Computational Studies of Anti-Cancer Photochemistry

The use of light as a medical treatment has a long history and there are currently very sophisticated approaches such as photodynamic therapy (PDT) used in cancer treatment. However, detailed understanding limits design of new agents. Here computational chemistry can be invaluable in determining the nature of excited states involved, their relaxation pathways, and the interaction of photoproducts with biological apparatus that can be targeted for therapeutic use.

This project will continue our work in this area. We have previously looked at both organic[1] and inorganic[2] systems for photodynamic therapy. We have also investigated two-photon absorption as means of optimally initiating the photochemistry in the tissue transparency window.[3] In this project we will extend the work to investigate photochemical dynamics and spin-crossover effects that are vital in PDT. We will utilize a wide range of modern computational chemistry tools including response theory and multi-reference methods for non-adiabatic coupling between electronic states.

See our group website at http://theophotochem.eps.hw.ac.uk/Home.html

The Institute of Chemical Sciences (ICS) is an excellent environment for PhD research, with a thriving community of academics, post-doctoral and PhD researchers spread across three sections: Molecular Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, and Dynamics and Structure. ICS also has many links to the other research institutes within the overall umbrella of the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, providing a strong interdisciplinary theme to our research. Heriot-Watt University occupies an attractive campus site on the outskirts of Edinburgh, with excellent public transport links to the centre of one of the Europe’s most exciting cities.