Chem. Soc. 200 2, 124, 10972.
Cleaning Water with Light – Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutants in Water
Water is Australia’s most precious natural resource and consequently, its protection is a high national priority. The presence of pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment and their possible effects on living organisms is emerging as a global environmental concern. These persistent organic chemicals are only partially eliminated during conventional wastewater treatment and have been detected in the effluent of wastewater treatment plants. Ultimately, the quality of drinking water is thus at risk. In Australia, frequent water shortage additionally calls for sufficient and cost-efficient water treatment technologies.
This research area combines detection and destruction of pharmaceuticals in water. The target analytes are selected based on prescription data and will incorporate different pharmaceutical classes. HPLC methods are subsequently developed for quantification of pollutant levels. The pharmaceuticals are then destroyed by treatment with semiconductor particles and both UV-light and sunlight. Degradations are monitored by a suite of analytical tools, especially HPLC and LC-MS.
An additional approach deals with the development of novel Integrated Photocatalytic Adsorbents (IPCAs), i.e. hybrid materials of conventional adsorbents and titanium dioxide. IPCAs combine the advantageous properties of both substances and merge them into novel ‘capture & destroy’ materials.
Solar degradation studies are also performed ‘indoors’ with solar simulators and ‘outdoors’ using solar floats. Large-scale (>50 L) degradation experiments are furthermore conducted using a novel CPC solar reactor.
This research ultimately aims to develop future treatment methods for hospital wastewater and is suitable for students with an interest in analytical, pharmaceutical and environmental chemistry.
Enviolet tandem UV reactor (aqua concept), CPC reactor and HPLC instrument
References:
1. J. Kockler, D. Kanakaraju, B. D. Glass, M. Oelgemöller J. Sustain. Sci. Manag . 2012, 7, 23.
2. A.-M. Deegan, B. Shaik, K. Nolan, K. Urell, M. Oelgemöller, J. Tobin, A. Morrissey Internat. J. Environ. Sci. Technol., 2011, 8, 649.
3. A.-M. Deegan, M. Cullen, M. Oelgemöller, K. Nolan, J. Tobin, A. Morrissey Anal. Lett. 2011, 44, 2808.
Sustainable Aquaculture Water Treatment
Aquaculture is one of the fasted growing industries in the world and of particular economic importance to Australia. Of the high value species farmed, marine prawn is predominantly produced in Queensland. One of the major concerns of the aquacultural industry is biosecurity. Species of the genus Vibrio have been recognized as the most significant pathogens in aquaculture of marine fish and have been linked to food poisoning and mass mortality of shrimp larvae. The same microorganism currently prevents the closed life cycle farming of tropical rock lobster, which is regarded a lucrative aquaculture product.
Current aquaculture water management relies heavily on resource- and energy-demanding technologies, such as chlorination or ozonation. Given the scale, 34% of the operating costs of a conventional water treatment facility are thus energy needs. These are currently met mainly by fossil-fuel-derived energy contributing significantly to climate change. Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) using singlet oxygen is the most promising ‘soft’ technique for water sterilisation.
Our research represents an effective, economical and climate-smart approach and uses sunlight, air and an organic dye instead. The technology thus reduces greenhouse gas emissions of water treatment plants and eliminates pathogens in aquaculture water. While UVC treatment is performed industrially (and is used as a reference method), it suffers from several disadvantages in terms of operation costs and safety hazards. Likewise, sterilization of seawater using ozone is highly energy- and resource-intensive.
Process optimization and after treatment re-growth methods are used to evaluate detoxification efficiency up to industrial demonstration scales. Toxicity tests on farmed marine species are also envisaged in the near future.
The project is part of AIMS@JCU and runs in collaborations with A/Prof Heimann (JCU) and Dr Lacombe (University of Pau).
This research field is suitable for students with an interest in aquaculture, marine chemistry and microbiology.
Heart reef and photochemical detoxification experiment
References:
1. J. Vandenberhe, L. Verdonck, R. Robles-Argozarena, G. Rivera, A. Bolland, M. Balladares, B. Gomez-Gil, J. Calderon, P. Sorgeloos, J. Swings Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 1999, 65, 2592.
