Chemical Communications Blog

We are excited to share the success of Puja Prasad’s first-time independent article in ChemComm; “Aggregation-induced emission luminogens for latent fingerprint detection” included in the full milestones collection. 

Read our interview with Puja below.

What are the main areas of research in your lab and what motivated you to take this direction?

Our lab is working on synthesis and application of small molecule in biosensing and therapeutics. Presently we are broadly working on three area (a) Development of metal-based complexes as anticancer agent and antibacterial agent; (b) Development of high-throughput sensors arrays for Pathogen identification and antimicrobial susceptibility test and, (c) Development of novel luminogens probes having unique property of aggregation induced emission for the detection of amyloids, metal ions or visualization of latent fingerprinting.

Can you set this article in a wider context?

Latent fingerprinting (LFP) plays an important role in identification of individual mainly in the realm of criminal investigation. Our highlight articles have shown the development of aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) in the field of LFP detection. AIEgens with opulent photophysical properties, such as large Stokes’ shift, high quantum yields, long luminescence lifetimes, high photostability has emerged as potential candidate to provide prima facie evidence of individual identity.

This highlight focuses on structural design of AIE-active molecules and their interactions involved in LFP detection. In addition, several future perspectives and new strategies have been highlighted for overcoming the limitations associated with AIEgen in visualization of LFP. We, believe that this “highlight” will help in rational designing of AIE-active molecules and inspire the scientific community to explore full potential of AIE molecules in the field of forensic and biometric science.

What do you hope your lab can achieve in the coming year?

In coming year, our lab would like to explore the application of AIEgens in various biosensing and therapy and contribute significantly in the scientific communities.

Describe your journey to becoming an independent researcher.

The turning point of my life was when I got selected as integrated Ph.D. student in one of the reputed research institutes i.e. Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, India. During my stay at IISc, I was fascinated with interdisciplinary fields related to chemistry and biology. Therefore, to pursue my Ph.D., I joined Bioinorganic and Medicinal Chemistry laboratory under Prof. Akhil Ranjan Chakravarty where I have designed and synthesized “novel bioactive metal-complexes for their potential therapeutic application in photodynamic therapy (PDT)”. After completing my Ph.D. in year 2014, I was fortunate to get a postdoctoral position under Prof. Patrick. J. Sinko at Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, USA. The postdoctoral work at Rutgers University was involved in “nanoparticle-hydrogel composite system for the delivery of anti-inflammatory drugs”.

In year 2016, I was awarded prestigious National Postdoctoral Fellow, where I worked on nanoparticle synthesis for biosensing lipopolysaccharide (LPS) which is the pathogenic component of Gram-negative bacteria etc. In year 2019, I worked as CSIR-Senior Research Associate under mentorship of Prof. Shalini Gupta at Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. During this tenure, I worked on “novel platform    strategies for targeting bacterial infections to combat antimicrobial resistance. Apart from this I was also a part of an interesting project on early detection of pan-cancer using cfDNA through impedance spectroscopy. In July 2022, I joined as Assistant Professor at Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

Best piece of advice ever given to me “more than doing experiment, spend more time on analysing the data”

Why did you choose to publish in ChemComm?

I choose to publish in Chem Comm. because it is internationally recognized and reputed journal. Further, Chem. Comm has wide readership with broad range of influential and diverse field of audience. This will help to increase the visibility of my group within scientific community.

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​Puja Prasad received her B.Sc. from Calcutta University. She received her M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees from the Indian Institute of Science Bangalore in 2014 under the supervision of Prof. Akhil R. Chakravarty. She then joined Prof. Patrick J. Sinko’s group, Rutgers University, USA, for her postdoctoral research (2014–2015). Furthermore, she received a prestigious National Postdoctoral Fellowship (2016–2018) and was a CSIR-Senior Research Associate (2019–2022) and worked under the mentorship of Prof. Shalini Gupta, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. She joined Amity University Uttar Pradesh in the year 2022 as an Assistant Professor. Her research interest includes development of AIEgens for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

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We are excited to share the success of Kate Marczenko’s first-time independent article in ChemComm; “Polymorph driven diversification of photosalient responses in a zinc(ii) coordination complex” included in the full milestones collection. 

