# Development of Chemical Platforms for Acoustically Controlled Molecular Delivery

> **NIH NIH R35** · CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · 2023 · $425,000

## Abstract

Project Summary / Abstract
Research in the Robb group is focused on expanding the frontiers of the emergent field of polymer
mechanochemistry, where mechanical force is harnessed to selectively activate productive
chemical transformations in stress-sensitive molecules known as mechanophores. Our expertise
is in the molecular design and development of new mechanophores and reaction strategies,
enabling access to stimuli-responsive polymers that address challenges in a variety of areas
including stress sensing and mechanically triggered molecular release. Our research advances
the fundamental understanding of mechanochemical reactivity through the development of
structure–activity relationships and novel molecular design principles, providing a foundation for
creating innovative materials. Nevertheless, critical gaps remain that have limited the translation
of polymer mechanochemistry to applications in biology and medicine. In this proposal, we outline
a multifaceted approach for the development of systems that enable acoustically controlled
molecular delivery from mechanochemically active polymers using biocompatible focused
ultrasound, specifically targeting biological applications that have thus far remained out of reach.
In the five-year period of this MIRA grant, we will build on a powerful mechanophore platform
developed in our group for the mechanically triggered release of diverse small molecule payloads
that leverages the mechanochemical activation of masked 2-furylcarbinol derivatives. While
ultrasonication is routinely used in the laboratory for the mechanochemical activation of polymers,
the strong acoustic cavitation of dissolved gases at these acoustic pressures is highly destructive
to tissues, making it incompatible for most biological applications. Complementing our
development of novel chemistries, we propose to develop unprecedented systems for achieving
remote control of mechanochemical reactions using focused ultrasound under physiological
conditions with spatial and temporal precision. The unique synergy provided by novel materials
design and biocompatible acoustic activation strategies will realize the translational potential of
polymer mechanochemistry and establish mechanophores for triggered release as an untapped
biomedical tool. Our research will target the delivery of a wide range of payloads useful for
theranostics to bioimaging that demonstrate the power of this approach and pave the way toward
diverse applications in biology, medicine, and human health.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10714467
- **Project number:** 1R35GM150988-01
- **Recipient organization:** CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
- **Principal Investigator:** Maxwell J Robb
- **Activity code:** R35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $425,000
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2023-07-01 → 2028-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10714467

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10714467, Development of Chemical Platforms for Acoustically Controlled Molecular Delivery (1R35GM150988-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10714467. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*