2. M. Magaraggia, F. Faccenda, A. Gandolfi, G. Jori J. Environ. Mon. 2006, 8, 923.
3. S. Josset, N. Keller, M. Lett, M. Ledoux, V. Keller Chem. Soc. Rev. 2008, 37, 744.
Research Opportunities
General
Our research group is very international and multidisciplinary. Potential internship, Honours, BSc, MSc, PhD and PostDoc candidates are welcomed to join us.
For possible Scholarships and other funding opportunities (internal and external), see JCU’s Scholarships and JASON databases.
PostDocs
Early career researchers with a PhD interested in joining the Applied Photochemistry Research Group should contact Michael to discuss potential projects. There are a number of scholarship opportunities through the Australian Research Council (DECRA), Endeavour, AusAID, the Science and Industry Endowment Fund (SIEF) or the Australian Solar Institute (ASI). Deadlines do apply for most of these schemes.
Postgraduate
Students interested in undertaking a PhD or Masters project in the Applied Photochemistry Research Group should contact Michael to discuss projects of mutual interest. Most higher degrees students would be expected to be eligible for a scholarship through the Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) scheme, the James Cook University Postgraduate Research Scholarship, the AIMS@JCU Scholarship scheme, the Australian Solar Institute (ASI) or an equivalent national or international scholarship.
The Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) and James Cook University Postgraduate Research Scholarship (JCUPRS) are open to applicants with, or who expect to hold, a first class honours degree or equivalent by the end of the year and who wish to undertake full-time research Masters or PhD program. The stipends for an APA are approximately $25,000 pa (full time) or $12,500 (part-time). APA applicants must be Australian citizens or have been granted permanent resident status and lived in Australia continuously for 12 months prior to receiving the award; Information and application forms can be obtained from the Graduate Research School. Closing Date: 31 October of each year.
Honours
Students who have completed their undergraduate training in a BSc, BPharm or equivalent program and are interested in participating in the Chemistry Honours Program are encouraged to contact Michael for a description of currently available projects. Honours studies require a full-time commitment for one year (two semesters) and can start in either February or August.
Undergraduate
Students enrolled in CH3104 (Advanced Chemistry Project) can undertake their research project in the Applied Photochemistry Laboratory. Contact Michael for further details.
Research Group
PhD students
Devagi Kanakaraju, Malaysian Government – University Doctorate Training Award, “Solar photochemical and photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceuticals in wastewater”, James Cook University, Townsville (Australia).
Saira Mumtaz, Higher Education Commission Pakistan – International Research Support Initiative Program, “Photochemical Modification of Imides in Batch and Micro Flow Reactors”, James Cook University, Townsville (Australia), co-joint with Bahauddin Zakriya University, Multan (Pakistan).
Jutta Kockler “Photostability of sunscreen ingredients and formulations” (co-supervisor), James Cook University, Townsville (Australia).
Fidelis Jaravani, Faculty Cohort Doctoral Studies program, “Drinking water quality in rural Hunter New England region of New South Wales – risks, determinants and intervention strategies”, James Cook University, Townsville (Australia).
Kieran Joyce, STRIVE – Doctoral Scholarship, “Solarchemical synthesis of fine-chemicals with sunlight”, Dublin City University, Dublin (Ireland).
Ana Caroline Maganha de Almeida, STRIVE – Doctoral Scholarship, “Photoinduced advanced oxidative processes (PAOP) for the removal of pathogenic bacteria from drinking water”, Dublin City University, Dublin (Ireland).
Oksana Shvydkiv, STRIVE – Doctoral Scholarship, “Microphotochemistry: a new resources-efficient synthesis tool”, Dublin City University, Dublin (Ireland).
MSc student
Frances Mückenheim “Detoxification of aquaculture water using photoinduced advanced oxidative processes (PAOP)” (with A/Prof Heimann), for the University of Jena, Jena (Germany).
Honours student
Philip Duffy (HonPharm), “Studies on the effect of UV radiation on organic UV-absorbers in the presence of inorganic nanoparticles”, James Cook University, Townsville (Australia).
Tyler Goodine (HonPharm), “Synthesis of antimalarials under continuous flow conditions”, James Cook University, Townsville (Australia).
David Smith (HonPharm), “Photocycloadditions under continuous flow conditions”, James Cook University, Townsville (Australia).
Internship students
Jonathan Pettinger “Photochemical synthesis of anesthetic 3-aryl- and 3-alkylmethyleneisoindolin-1-ones”, University of Southampton, Southampton (United Kingdom).
