RSC Advances Blog

We are delighted to introduce the next contribution to our New Principal Investigators collection.

Read the paper

Simple divalent metal salts as robust and efficient initiators for the ring-opening polymerisation of rac-lactide

Phoebe A. Lowy and Jennifer A. Garden

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is emerging as a leading sustainable polymer due to its bio-derived and biodegradable nature. The demand for PLA based products is rapidly increasing, which has prompted significant advancements into new catalyst design. Many recent developments focus on low-toxicity metals supported by a tailor-made ligand scaffold. In this study, we demonstrate that zinc benzoxide, a simple salt without a supporting ligand, delivers excellent catalytic activity under specific conditions. Notably, this includes industrially relevant conditions, including high monomer loadings, bulk polymerisation conditions, and polymerisation of technical-grade lactide in the presence of air.

Meet the Principal Investigator

Jennifer A. Garden received her MSci (1^st Class, Hons, 2010) and her PhD from the University of Strathclyde, the latter under the supervision of Prof. Robert Mulvey. This was followed by 2 years as a postdoctoral researcher in the group of Prof. Charlotte Williams at Imperial College London. In 2016, Jenni moved to the University of Edinburgh as the first recipient of the Christina Miller Fellowship, which was followed by a Ramsay Memorial Fellowship, a L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science UK & Ireland Fellowship and a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship. The work of Jenni and her team has been recognised by several awards including the 2019 Macro Group Young Researcher Medal and the 2021 RSC Sir Edward Frankland Fellowship.

You’ve recently started your own group, what are the big research question/s your group will be focussing on?

My research group focusses on enhancing polymer sustainability, underpinned by new catalyst design. We explore cooperative catalysis, where multiple metals work synergistically to improve catalyst performance. Our work spans from molecular to macromolecular levels, and aims to develop new sustainable materials, understand how catalyst design influences the polymer structure and material properties, and advance recycling processes.

What inspired you to get into science?

I’ve always had a passion for science, and as a child, my best friend and I would play “potions” by mixing various bubble baths, shampoos and toothpaste. Unfortunately, this once included her dad’s expensive aftershave! However, it wasn’t until the second year of my undergraduate degree that I realised I wanted to pursue research. I was fortunate to spend a summer as a Carnegie Scholarship student in the Mulvey group, where I created a molecule that had never been synthesised before. This experience opened my eyes to the creativity and design that are inherent in science, and from that moment, I was hooked! What continues to inspire me are my incredible team, the opportunity to continuously learn more about science, and the knowledge that science can play a crucial role in addressing global challenges and environmental concerns.

What advice would you give to those who are seeking their first group leader position?

My main piece of advice is to find a good mentor. I have been incredibly fortunate to have had fantastic mentorship throughout my career. My mentors have given me with invaluable guidance, support and encouragement. They have continuously pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and to pursue opportunities I might once have thought were beyond my reach. Early in my career, I made a commitment to myself that I wouldn’t talk myself out of applying for new opportunities – and I’ve been amazed by some of the results! I also believe that it’s important to build resilience. During the tough times, I turn to a few iconic poems and speeches that remind me of the importance of character and perseverance. One of the best pieces of advice I’ve been given is to truly celebrate your successes, no matter how big or how small! It can be easy to move on to the next thing, but pausing and taking time to acknowledge achievements, both for yourself and your team, can be both motivational and uplifting.