Advanced Probes for Biological Imaging

Our group works at the intersection of synthetic chemistry and optical spectroscopy, developing molecular probes for biomedical imaging. We are especially interested in phosphorescent probes, which are useful for sensing molecular oxygen and other small-molecule analytes.

We pursue interests in chemistry and spectroscopy of porphyrins and related pyrrolic dyes, optical energy upconversion, multiphoton absorption and magnetic field effects on luminescence. Imaging applications is the driving force behind our projects. Through collaborations we apply our probes and methods in neuroscience, stem cell biology, cancer therapy, tissue engineering, gastroenterology, ophthalmology and other areas of biological research.