| University of Adelaide | Faculty of Sciences | School of Chemistry and Physics | Discipline of Chemistry |

Home People Research Publications News Links Group Meetings Tak W. Kee

Research Projects Curcumin (a)   Micelle and Protein Stabilization.  The methods to disperse curcumin in aqueous solution often involve using surfactant micelles and transport proteins. We investigate the ability of micelles and proteins in stabilizing this medicinal molecule. These studies aim at providing crucial insight into how curcumin is stabilized in biological systems in order to exhibit its medicinal properties. (b)   Metal Chelation in Medicinal Effects.  Curcumin shows strong affinity towards transition metal ions such as Cu2+ and Fe2+. We are investigating the role of metal chelation in the tautomerization process. The study could lead to crucial understanding in the anticancer and anti-Alzheimer’s effects of curcumin. (c)   Excited State Intramolecular Hydrogen Atom Transfer.  In collaboration with the group of Jake Petrich at Iowa State University, we use femtosecond fluorescence upconversion and time correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) to investigate the excited state intramolecular hydrogen atom transfer (ESIHT) process of curcumin. This work is relevant to the recently demonstrated photodynamic therapy properties of curcumin.   Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles (a)   Oxidative Defects.  The polymers of interest are polyfluorenes and polyphenylene vinylene derivatives. We prepare conjugated polymer nanoparticles using the method developed by the group of Jason McNeill, forming a stable aqueous suspension. The results indicate that the presence of oxidative defects could potentially promote the formation of nanoparticles and act as a stabilizing factor. (b)   Photo-Oxidation.  (c)   Surface Modification.    Nonlinear Optical Microscopy of Cardiomyocytes (a)   SHG Microscopy.  (b)   Physiology.  (c)   CARS Microscopy.

Updated 23 Dec 08