Research Projects

This proposal focuses on synthesizing cellulose-based nanocrystals and labeling them with fluorophore units. The interaction studies with biologically important molecular systems and corresponding photophysical and dynamical outcomes are also important areas of focus. The proposal extends solution-based studies to more complex cellular environments. The PI has published over 200 publications using various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques in various research fields in Chemistry. The interaction with various biomolecules includes the delivery of life-saving drug molecules using nanocrystals, allowing for more accurate drug delivery. The excited state photophysical and dynamical information of fluorophore attached nanocrystals and their conjugates with biomolecules require the use of time correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) set up with varying excitation LASER sources. The temperature sensitivity of synthesized nanocrystals and their fluorophore assemblies also requires temperature-dependent attachment with the TCSPC set up for extensive temperature-dependent photophysical studies. The lab's TCSPC setup is outdated and needs a complete upgradation to run smoothly.