CHEM2021 Online Conference Program July 12-13, 2021 - Sponsored by
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CHEM2021
Online Conference Program
July 12-13, 2021
Sponsored by
Welcome
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands
the RACI Victorian Branch is located and on which we live and work. We pay our
respects to their Elders, past and present, and to First Nations people attending this
event.
___________________
Welcome to CHEM2021!
Welcome to CHEM2021, the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) Victorian
Branch’s first ever conference run for early-mid career chemists by early-mid career
chemists. This is a conference to highlight the outstanding work and achievements of
early-mid career chemists working in Victoria. Our aims are to provide an opportunity
for EMCR chemists to speak about their work, network and make connections with
their peers, and to celebrate the diversity of Victorian chemists and their work in
different fields of chemistry.
Our plans for an in-person conference in 2020 were dashed, but we see the benefits
of a virtual platform that reduces costs for the conference – and therefore attendees
– and allows more people to attend who might otherwise find it difficult to travel, or
spend several days attending a conference in person. We hope that the virtual
interactions at this conference lead to better connections and even collaborations
between attendees, as well as offering inspiring insights into the variety and quality
of the work being done by EMCR chemists in Victoria.
Thank you for joining us at CHEM2021. We hope to see you in person at future
events.
Chem2021 Organisers: Katie Ganio, Manuela Jörg, Anitha Kopinathan, Susan
Northfield, Rajesh Ramanathan, Claire Weekley
Harassment and Bullying Policy
The RACI is dedicated to providing a harassment-free conference experience for
everyone regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation,
disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age or religion. The RACI will not
tolerate harassment of conference participants in any form. Conference participants
violating the RACI Anti-Harassment Policy may be sanctioned or expelled from the
conference without a refund at the discretion of the conference organisers.
If you experience any of the behaviour described and/or you feel uncomfortable or
unsafe at any time throughout CHEM2021 please contact one of the conference
organisers.
Diversity and Inclusion Policy
This conference is organised in accordance with The RACI Diversity and Inclusion
Policy. We recognise that people come into chemistry from diverse cultures,
backgrounds and experiences. We invite and welcome a diverse community of
talented people to this conference with a culture of mutual respect. We aim for
transparency, reflection and learning and encourage suggestions and feedback (to
the organisers or to RACI) for improving the accessibility, inclusion and diversity of
this conference.
1
Sponsors
The RACI is the professional body for the
chemical sciences in Australia. The mission of
the RACI is to be the voice of chemistry in
Australia and to advance the professional
interests of its members. You can find out
more about upcoming RACI events here and
more about the Victorian Branch here.
You can also find RACI on Twitter, LinkedIn,
Facebook and Instagram.
We are Merck, a vibrant science and technology company. Science is at the heart of
everything we do. It drives the discoveries we make and the technologies we create.
The passion of our curious minds makes a positive difference to millions of people’s
lives every day.
In Healthcare, we discover unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases, such
as multiple sclerosis and cancer. Our Life Science experts empower scientists by
developing tools and solutions that help deliver breakthroughs more quickly. And in
Electronics, we develop science that sits inside technologies and changes the way
we access, store, process, and display information.
Everything we do is fueled by a belief in science and technology as a force for good.
A belief that has driven our work since 1668 and will continue to inspire us to find
more joyful and sustainable ways to live.
We are curious minds dedicated to human progress. Experience our products at:
www.sigma-aldrich.com | www.merckmillipore.com
CSIRO is Australia’s national science agency
and innovation catalyst, collaborating to boost
Australia's innovation performance. At CSIRO,
we solve the greatest challenges through
innovative science and technology.
2
CHEM2021 Conference Program
Merck Virtual Poster Session, from July 5
The website link will be made available to all registered participants on July 5.
Conference Day One, Monday July 12, 09.30 - 13.45 AEST
The link to the Zoom Webinar will be made available to all registered participants.
This session features oral presentations by Plenary Speakers and Speakers
Selected from Abstracts.
09:30 - 09:45 Welcome and Open – Dr Susan Northfield
09:45 - 10:15 Plenary Speaker – Dr Katherine Locock
Physicochemical properties of protein-protein
10:15 - 10:30 Dr Jessica Holien
interaction modulators
Probing chirality with supramolecular
10:30 - 10:45 Dr Carol Hua
systems
10:45 - 11:15 Morning Tea
Ionic liquids and plastic crystals utilising the
11:15 - 11:30 Dr Colin Kang oxazolidinium cation: the effect of ether
functionality in the ring
11:30 - 11:45 Laena D'Alton DIY medical diagnostics and health testing
11:45 - 12:00 Debjani Ghosh Efficient production of xylooligosaccharides
Lubricin (PRG4): a versatile protein for
12:00 - 12:15 Dr Saimon Silva
electroactive surfaces
12:15 - 13:00 Lunch Break
13:00 - 13:30 Plenary Speaker – Dr Shane Devine
13:30 - 13:45 Poster Celebration Information
Merck Virtual Poster Celebration, Monday July 12, 19.00 - 20.00 AEST
This session will feature flash poster talks, the award of poster prizes and a
presentation by Professor Emeritus Frances Separovic.
The link to the BlueJeans Webinar platform will be made available to all registered
participants.
3
CHEM2021 Conference Program
Conference Day Two, Tuesday July 13, 09.30 - 13.45 AEST
The link to the Zoom Webinar will be made available to all registered participants.
This session features oral presentations by Plenary Speakers and Speakers
Selected from Abstracts.