Agathe Disdier “Continuous flow photochemical synthesis”, Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Montpellier, Montpellier (France).
Jordi Sarpoulet “Solar driven solarchemical synthesis”, Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Montpellier, Montpellier (France).
Liisa Niitsoo “Site specific oligonucleotide labelling via click chemistry and their application in a new point of care diagnostic for melioidosis” (with A/Prof Patrick Schaeffer), University of Southampton, Southampton (United Kingdom).
Research Volunteer
Matthew Bolte “Solar production of commodity chemicals”, James Cook University, Townsville (Australia).
Lab and Equipment
Within the Molecular Sciences Building (DB21) our group runs a fully equipped and recently refurbished synthesis laboratory with write-up space and a specialized photochemistry section. Our group furthermore occupies dedicated space for microflow-chemistry and student office space. Our team additionally operates modern equipment required for applied photochemistry, in particular batch (Rayonet and Luzchem) and micro reactors (dwell device, falling film and various microchip platforms) for photochemical transformations. The group has full access to the analytical equipment within the school (300 MHz NMR, FT-IR, HPLC, GC, UV-Vis) and within the associated Advanced Analytical Center (GC-MS, LC-MS). Through a scientific membership in AIMS@JCU, we have furthermore access to the Biomolecular Analysis Facility at the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) to use their advanced NMR and HR-MS facilities.
Applied Photochemistry Lab
Microflow Lab and HPLC room
Michael’s and Students’ Office
Awards and Fellowships
Awards
1999: University degree summa cum laude.
2000: Kurt-Alder award of the University of Cologne.
2004: Bayer Employee award of the Research Centre in Yuki.
2011: Distinguished Lectureship award of the Chemical Society of Japan.
Fellowships/Lectureships
1997: Fellowship of the Korean Science and Engineering Foundation (KOSEF) and the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD).
2006: Guest Lectureship at Osaka University, Osaka (Japan).
2009: Visiting Professorship at the CNRS/University of Pau, Pau (France).
2011: Visiting Professorship at Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka (Japan).
2012: Visiting Professorship at Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Nara (Japan).
2012: Visiting Professorship at the CNRS/University of Pau, Pau (France).
Invited Speeches
2006: Invited Speaker Gordon Research Conference on Green Chemistry, Oxford (United Kingdom).
2007: Invited Speaker Environmental Research Symposium, Dublin (Ireland).
2008: Key-Note Speaker Intl. Conference on Molecular/Nano-Photochemistry, Photocatalysis and Solar Energy Conversion – Solar’08, Cairo (Egypt).
2008: Invited Speaker Challenge of Sustainability, Dundalk (Ireland).
2009: Invited Speaker Challenges in Environmental Science and Engineering, Townsville (Australia).
2010: Invited Speaker Symposium on recent Developments on Microreactor and micro-TAS Technologies, Osaka (Japan).
2010: Invited Speaker Groups for Research on Automated Flow and Microreactor Synthesis (GRAMS) Symposium, Osaka (Japan).
2011: Honour of Key-Note Speaker 91th Annual Meeting of the Chemical Society of Japan, Kanagawa (Japan).
2011: Invited Speaker Inspiring Tropical Australia Conference, Townsville (Australia).
2011: Invited Speaker 9th Green Chemistry Conference, Alcala de Henares (Spain).
2012: Invited Speaker Flow Chemistry Asia, Singapore (Singapore).
2012: Invited Speaker 7th Asia and Oceania Conference on Photochemistry (APC2012), Osaka (Japan).
2012: Invited Speaker Meeting on Efficient photon-harvesting molecules and reactions for Green Photonics, Nara (Japan).
2013: Invited Speaker Gordon Research Conference on Photochemistry, Easton (USA).
2013: Invited Speaker Wissenschaftsforum der GDCh - Innovative Potenziale der Photochemie in Medizin und Technik, Darmstadt (Germany).
2013: Invited Speaker 6th International Conference on Green and Sustainable Chemistry, Nottingham (United Kingdom).
Others
since 2012: Member of the International Advisory Board of Journal of Flow Chemistry (Akadémiai Kiadó).
since 2009: Member of the Advisory Board of Green Chemistry (RSC).