Read our interview with Kate below.

What are the main areas of research in your lab and what motivated you to take this direction?

We are very interested in exploiting intra- and inter-molecular design strategies for imparting stability, unusual reactivity, and/or targeted responses in molecular crystals. This direction is largely built from my continuing interest in crystallography and structure-property relationships. Crystal structures contain a wealth of information that can reveal unique insights into the behavior and applications of crystalline materials. By understanding these structures, we can tailor their performance in various applications, such as stimuli-responsive materials, energy conversion, and sensing technologies. Our research aims to utilize these structure-property relationships to develop innovative crystalline materials.

Can you set this article in a wider context?

Light-responsive materials have gained significant attention in materials science due to their dynamic properties under light stimuli. They are valuable for diverse applications such as energy storage, biomaterials, sensing, and actuation. Recent studies have focused on tailoring the actuating properties of functional molecular crystals to regulate dynamic properties, including the Photosalient Effect (PSE). The PSE results from sudden and rapid observable actuation of crystalline materials in response to light. The degree, or magnitude, of the PSE is closely related to structural transformations during the photochemical reaction. However, details pertaining to these transformations are difficult to ascertain due to significant disintegration of the material and loss of crystallinity accompanying the PSE.

This article presents a novel phase of a Zn(II) coordination complex that undergoes a photochemical [2+2] cycloaddition reaction via one of its 1-(4-naphthylvinyl)pyridine ligands in the solid state. This transformation is accompanied by (i) a moderate photosalient effect and (ii) a single-crystal to single-crystal transition, allowing for continuous monitoring of the unit-cell parameters and therefore internal crystalline strain. Our novel form highlights the importance of structure-property relationships and serves as a bridge in understanding the diversification of photo-mechanical responses among polymorphs of the same compound. This work highlights the role of polymorphs in fine-tuning the magnitude of the PSE and challenges previous notions about the necessity of substantial anisotropic changes for observable photomechanical effects.

What do you hope your lab can achieve in the coming year?

The next year will be very exciting for me professionally and personally! I am expecting my first child and will be taking some time off for parental leave. I hope this inspires people in STEM to continuously reach for fulfillment in all aspects of their life (whatever that may look like!). I also hope my lab can continue to find excitement and make strides in understanding and manipulating crystal structures to unlock new functionalities and applications.

Describe your journey to becoming an independent researcher.

I obtained my B.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of Guelph (2016) and a M.Sc. in Inorganic Chemistry from McMaster University (2018). My Master’s research focused on transforming shock-sensitive xenon oxides to shock-insensitive materials. In 2018, I moved to Atlantic Canada to complete my Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry at Dalhousie University (2021). My Ph.D. research examined the chemistry of heavy Group 15 amides. In 2021, I returned to the University of Guelph as a Crystallographer and Instructor. I started my independent career at Carleton University (Ottawa, ON) a little less than 2 years later, on June 1, 2023.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

Ironically, the best advice I’ve ever gotten is to not take every piece of advice I hear. Instead, I should pick and choose what works for me. By doing this, I’ve found that I can carve out my own path, using the advice that really fits with my own experiences and goals.

Why did you choose to publish in ChemComm?

I chose to publish in ChemComm because it is an internationally recognized journal with a strong reputation within the field of chemistry. Its broad readership ensures that our research reaches a diverse and influential audience, which we hope will promote new collaborations.

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​Kate Marczenko obtained her B.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of Guelph (Guelph, ON). She completed an honours project in the laboratory of Prof. Michael Denk and held a work placement in the laboratory of Prof. Dmitriy Soldatov. Subsequently, Kate obtained a M.Sc. in noble gas and fluorine Chemistry under the supervision of Prof. Gary Schrobilgen at McMaster University (Hamilton, ON). She worked on transforming shock-sensitive xenon oxides to shock-insensitive materials. In 2018, Kate moved to Eastern Canada to join the group of Prof. Saurabh Chitnis at Dalhousie University (Halifax, NS). Her Ph.D. thesis examined the chemistry of heavy Group 15 amides. In 2021, Kate returned to the University of Guelph as a Crystallographer and Instructor. Kate started at Carleton University (Ottawa, ON) on June 1, 2023.

