Prof. Ann-Christin Pöppler is a Professor of Organic Structural Chemistry at the University of Würzburg, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute of Organic Chemistry. She leads an active research group focused on NMR spectroscopy to investigate drug-polymer formulations and structural chemistry in biologically relevant environments. Her research centers on understanding drug molecules and their interactions in solid state and solution, synthesis and analysis of polymer platforms/hydrogels, and studying drug-matrix interactions for controlled release applications. Her group employs a versatile toolbox including 1D and 2D NMR in isotropic and anisotropic environments, diffusion NMR, solid-state NMR at various MAS speeds combined with DFT calculations and diffraction methods, DSC, and TGA. Prof. Pöppler's research spans multiple disciplines with a strong emphasis on pharmaceutical applications, materials science, and structural characterization. Her work demonstrates how NMR techniques can provide molecular-level insights into complex drug delivery systems, particularly focusing on how drugs interact with polymer matrices and biological environments. Her scientific contributions show a consistent focus on structural chemistry with applications in drug delivery, particularly examining poly(2-oxazoline) systems, bile-drug interactions, and advanced NMR methodologies for characterizing complex formulations. The publications reveal strong collaborative networks across European institutions. Prof. Pöppler actively mentors students at all levels, with numerous PhD, Master's, and Bachelor's students completing research in her group. Recent graduates have secured positions at companies like BASF and Siemens Healthineers or continued academic careers. Her laboratory combines NMR spectroscopy with complementary methods such as PXRD and quantum chemical calculations (CASTEP/GIPAW). The group utilizes 400 MHz and 600 MHz spectrometers for solution NMR and solid-state NMR capabilities up to 60 kHz magic angle spinning. They also conduct organic synthesis of drug derivatives and modified polymers to support their structural characterization work.