09:30 - 10:00 Plenary Speaker – Dr Yuning Hong
10:00 - 10:15 Dr Moya Hay Ligand tuning in cobalt complexes for
valence tautomerism
10:15 - 10:30 Arpita Poddar Metal-organic-frameworks as non-viral gene
delivery vectors
Optimisation of 5-substituted
10:30 - 10:45 Dr William Nguyen 2-acylaminothiazoles as potential HIV-1
latency reversing agents
10:45 - 11:15 Morning Tea
Quantification of pharmaceuticals in surface
11:15 - 11:30 Dr Benjamin Long waters and riparian flora of a south eastern
Australian river system
11:30 - 11:45 Amy Thomson Synthesis of interchain dicarba insulin
analogues
11:45 - 12:00 Dr Wenyue Zou Polyoxometalates for colorimetric sensing
applications
Painters, puzzles and phosphorescence:
12:00 - 12:15 Dr Tim Connell understanding triplet excited states in
iridium(III) complexes
12:15 - 13:00 Lunch Break
13:00 - 13:30 Plenary Speaker – Professor Oliver Jones
13:30 - 13:45 Awards and Close – A/Prof Rajesh Ramanathan
RACI Victorian Branch Trivia Night, Tuesday July 13, 19.00 - 21.00 AEST
Conference registration includes the Branch Trivia Night! The link to the Zoom
meeting and Kahoot! Quiz platform will be made available to all registered
participants.
4
Plenary Speakers
Dr Katherine Locock, CSIRO
Dr Katherine Locock is a Senior Research Scientist in the Manufacturing Business
Unit of the CSIRO in Melbourne, Australia. Her research focuses on the
development of biologically active polymers, based on CSIRO’s patented RAFT
technology. Her current work is focused on new polymer-based antimicrobial
therapeutics. This patented technology is highly effective against a broad spectrum
of virulent bacteria and fungi, even several strains that show resistance to common
antibiotics.
Prior to the CSIRO, Katherine held a position as an Associate Lecturer in
Pharmacology at the University of Sydney, where she focused on rational drug
design to develop GABA analogues as potential treatments for Alzheimer’s disease
and mood disorders.
Katherine is also committed to encouraging more Indigenous Australians to take up
STEM education. Katherine was selected as the AIPS Victorian Young Tall Poppy of
the Year Award in 2016, received a Julius Career Development award in 2016 and
CSIRO Staff Association Women in Science award in 2013.
5
Plenary Speakers
Dr Shane Devine, Monash University
Dr Shane Devine received his Bachelor of Science (Honours) from La Trobe
University, Australia and undertook his PhD there under the guidance of Dr Les
Deady studying novel heterocyclic systems. He then moved to Monash Institute of
Pharmaceutical Sciences (MIPS), where his research has included the design and
synthesis of G protein-coupled receptor ligands, including the adenosine and
muscarinic receptors and novel anticancer agents. More recently, his focus has
shifted to antimalarials inhibiting the essential protein target, apical membrane
antigen 1 and antimalarial compounds that act via unknown mechanisms of action.
During his time at MIPS, Shane has gained significant experience (>15 yrs) in
synthetic medicinal chemistry, culminating in >30 peer-reviewed publications.
Alongside his research, Shane actively enjoys teaching to undergraduate and
postgraduate students at Monash and co-supervises five PhD students involved in
his malaria and cancer based research projects.
6
Plenary Speakers
Dr Yuning Hong, La Trobe University
Dr Yuning Hong is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry and Physics at
La Trobe University. She received her Ph.D. in Nano Science and Technology (2011)
from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) under the
supervisor of Prof. Ben Zhong Tang. She held postdoctoral positions in biophysical
chemistry in Prof. Ekaterina V. Pletneva’s group at Dartmouth College, US, as
Research Assistant Professor in HKUST, and as McKenzie Fellow at the University
of Melbourne. She is an ARC DECRA Fellow (2017-2020) and the recipient of RACI
Rita Cornforth Lectureship award (2018). Her research focuses on developing new
fluorescent probes for the study of protein misfolding and proteostasis in
neurodegenerative diseases.
7
Plenary Speakers
Professor Oliver Jones, RMIT University
Oliver Jones is a Professor of Analytical Chemistry at RMIT University. He obtained
his PhD from Imperial College in 2005 and then worked at Cambridge University and
the University of Durham before moving to RMIT in 2012 to get a ‘few years’
experience working aboard; nine years later he is still there. Professor Jones’ work
focuses on tracking the fate and behaviour of pollutants in the environment and
reducing their impact. He has developed many new methods, particularly in
Chromatography and NMR for this purpose. He is also very keen to communicate
science to the public and tweet regularly as @dr_oli_jones
8
Plenary Speakers
Professor Emeritus Frances Separovic AO FAA, University of Melbourne
Frances Separovic is a Biophysical Chemist based at the Bio21 Institute, University
of Melbourne, where she studies the structure and dynamics of molecules in
biomembranes. Frances joined the University in 1996 and became the first woman
professor of chemistry (2005) and Head of School (2010). She is currently
president-elect of the Biophysical Society (USA), Council member of International
Union of Pure & Applied Biophysics (IUPAB) and Division I member of IUPAC.
Frances has had several senior roles in professional societies, including General
Treasurer of Royal Australian Chemical Institute, RACI. She is a Fellow of the
Biophysical Society, an ISMAR Fellow and the first female chemist elected to the
Australian Academy of Science (2012). She is recipient of the 2019 RACI M Sheil
Leadership Award, an IUPAC Distinguished Woman of Chemistry, member of the
Victorian Honour Roll of Women and an Officer of the Order of Australia (2019).