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We are excited to share the success of Arnaud Thevenon’s first-time independent article in ChemComm; “A π-extended β-diketiminate ligand via a templated Scholl approach“ included in the full milestones collection. 

Read our interview with Arnaud below.

What are the main areas of research in your lab and what motivated you to take this direction?

Catalysis is playing and will play an essential role in the energy, resource, and material transitions that our society is facing. In my research group, we aim at developing new concepts in thermo- / electro- / photo-chemical catalysis to contribute to these transitions. Our main research areas cover three topics: 1) exploring homogeneous molecular mimics of Single Atom Catalysts for the electrochemical conversion of small molecules; 2) developing new catalysts to convert waste and renewable feedstocks into polymers that are intrinsically circular by design; 3) creating new (electro/photochemical) post-polymerization modification methods to incorporate new functionalities into polymers.

Can you set this article in a wider context?

The discovery of Single Atom Catalysts (SACs) is one of the most exciting recent breakthroughs in the realm of (electro-)catalysis. Constituted of isolated, individual transition metal atoms dispersed on, and/or coordinated with, the surface of a heterogeneous support, SACs enable the reasonable use of abundant metal resources and facilitate atom economy. Nowadays, they are widely used to catalyze many thermo-, photo- and electrochemical reactions (e.g., small molecules conversion, biomass valorization). However, the development of SACs with higher performances (e.g., new selectivity profile, higher activity) is now facing a wall. The heterogeneity of their active sites precludes mechanistic studies and the understanding of the structure/activity/selectivity relationship remain obscure. More precisely, it is still unknown how the coordination environment of active sites and how support/active site interactions affect the final performance of a SAC during a chemical reaction. In this project, we aim at creating molecular models of active sites of SAC and investigate their reactivity in presence of small molecules such as CO₂ to shed light on the synergy between the extended 𝛑-system and the metal center during catalysis.

What do you hope your lab can achieve in the coming year?

In the coming year, I hope we will make good progress in investigating/understanding the reactivity of first row transition metals coordinated to our benzo[f,g]tetracene BDI ligand in presence of various small molecules under reductive conditions.

Describe your journey to becoming an independent researcher.

My journey to becoming an independent researcher started at EPFL. During my undergraduate studies, I worked with Prof. Gabor Laurenczy on the Ru-catalyzed decomposition of formic acid. I then had the chance to conduct my Master thesis in the group of Prof. Paula Diaconescu, at UCLA, on redox-active catalysts for the polymerization of cyclic lactones. I subsequently moved to the University of Oxford, in the group of Prof. Charlotte K. Williams, where I obtained my PhD on the development of main group catalysts for the synthesis of oxygenated polymers. After completion of my PhD in 2018, I joined the group of Prof. Theodor Agapie at Caltech as a Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellow. My research focused on the development of hybrid heterogeneous Cu electrodes for the electroconversion of CO₂-to-fuels. At the end of 2020, I moved back to Europe to complete my Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowship in the group of Prof. Stefan Mecking, at the University of Konstanz, where I worked on the development of catalysts for olefin polymerization. Since August 2021, I joined the Organic Chemistry and Catalysis group as an assistant professor.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

At the start of my PhD degree, I received a birthday card from my daily supervisor, Dr. Jennifer Garden, with a quote: “Nullum magnum ingenium sine mixtura dementiae fuit”, attributed to Seneca. I console myself with that quote every time I come up with the next (unrealistic) Friday afternoon experiment to try!

Why did you choose to publish in ChemComm?

I chose to publish in ChemComm due to its high visibility and reputation within the scientific community.

