Pushing Boundaries: International Collaboration in Polymer Science
Oxford and Münster Researchers Explore Next-Gen Applications with Nanosene Polymers at Stellenbosch University
Global collaboration is the cornerstone of scientific innovation, and this year, that spirit is thriving in the Klumperman Research Laboratory at Stellenbosch University. For nearly four months, Nanosene has had the privilege of supporting two visiting DPhil and PhD researchers as they explore various polymer science applications.
Meet the Researchers
Kelly Britton (AMRSC) from the University of Oxford and Ronewa Nematswerani from the University of Münster are applying their unique research perspectives to projects that bridge synthetic chemistry with biological function, all while integrating Nanosene’s BzAM terpolymers into their cutting-edge investigations.
Kelly Britton
Final-year DPhil candidate in the group of Prof. Matthew Langton at Oxford.
Research focus: Developing photo-responsive ionophores for spatiotemporal control of ion transport in synthetic cells.
“I’m using BzAM polymers to form nanodiscs for studying ionophores. I’m especially excited to optimise loading, kinetics, and the efficiency of these systems for potential therapeutic applications.”
Ronewa Nematswerani
PhD candidate in the group of Prof. Frank Glorius at Münster.
Research focus: Exploring imidazolium-based lipids for ion channel control, cellular imaging, and light-triggered functionality.
“I’m using BzAM polymers alongside imidazolium-based lipids to investigate membrane protein stability and protein–lipid interactions. My work focuses on how these components contribute to membrane structure, size, and stability.”
Both researchers are working under the mentorship of the Nanosene Team, applying the BzAM polymer series to real-world biological problems.
Why the BzAM Polymer Series?
The BzAM terpolymer series, designed and commercialised by Nanosene, is gaining traction as a powerful tool for membrane protein research and supramolecular systems. These polymers enable:
Nanoscale disc formation for preserving membrane protein structure
Customizable amphiphilicity for optimised loading and solubilization
Enhanced membrane mimicry for protein–lipid interaction studies
Learn more about the BzAM series here
What Drives Their Passion?
Science thrives on curiosity, and both Kelly and Ronewa bring inspiring perspectives to their work.
💬 Kelly: “What excites me most is developing stimuli-responsive therapeutic systems—systems that ‘switch on’ under the right conditions. It’s the future of precision medicine.”
💬 Ronewa: “I love the challenge of designing molecules that communicate with biology in innovative ways. Blending chemistry with cell biology and light-activated technology feels like unlocking nature’s toolkit.”
Expanding Horizons: Hosting the Next Generation
Nanosene’s commitment to fostering international talent extends beyond postdoctoral and doctoral researchers. We also welcomed Maarten Klumperman, an MSc student in Chemical Engineering at Delft University of Technology, for a three-month industrial internship.
During his time at Nanosene, Maarten quickly adapted to life in the lab, showing initiative, curiosity, and a hands-on approach to learning new techniques while contributing to our ongoing R&D.
His project focused on evaluating the use of Raman spectroscopy for real-time monitoring of copolymerization reactions, a crucial step toward enhancing process control in polymer production. This project was strengthened through collaboration with Dr. Gurthwin Bosman from the Physics Department at Stellenbosch University.
Collaboration as a Catalyst for Discovery
From early-career researchers to graduate interns, Nanosene and the Klumperman Lab continue to demonstrate how international collaboration and academic–industry partnerships fuel new ideas and applications. Whether it’s advancing the scope of the nanodisc technology, probing protein–lipid interactions, or refining analytical tools for polymer production, these projects highlight the global impact of polymer science.
Nanosene is proud to support brilliant minds and foster an environment where interdisciplinary collaboration leads to real-world breakthroughs.