9Oral Presenter Abstracts
Jessica Holien Physicochemical properties of protein-protein
Medicinal Chemistry
RMIT University interaction modulators
Carol Hua
Probing chirality with supramolecular systems Inorganic Chemistry
University of Melbourne
Ionic liquids and plastic crystals utilising the
Colin Kang
oxazolidinium cation: the effect of ether Materials Chemistry
Deakin University
functionality in the ring
Laena D’Alton Analytical Chemistry,
DIY medical diagnostics and health testing
La Trobe University Electrochemistry
Chemical
Debjani Ghosh
Efficient production of xylooligosaccharides Engineering,
Monash University
Polymer Chemistry
Saimon Silva
Lubricin (PRG4): a versatile protein for Analytical Chemistry,
Swinburne University of
electroactive surfaces Electrochemistry
Technology
Moya Hay Ligand tuning in cobalt complexes for valence
Inorganic Chemistry
University of Melbourne tautomerism
Arpita Poddar Metal-organic-frameworks as non-viral gene Chemical Biology,
RMIT University delivery vectors Materials Chemistry
William Nguyen
Optimisation of 5-substituted
Walter and Eliza Hall
2-acylaminothiazoles as potential HIV-1 Medicinal Chemistry
Institute of Medical
latency reversing agents
Research
Benjamin Long Quantification of pharmaceuticals in surface Analytical Chemistry,
Federation University waters and riparian flora of a south eastern Environmental
Australia Australian river system Chemistry
Amy Thomson Synthesis of interchain dicarba insulin Organic Chemistry,
Monash University analogues Peptide Chemistry
Wenyue Zou Polyoxometalates for colorimetric sensing
Analytical Chemistry
RMIT University applications
Painters, puzzles and phosphorescence:
Tim Connell
understanding triplet excited states in Inorganic Chemistry
Deakin University
iridium(III) complexes
10Oral Presenter Abstracts
Physicochemical properties of protein-protein interaction modulators
Jia Truong, Ashwin George and Jessica K. Holien
School of Science, STEM College, RMIT, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Jessica.Holien@rmit.edu.au
@jessholien
Despite the important roles played by Protein-Protein Interactions (PPIs) in disease, they have been
long considered as ‘undruggable’. However, recent advances have suggested that the PPIs may not
follow conventional rules of ‘druggability’. We sought to document the physicochemical properties of
all the small molecule PPI modulators on the market, in clinical trials, and published, to explore which
of these physicochemical properties are essential for a PPI modulator to be a clinical drug.
Overall, our analysis suggested that those compounds currently on the market had a larger range of
values for most of the physicochemical parameters whereas those in clinical trials fit much more
stringently to standard drug-like parameters. This observation was particularly true for molecular
weight, cLogP and total polar surface area where aside from a few outliers, most of the compounds in
clinical trials fit within standard drug-like parameters.
This implies that the newer PPI modulators are more drug-like than those currently on the market and
when designing new modulators PPI specific screening libraries should remain within standard drug-
like parameters in order to obtain a clinical candidate. PPI modulators are the latest frontier of small
molecule drug discovery and this research is a vital step in the design of future drug discovery
campaigns.
11Oral Presenter Abstracts
Probing Chirality with Supramolecular Systems
Carol Hua1, Hui Min Tay1, Shannon Thoonen1 and Aditya Rawal2
1
The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
2
The University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
carol.hua@unimelb.edu.au
@_CarolHua
Chirality is prevalent throughout nature with most biologically important molecules being chiral,
including DNA and proteins. The chirality of drug molecules is particularly important as each
enantiomer may interact with metabolic and regulatory processes in vastly different ways. The
development of new methods for determining the chiral purity of molecules is very important to the
pharmaceutical, agrochemical and food industries with 56% of drugs in use containing chiral
molecules.
Coordination polymers (CPs) and Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are crystalline materials
containing inorganic nodes bridged by multidentate ligands. The high porosity and tunability of CPs
enable the systematic modification of pore chemistry and size. Tailored chiral environments can be
designed, making these materials well-suited to act as chiral selectors as they can encapsulate guest
molecules in a manner similar to natural enzymes. The development of CPs as analytical chiral
sensors and probes is attractive for determining chiral purity due to their simplicity and convenience.
This presentation will detail the synthesis of chiral CPs incorporating 1,2-trans- diaminocyclohexane1
and amino acid derived ligands2 where integral role of host-guest interactions in the application of
these chiral CPs as solid state chiral sensors and probes will be highlighted. The discrimination of
−
chirality in amino acids by 13C solid state NMR using [Mg2(S-dobpdc)] (dobpdc4 =
4,4′-dioxidobiphenyl-3,3′-dicarboxylate) will be discussed.3
References
1. H. M. Tay, C. Hua, “Co(II) coordination polymers constructed from a bent chiral linker: controlling
framework topology using co-ligands”, CrystEngComm, 2020, 22, 6690-6698.
2. H. M. Tay, C. Hua, “Chiral Cd(II) coordination polymers based on amino acid derivatives: the effect of side
chain on structure”, Cryst. Growth Des., 2020, Cryst. Growth Des., 2020, 20, 5843-5853.
3. H. M. Tay, A. Rawal, C. Hua, “Chiral elucidation of amino acids with S-Mg2(dobpdc)”, 2020, 56,
14829-14832.
12Oral Presenter Abstracts
Ionic Liquids and Plastic Crystals Utilising the Oxazolidinium Cation: The Effect of
Ether Functionality in the Ring
Colin S. M. Kang1, 2, Ruhamah Yunis1, Haijin Zhu3, Cara M. Doherty4, Oliver E. Hutt2,
Jennifer M. Pringle1
1
Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
2
Boron Molecular, Noble Park, VIC, Australia
3
Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia 4Commonwealth
Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Manufacturing, Clayton, VIC,
Australia
c.kang@deakin.edu.au
@ColinKang_
The advancement of safer, long-lasting energy storage technologies is paramount for the transition
into a clean renewable energy economy and sustainable future. To envision this approach, at least in
part, relies on the development of new electrolytes that i) are safe, reliable, and ii) can support next-
generation battery technologies that have higher energy densities (e.g. alkali metal, metal-air
batteries); both of these requirements are necessary to sustain the ever-growing demand for energy
usage, that today’s Li-ion batteries cannot solely achieve. Whilst current battery electrolytes utilise
organic solvents that are volatile and flammable, both ionic liquids (ILs) and organic ionic plastic
crystals (OIPCs) are promising electrolyte candidates as they exhibit negligible vapour pressure, non-
flammability, and are thermally stable at high temperatures. OIPCs, very similar to ILs in structure,
differ in that they are solid-like materials at above ambient temperatures with plastic-like mechanical
properties, yet exhibit appreciable ionic conductivities.[1] To further enhance the development, and
thus utilisation, of these electrolytes depends on increasing our fundamental understanding of the
structure and dynamics of emerging cation/anion families.
This work describes the synthesis and characterisation of a range of oxazolidinium ([C1moxa]+)-based
ILs and OIPCs. These [C1moxa]+-based OIPCs are found to be highly disordered and exhibit a wide
conductive phase. Interestingly, the [C1moxa]+-based OIPCs studied have been found to exhibit higher
ionic conductivities than their equivalent pyrrolidinium ([C1mpyr]+) counterparts. We also probe the
ion transport dynamics of the cation/anion species via solid-state NMR experiments and study the free
volume in these salts through Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy.