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Arnaud Thevenon is an Assistant Professor at Utrecht University. He received his PhD (2018) from the University of Oxford under the supervision of Prof. Charlotte K. Williams. He was a Marie Skłodowska-Curie postdoctoral researcher at Caltech (2018-2021) in the group of Prof. Theodor Agapie and the University of Konstanz (2021) in the group of Prof. Stefan Mecking before joining Utrecht University in 2021. His research interest includes the development of homogeneous thermo/electrocatalysts for small molecules, biomass, and waste (plastic) valorization as well as the development of novel polymers that are intrinsically circular by design.

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We are excited to share the success of Showkat Rashid’s first-time independent article in ChemComm; “Chemoselective oxidation of aromatic aldehydes to carboxylic acids: potassium tert-butoxide as an anomalous source of oxygen“ included in the full milestones collection. 

Read our interview with Showkat below.

What are the main areas of research in your lab and what motivated you to take this direction?

Our lab is primarily focused on the synthesis of bioactive natural products having therapeutic potential against diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and AMR. Additionally, scalable synthesis of drugs/drug-like molecules, and the development of novel methodologies for building complexities are also pursued in our lab. During my high school days, I got the opportunity to watch some chemical reactions carried out by our science teacher which was highly fascinating to me. The impact of that exposure at the school level was so deep and I used to make crude soap from cooking oil and caustic soda at home. This interest in chemical reactions remained throughout my academic journey and motivated me to be an organic chemist.

Can you set this article in a wider context?

Carboxylic acids and their derivatives like esters, amides, and anhydrides represent quintessential building blocks for pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and polymer industries. The main chemical transformation to access carboxylic acids is the oxidation of corresponding aldehydes and these oxidations have been primarily implemented using stoichiometric amounts of various metal-based oxidants. Considering their serious toxicity issues, nascent H2O2 oxidations,
organocatalytic oxidations, and NHC-based oxidations have also emerged. Despite their promise, these methods suffer several limitations in terms of high catalyst loading, longer reaction times, limited substrate scope, and operational complexities.

Most of these reported methods utilize diverse primary or secondary oxidants (as oxygen sources) and proceed through Criegee intermediate which is difficult to handle, especially at an industrial scale. Any oxidation strategy that averts such an intermediate is highly desired. In this context, we have disclosed an unprecedented potassium tert-butoxide-mediated oxidation protocol for the conversion of aromatic/heteroaromatic aldehydes to their corresponding carboxylic acids. Interestingly, this method uses KOtBu as an oxygen source, and can easily oxidize a range of aldehydes to carboxylic acids under ambient conditions. The extraordinary chemoselectivity displayed by this method to oxidize a relatively less preferred functional group in the presence of more oxidation-prone functional group/s highlights the advantage of this protocol over the methods reported so far. Operational simplicity, fast reaction kinetics, fair substrate scope, and gram-scale operations are some of the highlights of this method.

What do you hope your lab can achieve in the coming year?

In the coming year, we are committed to exploring novel strategies for assembling complex natural products and drug-like molecules. New reactions involving a high level of selectivity and economy will be our prime focus.

Describe your journey to becoming an independent researcher.

Formally my research career started with the M. Phil degree enrolled at the University of Kashmir-Srinagar and I was fortunate enough to have worked with Dr. Bilal A. Bhat at the CSIR-IIIM Srinagar. My initial training was in medicinal chemistry and, exploration of plant-derived bioactive compounds against cancer. Subsequently, I joined Dr. Bhat for my doctoral studies and worked on a collaborative research project between Dr. Bhat and Prof. Goverdhan Mehta in the area of Natural product synthesis at the University of Hyderabad. During this time, I got trained in multistep synthesis and eventually completed the total synthesis of several complex bioactive natural/non-natural compounds. After completing my doctoral studies in 2019, I did my initial postdoctoral training with Prof. Mehta at the University of Hyderabad, and later in 2020 moved to Prof. Shinichi Saito’s research group at Tokyo University of Science-Japan, wherein my research was oriented toward the design and synthesis of rotaxane based molecular machines. My journey to an independent researcher began in 2022 when I joined the Natural Product and Medicinal Chemistry Division (NPMCD) of IIIM Jammu as a senior scientist and my present research interests are centered on the synthesis of bioactive natural products of medicinal importance and development of new organic transformations.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

Both of my Ph.D. supervisors, Dr. Bhat and Prof. Mehta trained me to be more realistic in life. Their advice used to be “There is no free lunch in life” and “It is always better to have one bird in the hand than two in the bush”.