Selected Grants
2013: Clinton Health Access Initiative – Project Grant on Flow Photooxygenations (AU-$ 16,000)
2012: Australian Research Council (ARC) – Discovery Project on Microflow Photochemistry (AU-$ 240,000), with Prof Beverley Glass as Co-CI and Dr Norbert Hoffmann as PI.
2012: Scholarship – International Research Support Initiative Program of the Higher Education Commission Pakistan on Microflow Photochemistry (AU-$ 8,400)
2012: JCU Teaching and Learning Development Grant on Implementation of Digital Support for the First Year Chemistry Practical Series (AU-$ 16,000), with Dr Chris Glasson
2012: Visiting Fellowship of the CNRS/University of Pau on Microflow Photooxygenations (€ 3,800)
2012: Research Infrastructure Block Grant of James Cook University (AU-$ 9,279)
2012: JCU Graduate Research Scheme on Demonstration-scale Photodegradation of Pharmaceutical Wastewater (AU-$ 2,000)
2012: JCU Pathfinder Application on Solar Production of Commodity Chemicals (AU-$ 25,544)
2011/2012: Researcher Mobility Grant of James Cook University and Nara Institute of Science and Technology (Japan) on Microflow Photochemistry (AU-$ 10,000/year), with Prof Kiyomi Kakiuchi
2011: Collaboration across Boundaries Scheme of James Cook University on Novel Biomaterials (AU-$ 8,694), with A/Prof Mohan Jacob
2011: Faculty Grant Scheme, James Cook University (AU-$ 8,500)
2011: Competitive Research Incentive Grant, James Cook University (AU-$ 15,000)
2010/2011: IUPAC Project on Standard Photochemical Processes, IUPAC (US-$ 10,000), with Prof Axel Griesbeck (Cologne).
2010: Griffith University – James Cook University Collaborative Grant Scheme, James Cook University (AU-$ 8,677), with Prof Beverley Glass
2010: Collaboration across Boundaries Scheme, James Cook University (AU-$ 9,450)
2010/2011: STRIVE Doctoral Scholarship Scheme, EPA (€ 27,000)
2009: Faculty Grant Scheme, James Cook University (AU-$ 9,655)
2009: Research Infrastructure Block Grant, James Cook University (AU-$ 49,000)
2009-2012: Marie-Curie Training Network Doctoral Scholarship (€ 90,000; total ca. € 6,000,000)
2009-2012: Research Award, QUESTOR (€ 97,950)
2009-2012: Doctoral Scholarship, IrishAid (€ 90,000; total ca. € 1,250,000)
2008-2011: STRIVE Doctoral Scholarship Scheme, EPA (€ 94,622)
2008-2011: STRIVE Programme, EPA (€ 100,000; total € 350,000)
2008-2011: Research Award, QUESTOR (€ 96,500)
2008: Equipment Call, SFI (€ 70,490)
2008: STAR programme, SFI (€ 32,813)
2007-2010: Research Award, QUESTOR (€ 84,450)
2007-2010: Research Frontier Programme 2006, SFI (€ 172,000)
2007-2010: Research Frontier Programme 2006, SFI (€ 127,500)
2007-2010: STRIVE Doctoral Scholarship Scheme, EPA (€ 95,000)
2006-2009: Albert College Award, Dublin City University (€ 40,000)
2006-2009: PhD studentship, IRCSET (€ 72,000)
2006-2007: Research Frontier Programme 2006, SFI (€ 50,000)
Selected Recent Publications
pdf deposits of publications (2003 onwards): JCU research Online listing
accepted or in print
F. Ronzani, N. Costarramone, S. Blanc, A. K. Benabbou, M. LeBechec, T. Pigot, M. Oelgemöller*, S. Lacombe “Visible-light photosensitized oxidation of �-terpinene using original silica-supported sensitizers: photooxygenation vs. photodehydrogenation” J. Catal. 2013, accepted.
D. Kanakaraju, B. D. Glass, M. Oelgemöller “Heterogeneous Photocatalysis Application in Pharmaceutical Wastewater Remediation” in: Environmental Chemistry for a Sustainable World, Vol. 3, E. Lichtfouse, J. Schwarzbauer, D. Robert (Eds.), Springer, Dordrecht 2013, in print.
