He has been part of the University of KwaZulu-Natal for the past fifteen years, teaching chemistry from first-year general courses to advanced Honours modules in bioinorganic chemistry, X-ray crystallography, spectroscopy, and group theory. His research bridges chemistry, medicine, and technology, with a focus on molecular structures studied through X-ray crystallography and the development of new metal-based compounds with potential anti-tumour properties. Supported by the National Cancer Institute (USA) and in collaboration with the Nuclear Energy Corporation of South Africa (Necsa), his work explores innovative applications of radiolabelled compounds, including the use of copper-64 as a theranostic agent for both cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Prof Ackerman’s Work revolves around the structure/activity relationships of novel metallodrugs, which have been designed to control the proliferation of neoplastic tissue, with various biological targets. This work covers a broad spectrum of inorganic chemistry beginning with molecule design and synthesis followed by X-ray crystallographic studies and then in vitro tumour cell screening. Once lead compounds are identified through their cytotoxicity profile, their mechanism of action is further studied using gelelectrophoresis. Where applicable, radio labelling is used to determine biodistribution and tumour up take in vivo.
Prof Ackerman’s current projects revolve around the synthesis of novel metallodrugs; these are mostly based on copper(II). These compounds have a unique mechanism of action and have in some cases shown selective uptake by neoplastic tissue in xenograft models. Many of the projects are carried out in collaboration with the Nuclear Energy Corporation of South Africa. This allows for the unique opportunities to radiolabel selected compounds for in vivo tumour cell studies. These projects have various spin-offs, which are also further studied. These include the study of supramolecular compounds and their association in solution as well as the solid state. These studies are further bolstered by molecular simulations. Working in my research group, you will be exposed to abroad range of chemical techniques including X-ray crystallography, NMR, EPR, IR and UV-visible spectroscopy as well as mass spectrometry and molecular simulations and in some case radiochemistry.
AL: Chemistry (PMB) and Associate Professor
Chemistry
akermanm@ukzn.ac.za
033 260 5293
