Environmental Chemistry

= Fluorescent Molecular Sensors: Design, Synthesis and Applications:

The design of fluorescent sensors is of major importance because of the high demand in analytical chemistry, clinical biochemistry, medicine and the environment. Numerous chemical and biochemical analytes (cations, anions, neutral molecules and gases) can be detected by fluorescence methods. The success of fluorescence sensors can be explained by the distinct advantages offered by fluorescence detection in terms of sensitivity, selectivity, response time, local observation etc. Quantitative analysis of trace metal ions, recognition of anions and neutral molecules with the use of fluorescent receptors have become extremely important in the context of environmental and biological applications. The high sensitivity and abundance of fluorophores makes fluorescence technique among one of the most promising tools for chemo- and biosensor development. However, the selectivity of fluorescence molecular sensors remains a significant challenge. Thus new, efficient and reproducible synthetic pathway for expanding number and function of fluorescent receptors is attracting great interest.

So, we are interested in designing multidentate novel small-molecule fluorescent receptors selective for trace, toxic and heavy metals and also artificial DNA cleaving or intercalating molecules that are chemically stable and activatable by photoirradiation. The potential binding sites will be azo, imine, pyridyl, oxime, phenolic etc.

Emphasis will also be given to synthesize some bioinspired fluorophores with amino acid side chain. By means of chemical modification, it is possible to introduce a diverse range of functionalities that does not occur in natural systems and can not be incorporated by genetic methods. The ability to augment the genetically encoded amino acids with new amino acids, for example, amino acids with metal chelating, fluorescent, redox active, photoactive, or spin labeled side chains, significantly enhances the ability to manipulate the structures and functions of proteins inside the cell.

= Characterization:

The receptors will be characterised by different analytical techniques including Elemental (CHN) analysis, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, Optical rotation, GC-MS, HPLC, Absorption and Emission etc. The newly synthesized metal complexes will be characterized precisely by different physicochemical techniques including Elemental (CHN) analysis, various spectroscopic analyses (MASS spectra, IR, Absorption, Emission, NMR, ESR, ITC, etc.), magneto-structural studies and single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The electron-transfer properties in solution will be investigated by electrochemical techniques e.g cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry and constant potential coulometry.

So, this research area is of great academic interest due to the convergence of synthetic chemistry, coordination chemistry, environmental chemistry and their valuable contribution in biology and industry especially in pharmaceuticals and chemical industry.