References
[1] D. R. MacFarlane, M. Forsyth, P. C. Howlett, M. Kar, S. Passerini, J. M. Pringle, H. Ohno, M.
Watanabe, F. Yan, W. Zheng, S. Zhang, J. Zhang, Nat. Rev. Mater. 2016, 1, 1–15.
13Oral Presenter Abstracts
DIY MEDICAL DIAGNOSTICS AND HEALTH TESTING
Laena D’Alton1, Serena Carrara1, Gregory J. Barbante1 and Conor F. Hogan1
1
Department of Chemistry and Physics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe
University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
l.dalton@latrobe.edu.au
@hogansheroeslab
Proactive health testing, such as early disease diagnosis, saves lives, but can be difficult to implement
en-mass given rising costs, and traditional pathology’s need for specialised facilities and trained
technicians. Affordable, simplified and point-of-need alternatives to laboratory-based bioanalysis are
needed. Electrochemiluminescence (ECL), light emission following a cascade of electrochemically
initiated chemical reactions, promises ultra-low detection limits suitable for early disease diagnosis.
However, the simplicity of ECL is rarely reflected in the instrumentation used. Here we describe a
semi-portable, low-cost alternative, the Raspberry Pi-O-Sensor. This device is built from a Raspberry
Pi (a single-board computer) and a photomultiplier tube (PMT), and can apply a potential across a
sensor to initiate ECL while also detecting and recording light emission. We demonstrate how it can
be combined with low-cost sensors to outperform traditional instrumentation at a fraction of the price.
14Oral Presenter Abstracts
Efficient production of xylooligosaccharides
Debjani Ghosh1, Anil B. Vir 2, Gil Garnier2, Antonio F. Patti1 and Joanne Tanner2
1
School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
2
Bioresource Processing Research Institute of Australia, Department of Chemical
Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
Debjani.ghosh@monash.edu
Xylooligosaccharides (XOS) are naturally occurring high value biochemicals with potential
applications in the food, pharmaceutical and fine chemical industries. They are typically produced and
purified from a variety of biomass resources in expensive and inefficient multi-step batch processes,
and this high cost of production is a significant barrier to their commercial adoption. A flow-type
microreactor was used as a novel and green approach to intensify and increase the efficiency of
enzymatic XOS production from beechwood xylan. The xylan hydrolysis performance was compared
with the same reaction performed under typical batch conditions. Over 80 g XOS per 100 g xylan was
obtained in less than one minute of residence time at the optimum conditions tested in continuous
flow experiments. The enzymatic xylan hydrolysis performance was improved, product selectivity
was observed and xylan to XOS conversion was three times higher under optimised flow conditions
compared to a conventional batch process.
With the increasing commercial development of high-throughput systems, microreactor combined
with enzymatic hydrolysis therefore represent a continuous, easily controlled, scalable process to
deliver sustainable, high quality XOS. The produced XOS can be utilised as prebiotics or upgraded to
other valuable products such as surfactants, hydrogels, food additives, or food packaging materials.
15Oral Presenter Abstracts
LUBRICIN (PRG4): A VERSATILE PROTEIN FOR ELECTROACTIVE SURFACES
Saimon Moraes Silvaa,b,c and Simon E. Moultona,b,c
a
ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Faculty of Science, Engineering
and Technology, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria 3122, Australia.
b
The Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne,
Victoria 3065, Australia.
c
Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology,
Melbourne, Victoria 3122, Australia.
smoraessilva@swin.edu.au
@moraes_saimon
A major issue faced by electrochemical surfaces that needs to function in biological fluids
remains the biofouling of electrode surface. In this presentation, it will be demonstrated how
lubricin (LUB) can mitigate the biofouling issue. LUB is a cytoprotective glycoprotein
present in synovial fluids and coating cartilage surfaces in articular joints.1 LUB displays a
distinguishing chemistry, conformational and molecular structure, and also the ability of self-
assembling in a well-organized manner on substrates of different materials.2 When attached to
a conductive surface, LUB presents the capability of preventing biofouling and at the same
time allowing good electrochemistry with the advantage of a simple and one-step coating
preparation.3 This makes LUB an interesting surface coating for bionic implants and
electrochemical biosensors. In this presentation, I will present how our research program has
progressed in the last three years; and the versatility of lubricin to be used as antifouling
coating in different biomedical applications will be discussed.
1. S. M. Silva, A. F. Quigley, R. M. I. Kapsa, G. W. Greene, S. E. Moulton, Chemelectrochem 2019, 6, 1939-
1943.
2. M. Y. Han, S. M. Silva, W. W. Lei, A. Quigley, R. M. I. Kapsa, S. E. Moulton, G. W. Greene, Langmuir
2019, 35, 15834-15848.
3. M. J. Russo, M. Y. Han, A. F. Quigley, R. M. I. Kapsa, S. E. Moulton, E. Doeven, R. Guijt, S. M. Silva, G.
W. Greene, Electrochim Acta 2020, 333.
16Oral Presenter Abstracts
LIGAND TUNING IN COBALT COMPLEXES FOR VALENCE TAUTOMERISM
M. A. Hay 1, J. T Janetzki 1, R. W. Gable1, A. Starikova 2, and C. Boskovic1
1
School of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. 2Institute of
Physical and Organic Chemistry, Southern Federal University, Russian Federation.
moya.hay@unimelb.edu.au
@moyaahay
Molecules that can switch between distinguishable stable states by application of an external stimulus
have promise in the development of new functional molecular materials. Those which display valence
tautomerism (VT) are promising candidates for such materials as the stimulated electron transfer
between a ligand and a metal is accompanied by a change in their magnetic, optical and structural
properties.1 Cobalt-dioxolene complexes are well studied examples of VT however alternative
N-donor based redox active ligands with cobalt have been comparatively unexplored. A promising
candidate is investigation of the bis(aryl-imino)acenapthene (Ar-BIAN) ligand family which has been
shown to induce VT in vanadium and ytterbium complexes. 2-4
Here we present the preparation and in-depth study of a series of homoleptic octahedral Co(II)
complexes with Ar-BIAN ligands in different oxidation states. Through redox tuning of the Ar-BIAN
ligand via variation of the aryl substituents, the impact on the electronic structure has been
investigated. The understanding of the electronic structure of Co-BIAN systems obtained in this study
will facilitate the design of new VT systems.