Why did you choose to publish in ChemComm?

I believe that ChemComm is one of the highly reputed chemistry journals with a wide readership across all the disciplines of chemical science. In addition to being a competitive platform for novel and application-oriented research findings, the highly systematic and robust nature in terms of publishing these ideas are some of the factors that attracted me to publish in ChemComm.

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Dr. Showkat Rashid is currently working as a senior scientist at CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) Jammu-India. He pursued his Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and M.Phil. in chemistry from the University of Kashmir, Srinagar. Subsequently, he joined Dr. Bilal A. Bhat (Principal Scientist, IIIM-Srinagar) for his Ph.D. program and worked under a collaborative research project between Dr. Bhat and Prof. Goverdhan Mehta in the area of Natural product synthesis. His doctoral research encompassed diverse areas of contemporary interest in synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry. After completing his doctoral studies in 2019, Dr. Showkat did his initial postdoctoral training with Prof. Goverdhan Mehta at the University of Hyderabad, with a prime focus on the synthesis of complex bioactive natural products and molecules of human imagination. Later on, in 2020 he moved to Prof. Shinichi Saito’s research group at Tokyo University of Science-Japan, wherein his research was oriented towards the design and synthesis of molecular machines. These studies eventually led to the synthesis of novel fluorenone-based [2]-rotaxanes with potential applications as smart drug delivery systems. While in Japan, Dr. Showkat was awarded the prestigious start-up research grant by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), Japan for the year 2022-2023. At CSIR-IIIM Jammu, Dr. Showkat’s research interests are tuned towards the total synthesis of bioactive natural products/drugs, new methods for building complexity, and multistep synthesis of biologically privileged scaffolds having the potential to combat Alzheimer’s disease and antimicrobial resistance.

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We are excited to share the success of Abhijit Sau’s first-time independent article in ChemComm; “Deoxyfluorinated amidation and esterification of carboxylic acid by pyridinesulfonyl fluoride“ included in the full milestones collection. 

Read our interview with Abhijit below.

What are the main areas of research in your lab and what motivated you to take this direction?

Primary focus of our lab lies in designing and synthesis of biologically active molecules of medicinal interest. We desire to explore catalysis and mechanisms in depth to extend the present understanding in the organic reaction. Currently, our goal is to develop efficient methodologies for stereoselective synthesis of small molecules including synthesis of different glycosides and sugar-functionalized bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical application. During my school days, I was always excited to draw new organic molecules in my notebook. The idea that fascinated me was the possibility that a molecule may not exist, but I could bring it to existence by synthesizing it. I can create libraries of molecules yet unknown to science. This excitement always drives me to pursue unique challenges in synthetic organic chemistry.

Can you set this article in a wider context?

The amide bond synthesis is one of the most used reactions in medicinal chemistry. In this article, 2-pyridine sulfonyl fluoride has been employed as a deoxy fluorinating reagent of carboxylic acids to acyl fluorides under mild conditions, followed by one-pot amidation and esterification. Moreover, it is a more atom-economic amide coupling reagent than commonly used chemicals. This finding will encourage the extension of the synthesis of organofluorine compounds, which are the essential intermediate in several chemical transformations.

What do you hope your lab can achieve in the coming year?

In the coming year, we would like to further explore deoxyfluorination method on carbohydrate chemistry. Our aim is to offer a sustainable process to access complex natural and unnatural organic molecules including glycohybrid structures for potential application.

Describe your journey to becoming an independent researcher.

