Research Projects

The research aims to develop NIR-III (˃1500 nm) absorbing photothermal therapy (PTT) agents for deep-seated tumors. Current porphyrin-based PDT has limitations, including poor aqueous solubility, premature degradation, and short circulation time. The project aims to develop NIR-III absorbing PT agents using fused-porphyrin dimers coupled with strong acceptors through an acetylene bridge. The three principal objectives are to develop NIR-III absorbing PT agents, demonstrate superior photothermal conversion efficiency, and introduce phospho-lipid and cationic triphenylphosphine to improve bioavailability and selectivity. The project will involve several work packages, including synthesis, chemical characterization, formulation, photophysical characterization, electrochemical analysis, and in-vivo PTT studies. The project will significantly improve non-invasive cancer treatment using photothermal therapy in the NIR-III region, leading to better results and fewer side effects.