1
T. Tezgerevska, K. G. Alley, C. Boskovic, Coord. Chem. Rev. 2014, 268, 23–40.
2
I. L. Fedushkin, O. V. Maslova, A. G. Morozov, S. Dechert, S. Demeshko, F. Meyer, Angew. Chem –
Int. Ed. 2012, 51 (42), 10585-10587.
3
J. Bendix, K. M. Clark, Angew. Chem – Int. Ed. 2016, 55 (8), 2748-2752.
4
A. G. Starikov, A. A. Starikova, V. I. Minkin, Russ. J. Gen. Chem. 2017, 87 (1), 104-112.
17Oral Presenter Abstracts
METAL-ORGANIC-FRAMEWORKS AS NON-VIRAL GENE DELIVERY VECTORS
Arpita Poddar1,2, Cara Doherty2, and Ravi Shukla1
1
Ian Potter NanoBiosensing Facility, NanoBiotechnology Research Laboratory (NBRL),
School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
2
CSIRO Manufacturing, Clayton, VIC, Australia
Arpita.poddar@student.rmit.edu.au
Gene therapy is a powerful modality that can not only treat, but also cure a disease at its root; with
efficiency depending fundamentally on the gene delivery system used[1]. Current gene delivery is
limited by a lack of suitable carrier (i.e. vectors)[2]. So far, viruses are used as vectors, but they have
limited applications due to safety concerns and high production costs[3]. Non-viral vectors are safer,
non-immunogenic, inexpensive, can carry large quantities of DNA and can be easily modified [4].
However, only 0.24% of gene delivery research focused on non-viral vectors[5]. The work we
present[6] addresses the lack of sufficient research by demonstrating Metal-Organic-Frameworks
(MOFs) as novel non-viral vectors for gene delivery. MOFs, composed of metal ions and organic
ligands, are a new class of hybrid materials in nanotechnology ligands[7].
We investigate physiological synthesis of biocompatible MOFs with minimal/no cellular toxicity. The
MOF subtype ZIF-8 are found to successfully encapsulate not just short chain nucleic acids, but entire
genes in a one pot synthesis method. Material characterisations, transfections and confocal
microscopy proved encapsulation and release do not damage the gene or, importantly, its function.
Soft X-ray tomography showed cellular uptake of the gene encapsulating MOFs by revealing
cytoplasmic and endosomal presence. A gradual expression of the delivered gene occurred over 96
hours.
The results obtained established the use of MOFs for gene delivery for the first time. ZIF-8 based
MOFs deliver functionally intact genes in a non-cytotoxic manner with gradual release; features
essential for a suitable gene therapy delivery system.
References
[1] H. Yin, R. L. Kanasty, A. A. Eltoukhy, A. J. Vegas, J. R. Dorkin, D. G. Anderson. Nat. Rev. Genet.
2014, 15, 541.
[2] G. A. R. Gonçalves, R. d. M. A. Paiva. Einstein (São Paulo). 2017, 15, 369.
[3] N. Yang. Int. J. Pharm. Investig. 2015, 5, 179.
[4] S. Chira, C. S. Jackson, I. Oprea, F. Ozturk, M. S. Pepper, I. Diaconu, et al. Oncotarget. 2015, 6,
30675.
[5] C. Hidai, H. Kitano. Diseases. 2018, 6, 57.
[6] A. Poddar, J. J. Conesa, K. Liang, S. Dhakal, P. Reineck, G. Bryant, et al. Encapsulation,
Visualization and Expression of Genes with Biomimetically Mineralized Zeolitic Imidazolate
Framework-8 (ZIF-8). Small. 2019, 15, 1902268.
[7] H. C. Zhou, J. R. Long, O. M. Yaghi. Chem Rev. 2012, 112, 673.
18Oral Presenter Abstracts
OPTIMISATION OF 5-SUBSTITUTED 2-ACYLAMINOTHIAZOLES AS POTENTIAL HIV-1
LATENCY REVERSING AGENTS
William Nguyen,1, 2 Jonathan Jacobson,3 Kate E. Jarman,1, 2 Helene Jousset Sabroux,1, 2 Sharon R.
Lewin,3 Damian, F. Purcell,3 Brad E. Sleebs.1,2
1
The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research, Victoria, Australia. 2Department of Medical
Biology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 3Department of Microbiology and Immunology,
Peter Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
nguyen.w@wehi.edu.au
Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has proven effective in temporary suppression of HIV- 1
replication, reducing morbidity and mortality. However, these therapies don’t eliminate latent viral
reservoirs within infected T cells so continual infection and rapid development of multidrug resistant
strains remain a major challenge.
The “shock and kill” strategy employs epigenetic modifying drugs to stimulate viral replication,
eliminating these latent reservoirs. Used in conjunction with cART, this strategy could eradicate the
virus within an infected individual.
Tat is the master regulator for HIV gene expression and targeting Tat expression in the residual latent
HIV-infected reservoir is important for achieving complete HIV remission. We used insights into the
Tat footprint during latency to develop a screening assay using a dual Luciferase reporter cell line
(HEK293.IRES-Tat/CMV-CBG/LTR-CBR) to identify compounds providing synergistic activating
signals upon the HIV LTR relative to a non-specific reporter. This dual reporter platform was employed
to screen a library of 114,000 drug-like molecules and identified the 2-acylaminothiazole class (EC50
~24 μM) capable of selectively activating HIV gene expression.
Medicinal chemistry efforts including investigation of SAR, bioisosteric substitution and core hopping
to optimise the 2-acylaminothiazole class will be discussed. The optimised compounds displayed
enhanced HIV gene expression in HEK293 and Jurkat 10.6 latency cellular models and increased
unspliced HIV RNA in resting CD4+ T cells isolated from HIV-infected individuals on cART,
demonstrating the potential of this class as latency-reversing agents.
