Medicinal Inorganic Chemistry
Our research focus:
We are developing new metal complexes that specifically target cancer with high efficacy and low levels of side effects. Since these compounds are typically prodrugs, a detailed understanding of their in vitro and in vivo speciation, and the identity of active species, are central to our design of new drug candidates. To understand mechanisms of activity we use a variety of chemical, biochemical, spectroscopic, and theoretical methods in these studies.
We are developing new metal complexes that specifically target cancer with high efficacy and low levels of side effects. Since these compounds are typically prodrugs, a detailed understanding of their in vitro and in vivo speciation, and the identity of active species, are central to our design of new drug candidates. To understand mechanisms of activity we use a variety of chemical, biochemical, spectroscopic, and theoretical methods in these studies.
Specific areas of research:
- Mechanisms and biological interactions of ruthenium and copper anticancer compounds
- Design and synthesis of new metal-based anticancer drugs targeting specific biomolecule interactions
- Development of redox-activated metal-based anticancer compounds for tumour targeting
- Application of EPR spectroscopy to the mechanisms of paramagnetic metallodrug candidates
- Structure and Reactivity of paramagnetic species, such as radicals, spin traps, reactive oxygen species
Techniques:
We combine inorganic synthesis, chemical biology and spectroscopy to relate the structures of metal centres to reactivity. Many of the systems we study are paramagnetic, and we use electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and electron-nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) to study paramagnetic metal centres and radical chemistry. We also use NMR extensively to characterise diamagnetic species produced by redox processes, and to study reaction products and kinetics in catalytic systems. These methods are supplemented by DFT calculations of molecular properties and spectroscopic parameters.
We combine inorganic synthesis, chemical biology and spectroscopy to relate the structures of metal centres to reactivity. Many of the systems we study are paramagnetic, and we use electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and electron-nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) to study paramagnetic metal centres and radical chemistry. We also use NMR extensively to characterise diamagnetic species produced by redox processes, and to study reaction products and kinetics in catalytic systems. These methods are supplemented by DFT calculations of molecular properties and spectroscopic parameters.