Principal Research Interests
Our research involves the fields of molecular recognition and supramolecular chemistry. A major focus of the group is on the development of organic functional materials such as chemosensors and optoelectronic materials.
We aim to develop optical and electrochemiluminescent sensors for biologically and clinically important molecules such as ions, amino acids, peptides, proteins, phosphates, pyrophosphates, carbohydrates, nucleotides and nucleic acids. Recently, we developed highly selective pyrophosphate sensors. Continuous works are directed at the bioanalytical applications such as an enzyme assay, a DNA/RNA sequencing technique, disease diagnosis and bioimaging. We are also involved in investigations on two-photon absorption (TPA) systems for sensing of signal molecules to ultimately address cellular processes involving biological ions and molecules in situ.
We are investigating a new method for the construction of activity-based fluorescent probes that are useful for detecting specific proteins and enzymes that can be used as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers in homogeneous solution. This area opens up new opportunities in a non-immunological diagnostic probe and its application to new drug development.
One of the specific research programs involves the development of functional self-assembled superstructures based on metal-ligand and hydrogen bonding interactions. We are particularly interested in the generation of helical structures, tubular structures, chiral capsules, organogels, and hydrogels. These supramolecules will be applied to molecular containers, chiral separation and molecule delivery.
Other important projects include the development of optoelectronic materials for organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), organic thin film transistors (OTFTs), dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and organic solar cells (OSCs). This project covers the molecular design of highly efficient organic and organometallic compounds, synthesis, photophysical studies, device fabrication and characterization.