Research Projects

Photoswitch molecules undergo light-induced isomerization between two or more (stable) states, leading to significant structural and electronic changes. This photochemical isomerization is accompanied by structural and electronic changes, leading to well-defined differences in properties and functions, rendering them useful for diverse applications, including optoelectronic switches, data storage, imaging, catalysis, ion sensing, drug delivery, and photopharmacology. A notable milestone is the development of azobenzene-based photoswitchable drugs, such as KIO-301, which have reached phase II clinical trials for restoring vision in late-stage retinitis pigmentosa. However, a major challenge lies in translating the optimized properties of photoswitches from laboratory environments to the complex biological settings of the human body. The human eye, composed of tissues with distinct structures and behaviors, presents an intricate environment vastly different from the controlled conditions in which photoswitch molecules are studied. Interestingly, body tissues exhibit attributes akin to nematic liquid crystal (LC) phases, self-organized anisotropic systems known for their relevance in tissue behavior modeling and disease understanding. LCs, used to study processes like epithelial expansion and atherosclerosis, offer a unique medium to investigate the behavior of photoswitch molecules. While significant work has been done on how photoswitch molecules influence LC properties, such as inducing phase transitions and controlling orientation, the reverse—how LC media affect photoswitch behavior—remains largely unexplored. Understanding this interplay is crucial, as it can provide insights into the photophysical and photochemical properties of photoswitches, including isomerization dynamics and molecular interactions, in anisotropic environments. This project focuses on examining the behavior of several photoswitch molecules (orthofluoroazobenzenes, azoheteroarenes, arylhydrazones, indigoids, and spiropyrans) in nematic LC solvents (achiral and chiral), aiming to uncover how such media influence their efficiency and function. By categorizing photoswitches according to their photoisomerization mechanisms, this study will systematically investigate the influence of liquid crystal environments on their properties and compare these findings with their behavior in solution state. The outcomes are expected to bridge fundamental science and application-driven innovations. For instance, the study of bacterial motility in nematic LC media has already contributed to interdisciplinary breakthroughs, merging microbiology, materials science, and biophysics. Similarly, this research will establish foundational knowledge to inspire innovations in medicine and material science.