Research conducted in the Coordination and Bioinorganic Physicochemistry Group in terms of photochemistry focuses on studying the reactivity of transition metal compounds in electronically excited states and their possible applications in the field of inorganic photochemistry. Some of the research areas within inorganic photochemistry include phototoxicity, photodegradation, photocatalysis for environmental protection, photoactivation of pharmacologically relevant substances, photoinactivation of microorganisms, phototherapy (including photodynamic and photothermal therapy), and fluorescent markers.

In our studies, we investigate various photosensitizers and photocatalysts, including coordination compounds of d-transition metals, metal nanoparticles and metal oxides, often modified with organic compounds or metal complexes. We pay particular attention to both natural (such as chlorophylls and their modified derivatives) and synthetic (porphyrins, chlorins, and bacteriochlorins) macrocyclic compounds. Among various photosensitizers, synthetic halogenated bacteriochlorins, active in the near-infrared range, have shown promise for photodynamic anticancer therapy (in collaboration with scientists from the University of Coimbra). Photosensitizers based on TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles modified with organic compounds have found applications in photodynamic inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms.

Complexes of Ru(II) with polypyridyl ligands are a good example of the use of coordination compounds as photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy. We investigate the potential application of Ru, Pt, Ir complexes in both photodynamic therapy and combined therapies, integrating photobiological, cytotoxic, and anti-metastatic activities of the synthesized complexes. We are interested in understanding the mechanisms of reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen (RNS) species production in both: aqueous solution and in vitro systems, including experiments under conditions of low oxygen concentration (hypoxia). We focus on a detailed understanding of the mechanisms of cell death induced by irradiation of the synthesized complexes. Designed and synthesized photosensitizers are also examined for their potential use in environmental remediation processes.

Sample research projects include:

"Photodynamic Therapy Combined with Immune Checkpoint PD1/PDL1 Therapy: New Opportunities in the Treatment of Immunogenic Tumors."
"Nanoencapsulated Photosensitive Drugs in Photodynamic Therapy for Resistant Tumors and Microorganisms."
"Mechanisms of Toxicity and Phototoxicity of Photoactive Metal Oxide Nanomaterials."