J. Kockler, S. Robertson, M. Oelgemöller, M. Davies, B. Bowden, H. G. Brittain, B. D. Glass “Butyl methoxy dibenzoylmethane” in: Profiles of Drug Substances, Excipients and Related Methodology, Vol. 38, H. G. Brittain (Ed.), Elsevier, Oxford 2013, in print.
D. Kanakaraju, B. D. Glass, M. Oelgemöller “Titanium dioxide photocatalysis for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment: a review” Environ. Chem. Lett. 2013, accepted (by invitation of the editors).
2012
K. Ghiggino, M. Oelgemöller “Regional Focus - Photochemistry in Australia and New Zealand” APA Newslett. 2012, (2), 17-21.
O. Shvydkiv, A. Yavorskyy, K. Nolan, M. Oelgemöller “Microflow photochemistry – an advantageous combination of synthetic photochemistry and microreactor technology” EPA Newslett. 2012, 93, 65-69 (by invitation; themed issue Photochemical Organic Synthesis).
M. Oelgemöller, A. Murata “Continuous microflow photochemistry and its application in pharmaceutical drug discovery, development and production” MedChem News 2012, 22(4), 30-40 (by invitation of the editors).
K. Terao, Y. Nishiyama, H. Tanimoto, T. Morimoto, M. Oelgemöller, K. Kakiuchi “Diastereoselective [2+2] Photocycloaddition of a chiral Cyclohexenone with Ethylene in a Continuous Flow Microcapillary Reactor” J. Flow Chem. 2012, 2, 73-76 (by invitation; themed issue IMRET-2012).
A. Yavorskyy, O. Shvydkiv, N. Hoffmann, K. Nolan, M. Oelgemöller “Parallel Microflow-Photochemistry: Process Optimization, Scale-up and Library Synthesis” Org. Lett. 2012, 14, 4342-4345.
S. Aida, K. Terao, Y. Nishiyama, K. Kakiuchi, M. Oelgemöller “Microflow photochemistry – a reactor comparison study using the photochemical synthesis of terebic acid as a model reaction” Tetrahedron Lett. 2012, 53, 5578-5581.
F. Hatoum, J. Engler, C. Zelmer, J. Wißen, C. A. Motti, J. Lex, Michael Oelgemöller “Photodecarboxylative addition of carboxylates to phthalimides: a concise access to biologically active 3-(aryl and alkyl)methylene-1H-isoindolin-1-ones” Tetrahedron Lett. 2012, 53, 5573-5577.
J. Kockler, D. Kanakaraju, B. D. Glass, M. Oelgemöller “Solar Photochemical and Photocatalytic Degradation of Diclofenac and Amoxicillin in Water” J. Sustain. Sci. Manag . 2012, 7, 23-29.
A. Yavorskyy, O. Shvydkiv, C. Limburg, K. Nolan, Y. M. C. Delauré, M. Oelgemöller “Photooxygenations in a bubble column reactor” Green Chem. 2012, 14, 888-892.
M. Oelgemöller, R. Frank, P. Lemmen, D. Lenoir, J. Lex, Y. Inoue “Synthesis, structural characterization and photoisomerization of cyclic stilbenes” Tetrahedron 2012, 68, 4048-4056.
O. Shvydkiv, C. Limburg, K. Nolan, M. Oelgemöller “Synthesis of Juglone (5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone) in a Falling Film Microreactor” J. Flow Chem. 2012, 2, 52-55.
S. Murphy, C. Saurel, A. Morrissey, J. Tobin, M. Oelgemöller, K. Nolan “Photocatalytic activity of a porphyrin/TiO2 composite in the degradation of pharmaceuticals” Appl. Cat. B: Environ. 2012, 119-120, 156-165.
M. Oelgemöller “Highlights of Photochemical Reactions in Microflow Reactors” Chem. Eng. Technol., 2012, 35, 1144-1152 (by invitation; themed issue Reactor Design and Process Intensification).
J. Kockler, M. Oelgemöller, S. Robertson, B. D. Glass “Photostability of Sunscreen Ingredients and Formulations” J. Photochem. Photobiol. C: Photochem. Rev., 2012, 13, 91-110 (most downloaded article in the last 90 days in April 2012; Top 15 since May 2012).
