Research Projects

Zinc homeostasis, which allows optimal zinc utilization in diverse life processes is responsible for the general well-being of human beings. Against this background, it becomes vital to study zinc dyshomeostasis as small changes can also trigger several health-related issues. Due to its +2 oxidation state, zinc escapes detection by conventional analytical and spectroscopic techniques. However, fluorescence spectroscopy proves helpful in this respect and by designing suitable ligands, zinc can be detected selectively even in the cellular pool of various ions. While multiple fluorophores are known for selective zinc sensing, their complex structure and big size restrict their commercial and medical use. In this proposal, our main objective will be to develop selective zinc sensors that can be easily synthesised without extensive protocols. Additionally, the synthesised probes will be relatively small compared with the existing fluorophores to be easily introduced into the cellular environment. Once the appropriate probes are identified, they will be used to perform in-vitro studies for monitoring zinc levels in insulin release, inflammation and apoptosis.