Assistant Professor
B.Sc. (University of Campinas, 2010)
Ph.D. (University of Florida, 2015)
Postdoctoral Fellow (Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, 2016-2020)
Research Group Leader (Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, 2020-2023)
Contact Information
Office: OM 220
Phone: (514) 399-9567
Email: Gonzalo.Cosa [at] McGill.CA (L)ucas.Cairedasilva [at] McGill.CA
Group Website: Caire da Silva Group Website
Research Themes
- Materials Chemistry
- Chemical Biology
- Green and Sustainable Chemistry
Research Description
Traditionally, chemistry has relied on large-scale reaction vessels to create the molecules that make up our modern society. However, this approach faces many challenges, such as waste generation, use of toxic solvents, low yields, and limited efficiency in multi-step reactions. To tackle these issues, our research group is exploring new ways of doing chemistry that are inspired by the efficient and sustainable chemistry of natural cells.
We design and build synthetic nano and microreactors from scratch, which mimics the organizational, adaptive, and structural features of cells. Our research combines expertise in various fields of chemistry, including polymer, colloid, biochemistry, supramolecular chemistry, and microfluidics.
We are interested in dynamic and functional hierarchical 3D materials that mimic the efficiency and complexity of biological structures. By engineering nano and microenvironments, we can improve catalytic processes and develop artificial organelles that can be incorporated into cells. We are also exploring microreactors for catalytic transformations in multi-component systems.
Interested? Join the team! You can help us develop innovative bioinspired solutions for sustainable and efficient chemical processes.
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