References
1
W.Nguyen et al., J. Med. Chem., 2019, 62, 5148−5175 (cover article). 2 W.Nguyen et al., Eur. J.
Med. Chem., 2020, 195 (2020), 112254.
19Oral Presenter Abstracts
20Oral Presenter Abstracts
QUANTIFICATION OF PHARMACEUTICALS IN SURFACE WATERS AND RIPARIAN
FLORA OF A SOUTH EASTERN AUSTRALIAN RIVER SYSTEM
Benjamin M. Long1, Nicholas Schultz1, and Samantha Harriage1
1
Federation University Australia, Mt Helen, Victoria, Australia, 3350
Bmlong@federation.edu.au
@doc_blong
Pharmaceuticals and personal care products are environmental contaminants of emerging concern.
There is building evidence that these pharmaceutical pollutants widely exist in ng/L quantities in
human influenced surface waters both nationally and internationally.1,2 Globally, there is limited
knowledge of the ecological impacts of pharmaceutical contamination upon the environment.3 This
case study consisted of 5 sites spanning 150 km of a dynamic river system positioned in western
Victoria, Australia. The concentrations of three pharmaceuticals (Carbamazepine, Tramadol and
Venlafaxine) were measured in surface water and in native Australian riparian flora (Phragmites
australis, azolla spp., and Vallisneria spp.) as a measure of bioconcentration. Surface water and flora
samples were prepared through solid phase extraction and solvent extraction, respectively, then
quantified using high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectroscopy operating in
multiple reaction monitoring mode with isotope dilution. Pharmaceuticals were found to persist
through all 5 sites (e.g. Carbamazepine maximum - 499 ng/L, minimum - 35.1 ng/L) and to
bioconcentrate in the leaves of the studied flora (e.g. Carbamazepine in V. australis - 27.0 ng/g dry
weight). This work further characterizes the pharmaceutical pollution problem in Australia while
highlighting potential for the use of native flora in phytoremediation.
1. P.D. Scott, M. Bartkow, S.J. Blockwell, H.M. Coleman, S.J. Khan, R. Lim, J.A. McDonald, H.
Nice, D. Nugegoda, V. Pettigrove, L.A. Tremblay, M.S. Warne, F.D. Leusch. J Environ Qual. 2014,
43, 1702-1712.
2. M.S. Kostich, A.L. Batt, J.M. Lazorchak. Environ Pollut. 2014, 184, 354-359.
3. K.E. Richmond, E.J. Rosi, D.M. Walters, J. Fick, S.K. Hamilton, T. Brodin, A. Sundelin, M.R.
Grace. Nature Communications. 2018, 9, 1, 4491-4500.
21Oral Presenter Abstracts
SYNTHESIS OF INTERCHAIN DICARBA INSULIN ANALOGUES
Amy L. Thomson1 and Prof. Andrea J. Robinson 1
1
School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
amy.thomson@monash.edu
One hundred years of insulin research has led to many landmark discoveries, including the
observation of a long-predicted conformational switch between the peptide hormone’s solution stable
form and its bioactive conformation for receptor binding.[1] Although receptor-bound and free insulin
structure have been well characterized by X-ray crystallography[2] and Cryo-EM,[3] how the peptide
undergoes the dynamic transition between these states remains unknown. Our research aims to
investigate the potential role of insulin’s three disulfide bridges (A6-A11, A7-B7 and A20-B19) in
influencing conformational change of the peptide structure between inactive and bioactive
conformations. Replacing flexible native cystine linkages with structurally rigid and metabolically
inert C-C motifs offers a library of bridging geometries through variable hybridization (sp3, sp2, sp),
which can be used to probe the conformation required for bioactivity.[4] This has been achieved to date
with insulin’s A6-A11 intrachain disulfide bridge in which comparison between cis- and trans-alkene,
and native bridge demonstrated a key conformational transition facilitated by bridge geometry.[5]
Interchain dicarba bridge replacement presents a significantly greater synthetic challenge, whilst
retaining the added challenge of overcoming deleterious peptide aggregation, a common problem in
insulin analogue synthesis. This requires the development of several new interconnected strategies to
facilitate cross metathesis, including use of aggregation disrupting dehydroamino acid residues,
preformed bridging motifs and protecting group free conditions. Development of a library of
conformationally restricted analogues allows us to probe the structure function relationship of insulin
and promote development of more efficient therapeutics.
[1] J. G. Menting, Y. Yang, S. J. Chan, N. B. Phillips, B. J. Smith, J. Whittaker, et al. PNAS. 2014,
111, 33, E3395.
[2] F. Weis, J. G. Menting, M. B. Margetts, S. J. Chan, Y. Xu, N. Tennagels, et al. Nat. Commun.
2018, 9, 1, 4420.
[3] G. Scapin, V. P. Dandey, Z. Zhang, W. Prosise, A. Hruza, T. Kelly, et al. Nature. 2018, 556, 7699,
122-125.
[4] A. Belgi, J. V. Burnley, C. A. MacRaild, S. Chhabra, K. A. Elnahriry, S. D. Robinson, et al. J.
Med. Chem. 2021, 64, 6, 3222-3233.
[5] B. van Lierop, S. C. Ong, A. Belgi, C. Delaine, S. Andrikopoulos, N. L. Haworth, et al. Sci Rep.
2017, 7, 1, 17239.
22Oral Presenter Abstracts
POLYOXOMETALATES FOR COLORIMETRIC SENSING APPLICATIONS
Wenyue Zou1, Ana González 2, Rajesh Ramanathan1, José M. Dominguez-Vera2 and Vipul
Bansal1
1
NanoBiotechnology Research Laboratory (NBRL), RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC,
Australia
2
Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
wenyue.zou@rmit.edu.au
@Dr_WenyueZOU
Polyoxometalates (POMs) have been widely explored in catalysis due to their intriguing photoredox
chemistry. However, these materials have seen limited applicability in other areas. A particularly
exciting property of POMs is their ability to be reduced by single or multiple electrons, leading to a
family of mixed-valence species with a characteristic deep blue colour (“heteropoly blues”). Light
irradiation such as ultraviolet (UV) can also be used to assist the reduction of POMs in the presence of
a suitable sacrificial electron donor. The strong colour generated by reduced POMs can be detected
either by spectroscopy or even with naked-eye. This opens the opportunity of using POMs for
colorimetric sensing as: (a) different molecules have distinct abilities to donate electrons to POMs,
and (b) different irradiation energy and exposure time have distinct influence on the reaction, both of
which affect the colour generation, leading to diverse intensities of colour.