A. G. Griesbeck, M. Oelgemöller, F. Ghetti (Eds.), CRC Handbook of Organic Photochemistry and Photobiology, 3. edition, CRC Press, Boca Raton 2012, Volume 1, 879 pages, ISBN: 978-1-43989-933-5.
A. G. Griesbeck, M. Oelgemöller, F. Ghetti (Eds.), CRC Handbook of Organic Photochemistry and Photobiology, 3. edition, CRC Press, Boca Raton 2012, Volume 2, 689 pages, ISBN: 978-1-43989-933-5.
D. Keane, K. Nolan, A. Morrissey, M. Oelgemöller, S. Basha, J. Tobin “Overview of the development of Integrated Photocatalytic Adsorbents (IPCAs) for water treatment using titanium dioxide (TiO2) and activated carbon” in: Handbook of Organic Photochemistry and Photobiology, 3. edition, A. G. Griesbeck, M. Oelgemöller, F. Ghetti (Eds.), CRC Press, Boca Raton 2012, Chapter 37, 935-962.
E. E. Coyle, M. Oelgemöller “Solar Photochemistry – From the Beginnings of Organic Photochemistry to the Solar Production of Chemicals” in: Handbook of Organic Photochemistry and Photobiology, 3. edition, A. G. Griesbeck, M. Oelgemöller, F. Ghetti (Eds.), CRC Press, Boca Raton 2012, Chapter 10, 237-248.
O. Shvydkiv, M. Oelgemöller “Microphotochemistry – Photochemical Synthesis in Microstructured Reactors” in: Handbook of Organic Photochemistry and Photobiology, 3. edition, A. G. Griesbeck, M. Oelgemöller, F. Ghetti (Eds.), CRC Press, Boca Raton 2012, Chapter 3, 49-72 (featured on cover).
2011
A.-M. Deegan, B. Shaik, K. Nolan, K. Urell, M. Oelgemöller, J. Tobin, A. Morrissey “Treatment options for wastewater effluents from pharmaceutical companies” Internat. J. Environ. Sci. Technol., 2011, 8, 649-666.
A.-M. Deegan, M. Cullen, M. Oelgemöller, K. Nolan, J. Tobin, A. Morrissey “A SPE-LC-MS/MS method for the detection of low concentrations of pharmaceuticals in industrial waste streams” Anal. Lett. 2011, 44, 2808-2820.
O. Shvydkiv, K. Nolan, M. Oelgemöller “Microphotochemistry – 4,4’-Dimethyoxybenzophenone Mediated Photodecarboxylation Reactions involving Phthalimides” Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2011, 7, 1055-1063 (by invitation; themed issue Chemistry in flow systems II).
Y.-J. Lee, D.-H. Ahn, K.-S. Lee, A. R. Kim, D. J. Yoo, M. Oelgemöller “Photoinduced electron transfer cyclizations of aryl-linked phthalimides” Tetrahedron Lett. 2011, 52, 5029-5031.
M. Oelgemöller, O. Shvydkiv “Recent Advances in Microflow Photochemistry” Molecules, 2011, 16, 7522-7550 (by invitation; themed issue Flow chemistry).
S. Basha, D. Keane, K. Nolan, A. Morrissey, M. Oelgemöller, J. M. Tobin “Novel integrated photocatalytic adsorbents (IPCAs) for degradation of pharmaceuticals from water and wastewater” EPA Newsletter 2011, 90, 18-21.
O. Shvydkiv, A. Yavorskyy, S. B. Tan, K. Nolan, N. Hoffmann, A. Youssef, M. Oelgemöller “Microphotochemistry – a reactor comparison study using the photosensitized addition of isopropanol to furanones as a model reaction” Photochem. Photobiol. Sci . 2011, 1399-1404 (by invitation; co-featured on cover; themed issue in honour of Japanese contributions to Photochemistry).
A.-M. Deegan, S. Basha, K. Urell, J. Tobin, K. Nolan, M. Oelgemöller, A. Morrissey “Treatment options for wastewater from pharmaceutical companies: a review” Internat. J. Environ. Sci. Technol., 2011, 8, 649-666.
S. Basha, C. Barr, D. Keane, K. Nolan, A. Morrissey, M. Oelgemöller, J. M. Tobin “On the adsorption/photodegradation, by integrated photocatalytic adsorbent (IPCA), of Amoxicillin from aqueous solutions: Experimental studies and kinetics analysis” Photochem. Photobiol. Sci . 2011, 10, 1014-1022.
