Research Projects

Molecular self-assembly is a fundamental bottom-up approach for constructing ordered supramolecular architectures through non-covalent interactions such as hydrogen bonding, π–π stacking, van der Waals forces, and hydrophobic effects. This process is ubiquitous in nature and materials science—governing the formation of proteins from polypeptides, lipid bilayers, colloids, molecular crystals, and phase-separated polymers. In recent years, self-assembly has become a powerful strategy for creating functional nanostructured organic materials with precisely tunable physicochemical properties. Among these, luminescent molecular aggregates have drawn significant attention for their unique and often enhanced photophysical behaviors—particularly in the context of biomedical applications such as phototherapy. These aggregates, especially those forming J-type assemblies, exhibit red-shifted, sharp, and intense fluorescence in the near-infrared (NIR) region. Such NIR-emissive systems are highly valuable for biological applications due to their deep tissue penetration, low background autofluorescence, and minimal photodamage. Phototherapy, encompassing photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT), offers a minimally invasive and spatially controlled approach to cancer treatment. PDT relies on the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), while PTT leverages localized heat generation to induce cancer cell death. In this context, the development of smart, NIR-responsive luminescent aggregates that can self-assemble and disassemble in response to specific physiological stimuli (such as pH, redox state, enzymatic activity, or protein binding) holds tremendous promise for targeted and controlled therapeutic action. This proposed research aims to explore and engineer novel luminescent materials based on donor–acceptor architectures, strategically functionalized to modulate their stacking, aggregation, and optical properties. The project will focus on understanding the reversible self-assembly/disassembly mechanisms in aqueous and biological environments, enabling the design of intelligent systems that can dynamically respond to cellular cues. By elucidating the relationship between molecular structure, supramolecular organization, and photophysical behavior, the research will establish new platforms for high-performance fluorescent probes with enhanced selectivity, responsiveness, and therapeutic efficacy. Ultimately, this work is expected to contribute significantly to the development of next-generation, stimuli-responsive luminescent materials for advanced bioimaging and targeted phototherapy.