We investigated the photoredox reaction of different POMs with potential electron donors and have
used them to develop colorimetric sensors to solve real-world problems. These include: (1) a low- cost
personalised wearable UV sensor to help people manage their UV exposure, thereby reducing skin
cancer rate1; (2) an enzyme-free reusable sensor for real-time detection of alcohol in sweat and saliva
to provide a convenient on-site self-monitoring tool for drivers, thereby improving road safety2; (3) a
colour-based lactic acid sensor for rapid diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis to offer point-of-care (POC)
vaginal health monitoring, thereby benefitting female population3; and many more applications are on
the way.
References
1. W. Zou, A. González, D. Jampaiah, R. Ramanathan, M. Taha, S. Walia, S. Sriram, M.
Bhaskaran, J.M. Dominguez-Vera, V. Bansal. Nat. Commun. 2018, 9, 1, 3743.
2. M Sánchez, A. González, L. Sabio, W. Zou, R. Ramanathan, V. Bansal, J.M. Dominguez-
Vera. Mater. Today Chem. 2021, [In Press, MTCHEM-D-21-00109R1]
3. W. Zou, A. González, R. Ramanathan, D. Tyssen, G. Tachedjian, C. Bradshaw, J.M.
Dominguez-Vera, V. Bansal. [Communicated]
23Oral Presenter Abstracts
Painters, Puzzles and Phosphorescence: Understanding triplet excited states in
iridium(III) complexes
Timothy U. Connell,1 Stephen DiLuzio,2 Stefan Bernhard2
1
School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, Australia
2
Mellon College of Science, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
t.connell@deakin.edu.au
Luminescent transition metal complexes, especially those with a d6 electron configuration such as
iridium(III), exhibit unique optical properties attractive across a wide range of applications, including:
light emitting diodes (LEDs), oxygen sensing, organic photocatalysis, bioimaging, photodynamic
therapy, and solar fuel generation.1 Whilst emission colour can be controlled through judicious tuning
of the frontier molecular orbitals, achieved by altering the metal’s coordination environment, the
structural parameters that affect emission lifetime remain poorly understood. Lifetime is often
critically linked to application; short lifetimes prevent phosphor degradation in LEDs and the intrinsic
bi- molecular interactions in synthetic photocatalysis benefit from long-lived excited states.
Conventional approaches (either experimental time-resolved spectroscopy, or intensive computational
analysis) towards understanding the triplet excited state of individual transition metal complexes are
both time-consuming and expensive. Extrapolating these results across entire phosphor classes is
further hindered by a lack of standardized analytical procedures between different research groups. Is
it possible that an inverted approach, combining automated synthesis and data collection with
statistical analysis, yields greater fundamental understanding without the need for arduous
experimentation?
We tested this idea by preparing and measuring an unprecedented combinatorial library (>1,400
discrete complexes) of heteroleptic iridium(III) complexes consisting of diverse cyclometalating
(C^N) and diimine ancillary (N^N) ligands. Automated analysis of only the emission spectra and
excited state lifetime of each complex yielded both a predictive model for emission colour
(determined by ligand substituents) and insight into the factors that govern excited state lifetime.
References
1
Iridium(III) in Optoelectronic and Photonics Applications; Zysman-Colman, E. (ed.), John Wiley &
Sons; Hoboken, 2017
24Poster Presenters
Tania
PhI(OTf)2 does not exist (yet) Inorganic Chemistry
La Trobe University
Low-Temperature Hydrogen Sensor:
Ebstam Alenezy Enhanced Performance Enabled through
Applied Chemistry
RMIT University Photoactive Pd-Decorated TiO2 Colloidal
Crystals
Kyle Awalt The Development of Biased Bitopic Ligands
Monash Institute of Acting at the A 1 Adenosine Receptor as Medicinal Chemistry
Pharmaceutical Sciences Cardioprotective Agents
Porous Crystalline Materials for Hydrocarbon Computational
Ravichandar Babarao
Separations: Integrating Modeling and Chemistry; Materials
RMIT University
Experiments Chemistry
Fluorescence Based Aptasensors for the
Gayatri Bagree
Detection of Neuro-pathological Protein Chemical Biology
RMIT University
Conformers
Samridhi Bajaj A novel approach for the determination of
Electrochemistry
La Trobe University homogeneous kinetics using FT-ACV
Lei Bao Metallo-nanodroplets For Catalysis And Analytical Chemistry;
RMIT University Nanostructure Fabrication Physical Chemistry
Lachlan Barwise Electrochemistry;
Mediated Electrosynthesis of Au III Dichlorides
La Trobe University Inorganic Chemistry
Iain Currie
Walter and Eliza Hall Synthesis of Acyl Phosphoramidates Medicinal Chemistry;
Institute of Medical Employing a Modified Staudinger Reaction Organic Chemistry
Research
Computational studies of a novel whey Computational
Kevion Darmawan protein-based nutraceutical and its interaction Chemistry; Physical
RMIT University with the peptidoglycan component of lactic Chemistry; Food
acid bacteria Chemistry
Evaluation of Electrocatalytic Activity of
Oshadie De Silva Phase Controlled Cobalt Hydroxide and Electrochemistry;
RMIT University Porous Cobalt Oxide on Oxygen Evolution Nanochemistry
Reaction
Conversion of γ‐Valerolactone to Ethyl
Valerate over Metal Promoted Ni/ZSM‐5 Chemical
Jampaiah Deshetti
Catalysts: Influence of Ni0/Ni2+ Engineering;
RMIT University
Heterojunctions on Activity and Product Materials Chemistry
Selectivity
Building a New Fluorescent Reporter for Analytical Chemistry;
Siyang Ding
Measuring Carbonylated Proteins in Chemical Biology;
La Trobe University
Autophagy and Neurodegenerative Diseases Peptide Chemistry
25Poster Presenters
Nimrod Eren Tribulations and uses of lithiated allylic Organometallic