M. Oelgemöller, J. Mattay, H. Görner “Direct photooxidation and xanthene-sensitized oxidation of naphthols: quantum yields and mechanism” J. Phys. Chem. A 2011, 115, 280-285.
D. Keane, K. Nolan, A. Morrissey, M. Oelgemöller, S. Basha, J. Tobin “Photodegradation of famotidine by integrated photocatalytic adsorbent (IPCA) and kinetic study” Cat. Lett. 2011, 141, 300-308.
A. Yavorskyy, O. Shvydkiv, K. Nolan, N. Hoffmann, M. Oelgemöller “Photosensitized addition of isopropanol to furanones in a continuous-flow dual capillary microreactor” Tetrahedron Lett. 2011, 52, 278-280.
2010
O. Shvydkiv, S. Gallagher, K. Nolan, M. Oelgemöller “From conventional to Micro-Photochemistry: Photodecarboxylation Reactions involving Phthalimides” Org. Lett. 2010, 12, 5170-5173.
M. Oelgemöller, W. H. Kramer “Synthetic Photochemistry of Naphthalimides and related Compounds” J. Photochem. Photobiol. C: Photochem. Rev., 2010, 11, 210-244.
O. Shvydkiv, A. Yavorskyy, K. Nolan, A. Youssef, E. Riguet, N. Hoffmann, M. Oelgemöller “Photosensitized addition of isopropanol to furanones in a 365 nm UV-LED microchip” Photochem. Photobiol. Sci. 2010, 9, 1601-1603.
S. Basha, D. Keane, A. Morrissey, K. Nolan, M. Oelgemöller, J. Tobin “Studies on the adsorption and kinetics of photodegradation of pharmaceutical compound, Indomethacin using novel photocatalytic adsorbents (IPCAs)” Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 2010, 49, 11302-11309.
S. B. Tan, O. Shvydkiv, J. Fiedler, F. Hatoum, K. Nolan, M. Oelgemöller “Photodecarboxylative additions of α-thioalkyl-substituted carboxylates to alkyl phenylglyoxylates” Synlett 2010, 2240-2243.
E. E. Coyle, K. Joyce, K. Nolan, M. Oelgemöller “Green photochemistry: the use of microemulsions as green media in photooxygenation reactions” Green Chem. 2010, 12, 1544-1547.
V. Belluau, P. Noeureuil, E. Ratzke, A. Skvortsov, S. Gallagher, C. A. Motti, M. Oelgemöller “Photodecarboxylative benzylations of phthalimide in pH 7 buffer: a simple access to 3-arylmethyleneisoindolin-1-ones” Tetrahedron Lett. 2010, 51, 4738-4741.
S. Gallagher, F. Hatoum, N. Zientek, M. Oelgemöller “Photodecarboxylative Additions of N-protected α-Amino Acids to N-Methylphthalimide” Tetrahedron Lett. 2010, 51, 3639-3641.
2009
J. Q. Albarelli, D. T. Santos, S. Murphy, M. Oelgemöller “Use of Ca-Alginate as a Novel Support for TiO2 Immobilization in Methylene Blue Decolorisation” Water Sci. Technol. 2009, 60, 1081-1087.
F. Hatoum, S. Gallagher, M. Oelgemöller “Photodecarboxylative Additions of Phenoxyacetates to N-Methylphthalimide” Tetrahedron Lett. 2009, 50, 6593-6596.
B. Murphy, P. Goodrich, C. Hardacre, M. Oelgemöller “Green Photochemistry: the photoacylation of 1,4-naphthoquinone with aliphatic aldehydes in ionic liquids” Green Chem. 2009, 11, 1867-1870.
F. Hatoum, S. Gallagher, L. Baragwanath, J. Lex, M. Oelgemöller “Photodecarboxylative Benzylations of Phthalimides” Tetrahedron Lett. 2009, 50, 6335-6338.
M. B. Bakar, M. Oelgemöller, M. O. Senge “Lead Structures for Applications in Photodynamic Therapy. 2. Synthetic Studies for Photo-triggered Release Systems of Bioconjugate Porphyrin Photosensitizers” Tetrahedron, 2009, 65, 7064-7078.
