Education
Postdoc: Drug Delivery with Liposomes, University of Arizona, 1998-2001
PhD: Polymer Organic Chemistry, Washington University , 1998
Diplom (M.S.): Biology, Universität von Regensburg, 1993

Contact Information
374 Dow Science, Dept. of Chemistry
Phone: (989) 774-3956, Fax: (989) 774-3883
E-mail:  muell1a@cmich.edu http://www.cst.cmich.edu/units/chm/people/A_Mueller.htm

Research Fields
Materials for Medical and Environmental Applications

Current Research Projects
Polysaccharides for Skin Scaffolds: We are using a variety of polysaccharides to create a biocompatible skin scaffold that improves healing by delivering bioactive peptides inside the scaffold. We have also synthesized a new polysaccharide via an unusual enzymatic reaction. We are currently studying the mechanism of this reaction, as well as the use of this enzyme for other unusual syntheses for other biomedical applications. Heavy Metal Ion Removal from Wastewater by Imprinted Polymers: Heavy metal ions are persistent toxic compounds with a wide range of adverse health effects. They are also difficult to remove by current methods used in residential or industrial wastewater facilities. In this laboratory we are imprinting polymers to prepare resins with high capacities for heavy metal ions. Imprinting polymerization can be used for both hydrophilic and hydrophobic complexes. We are currently optimizing some of these resins and studying the preparation of filters from these resins. Hyperbranched Fluorinated Polymers for Fuel Cell Membranes Instead of using linear, crystalline polymers, as is common, for fuel cell membranes, we are synthesizing and testing branched, flexible polymers for fuel cell membranes. The flexibility of the polymers allows for improved phase separation and with that better proton pore formation. A variety of proton transporting groups will be tested; some of them are groups that the human body is using for its ion channels.