Monash University phosphines (and oxides) Chemistry
Biochemical and structural characterisation of
Katie Ganio
the Haemophilus influenzae PsaA ortholog, Chemical Biology
University of Melbourne
HIPsaA
Manuela Jörg
When Chemistry meets Structural Biology:
Monash University and
The first X-ray Structure of the Adenosine A1 Medicinal Chemistry
Newcastle University
Receptor
(UK)
A Simple RP-HPLC Method for the
Joel Johnson Analytical Chemistry;
Simultaneous Determination of Citrulline and
CQUniversity Food Chemistry
Arginine in Australian Cucurbits
Jomo Kigotho
Alternate Synthesis & Structural Elaboration Medicinal Chemistry;
Monash Institute of
of 2-Aminobenzimidazole Antimalarials Organic Chemistry
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Jaewon Kim Ultrasonic spray pyrolysis of tin oxide thin
Materials Chemistry
RMIT University films for transparent electrodes
Expanding the peptide synthesis toolkit to
Qingqing Lin produce bicyclic peptide mimetics for drug Peptide Chemistry
University of Melbourne
discovery
Irreversible Inhibition of Peroxidase-mimic
Piyumi Liyanage
Activity of 2-dimensional Ni-based Analytical Chemistry
RMIT University
Nanozymes in the Presence of L-cysteine
Chemical
Control Over the Reaction in Ag Prisms with
Sanje Mahasivam Engineering;
Au+ Ions Through Plasmon-mediated
RMIT University Materials Chemistry;
Chemical Reaction (PCMR)
Physical Chemistry
Pyria Rose Divina
Nanozymes as an Alternative Antibacterial to
MariaThomas Applied Chemistry
Antibiotics
RMIT University
Sanjeedha Mubarak Iron Regulation by C. Elegans Ferritins Inorganic Chemistry
University of Melbourne
Non-invasive detection of glucose in human
Sanjana Naveen Prasad
urine using a color-generating copper Analytical Chemistry
RMIT University
nanozyme
Susan Northfield Peptide BDNF mimetics with central and
Peptide Chemistry
University of Melbourne peripheral nervous system actions
26Poster Presenters
Crystal structure of a complex between the
Environmental
Nilakhi Poddar electron-transfer partners arsenite oxidase
Chemistry; Structural
University of Melbourne and cytochrome c552, from the arsenite
Biology
respiring bacterium Rhizobium sp. NT-26
ZIF-C for targeted RNA interference and
Suneela Pyreddy
CRISPR/Cas9 based gene editing in prostate Materials Chemistry
RMIT University
cancer
Rajesh Ramanathan Nanozyme sensor array for prediction of
Analytical Chemistry
RMIT University Staphylococcus aureus strains
Chemical
Peter Sherrell From Polarisation and Friction to Electricity -
Engineering;
University of Melbourne Mechanical Energy Harvesting in Polymers
Materials Chemistry
Patrick Taylor Tuning the Band Alignment of Van Der Waals Computational
RMIT University Heterostructures with Ferroelectric Materials Chemistry
Ian Thomas Chemical
IF Thomas & Associates
The 1974 UK Flixborough Disaster Engineering
Shannon Thoonen Chiral Detection with Fluorescent
Inorganic Chemistry
University of Melbourne Coordination Polymers
Transthyretin as a novel target for the Computational
Jia Quyen Truong
development of new drugs against Chemistry; Medicinal
RMIT University
demyelination diseases Chemistry
Perovskite-Inspired High Stability
Hayden Tuohey
Organometal Antimony(V) Halide Thin Films Materials Chemistry
RMIT University
by Post-Deposition Bromination
Structure Transformations and Responsive
Martin van Koeverden Inorganic Chemistry;
Properties of Porous Iron-based
University of Melbourne Materials Chemistry
Mixed-valence Frameworks
Inhibiting Glutathione Transferase P1
Claire Weekley Medicinal Chemistry;
(GSTP1) With Ruthenium-based
University of Melbourne Inorganic Chemistry
Metallodrugs: Do They Work as Designed?
A Simple Computational Approach for
Computational
Fathima Zahra Zahir Predicting Transition
Chemistry; Inorganic
University of Melbourne Temperatures in Valence Tautomeric
Chemistry
Complexes
27Organisers and Contact Information
Dr Katie Ganio
University of Melbourne
kganio@unimelb.edu.au
Dr Ganio is a protein biochemist and research fellow in the
Department of Microbiology and Immunology at The Peter
Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity. She investigates
the roles of metal-binding proteins in disease using inorganic
mass spectrometry techniques.
Dr Manuela Jörg
Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Dr Jörg is a Monash–Newcastle University research fellow in
medicinal chemistry located at the Monash Institute of
Pharmaceutical Sciences. Her research interest includes the
development of small molecular drugs and pharmacological
tools.
Dr Anitha Kopinathan
Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Dr Kopinathan is a research fellow in medicinal chemistry at
the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Her
research interests include fragment-based drug design as a
high-throughput methodology for the development of novel
small molecular drugs.
28Organisers and Contact Information
Dr Susan Northfield
University of Melbourne
Dr Northfield is a peptide and medicinal chemist in the
Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology. Her
research interests include the development of peptides as
chemical biology tools and therapeutic leads and the study of
peptide pharmacokinetics.
A/Prof Rajesh Ramanathan
RMIT University
rajesh.ramanathan@rmit.edu.au
Dr Ramanathan is a Materials Chemist and an Associate
Professor in the School of Science. His research interests
include creating new nanomaterials and fine tuning their
properties for applications in chemical and biological
systems.
Dr Claire Weekley
University of Melbourne
claire.weekley@unimelb.edu.au
Dr Weekley is a bioinorganic chemist and research fellow in
the Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology. She
applies X-ray techniques to study proteins, metallodrugs and
metals in biology.
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