M. Oelgemöller, S. Gallagher, S. B. Tan, F. Chen, M. Macka “Microphotochemistry - Photochemistry in Microstructured Reactors” Proceedings of the 2009 AIChE Spring National Meeting, Tampa, FL, USA, 26.-30. April 2009, AIChE, 2009, ISBN: 978-0-8169-1052-6 (CD-Rom), 3 pages.
D. T. Santos, J. Q. Albarelli, K. Joyce, M. Oelgemöller “Sensitizer immobilization in photochemistry: evaluation of a novel green support” J. Chem. Technol. Biotechnol., 2009, 84, 1026-1030.
E. Haggiage, E. E. Coyle, K. Joyce, M. Oelgemöller “Green Photochemistry: Solarchemical Synthesis of 5-Amido-1,4-naphthoquinones” Green Chem., 2009, 11, 318-321.
2008
E. E. Coyle, M. Oelgemöller “Micro-Photochemistry - Photochemistry in microstructured Reactors” Photochem. Photobiol. Sci., 2008, 7, 1313-1322 (featured on cover; Top 10 most viewed articles Jan. 2009).
F. Friedrichs, B. Murphy, D. Nayrat, T. Ahner, M. Funke, M. Ryan, J. Lex, J. Mattay, M. Oelgemöller “An improved procedure for the photoacylation of 1,4-naphthoquinone with aliphatic aldehydes” Synlett, 2008, 3137-3140.
M. Oelgemöller, E. Coyle, K. Joyce, S. Murphy “Activities of the Solar Chemistry Group in DCU” SESI Newslett., 2008, 3, 1-2.
E. E. Coyle, M. Oelgemöller “Photochemistry goes Micro” Chem. Technol., 2008, 5, T95.
2007
M. Oelgemöller, C. Jung, J. Mattay “Green Photochemistry - The Production of Fine Chemicals with Sunlight” Pure Appl. Chem., 2007, 79, 1939-1947.
T. Tanaka, M. Oelgemöller, K. Fukui, F. Aoki, T. Mori, T. Ohno, Y. Inoue “Unusual CD Couplet Pattern Observed for the pi*<-n Transition of Enantiopure (Z)-8-Methoxy-4-cyclooctenone: An Experimental and Theoretical Study by Electronic and Vibrational Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy and Density Functional Theory Calculation” Chirality, 2007, 19, 415-427.
2006 and earlier (selected papers only)
M. Oelgemöller, N. Healy, L. de Oliveira, C. Jung, J. Mattay “Green Photochemistry: solar-chemical synthesis of Juglone with medium concentrated sunlight” Green Chem., 2006, 8, 831-834.
P. A. Waske, J. Mattay, M. Oelgemöller “Photoacylation of 2-substituted 1,4-naphthoquinones: a concise access to biologically active quinonoid compounds” Tetrahedron Lett., 2006, 47, 1329-1332.
O. Suchard, R. Kane, B. J. Roe, E. Zimmermann, C. Jung, P. A. Waske, J. Mattay, M. Oelgemöller “Photooxygenations of 1-naphthols: an environmentally friendly access to 1,4-naphthoquinones” Tetrahedron, 2006, 62, 1467-1473.
M. Oelgemöller, C. Jung, J. Ortner, J. Mattay, E. Zimmermann “Green Photochemistry: solar Photooxygenations with medium concentrated Sunlight” Green Chem., 2005, 7, 35-38.
Teaching
CH1001: Chemistry - A Central Science (Subject Coordinator)
CH1002/PC1005: Chemistry - Principles and Applications/Molecular Basis of Therapeutics 1 (Subject Coordinator)
CH2101: Synthesis and Structure in Chemistry
PC2002: Molecular Basis of Therapeutics 3 (Subject Coordinator)
CH3100: Molecular Basis of Therapeutics 4 (Subject Coordinator)
CH3101: Chemical Kinetics and Mechanism
CH3102: Medicinal and Biological Chemistry (Subject Coordinator)
PP3150: Chemical Pharmacology
Scientists in Schools
Michael is a member of the Scientists in Schools program and a Blue Card Holder. Our group has run ‘the science experience’ program at Wulguru State School, the Annandale Outside School Care and during the Open Day@JCU.
‘The science experience’ at Wulguru State School (2011) and during the Open Day@JCU (2012)
Last update: 08-04-2013