I progressed as a researcher after joining at Bose Institute for doctoral studies (with Prof Anup Kumar Misra). Throughout this time, I was interested in new catalytic methods for organic reactions, including carbohydrate functionalization and different types of coupling reactions. I was fortunate enough to get further opportunities that enabled me to continuously explore this diverse area specialising in stereoselective synthesis of 2-deoxy glycosides (with Prof. M. Carmen Galan at the University of Bristol, Unite Kingdom) and modifying the chemical reactivity of organic molecule using physical tools vibrational strong coupling (with Prof. Joseph Moran, University of Strasbourg). In 2021, I started my independent research journey to further explore the deoxyfluorinated chemistry and synthesis of different type of bioactive molecules.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

My postdoc supervisor’s wise words – “Do slowly but surely”

Why did you choose to publish in ChemComm?

ChemComm is one of the most renowned and reputed chemistry journal. ChemCom has greatly supported organic synthesis, constantly pushing new horizons with exciting publications showcasing novel ideas and robust findings. The pleasant surprise was the fast-paced timescale ChemComm adhered to.

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Dr Abhijit Sau earned his BSc (2007) and MSc (2009) in Chemistry from Vidyasagar University, West Bengal, India. Subsequently, he carried out his doctoral research at Bose Institute, Kolkata with Prof. Anup Kumar Misra during 2009 – 2014. Moving forward, Dr Sau secured Johan Gadolin postdoctoral fellowship from Åbo Akademi University, Finland, in 2014. In 2015, he started working as a postdoctoral researcher with Prof M. Carmen Galan at the University of Bristol, United Kingdom. Afterward, he joined the Prof. Moran group at the University of Strasbourg, France, with the prestigious Marie Curie postdoctoral fellowship. He was recognized for his academic excellence and was awarded the Ramanujan Fellowship from SERB, India, to start his independent career at CSIR-IICT Hyderabad in 2021. Since April 2022, Dr Sau has been working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at IIT Hyderabad. Webpage: https://iith.ac.in/chy/asau/

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We are excited to share the success of Jonathan De Tovar’s first-time article in ChemComm; “Insights into non-covalent interactions in dicopper(ii,ii) complexes bearing a naphthyridine scaffold: anion-dictated electrochemistry” included in the full milestones collection. 

Read our interview with Jonathan below.

What are the main areas of research in your lab and what motivated you to take this direction?

Our research team, CIRe, is actively engaged in addressing challenges related to bio-inspired catalysis, bio-targeted coordination chemistry, and photo-induced processes. CIRe’s work encompasses both fundamental research and practical applications, including strategies for the conversion of CO₂ and alkanes into high-value building blocks and hydrocarbon fuels, along with efficient solar energy utilization.

Additionally, while exploring diverse research domains, our trajectory is influenced by the challenges we encounter. For instance, we have delved into understanding the influence of non-covalent interactions in tuning the redox potentials of dicopper(II,II) complexes.

Can you set this article in a wider context?

This article positions itself within the broader context of non-covalent interactions in dicopper(II,II) complexes, with a specific focus on their impact on redox potentials. The significance of this work extends to the wider field of catalysis, where the exploration of non-covalent integrations holds promise for unlocking new possibilities in selective C-H functionalization. Our findings contribute to advancing the understanding of these interactions, providing valuable insights for the development of catalysts with enhanced efficiency and selectivity in challenging electrochemical reactions.

What do you hope your lab can achieve in the coming year?

In the coming year, our lab aims to further unravel the subtleties of non-covalent integrations in transition metal complexes for electrochemically catalyzed reactions. We aspire to refine our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and explore novel ligand architectures that enhance the catalytic performance of such complexes. Additionally, we aim to disseminate our findings through impactful publications and foster collaborations that will accelerate the translation of our research into practical applications.

Describe your journey to becoming an independent researcher.

My journey to becoming an independent researcher has been marked by a continuous exploration of both molecular and colloidal catalysts for small molecules activations. Starting from my doctoral studies, where I investigated Pd- and Co-based (nano)catalyst for C-C coupling reactions and artificial photosynthesis, progressively focused on the development of my expertise in designing and optimizing molecular catalysts for pivotal transformations.

Continuing as postdoctoral researcher in the design of catalysts exhibiting agostic interactions followed by their immobilization trough both covalent and non-covalent interactions, highlighted the importance of such interactions when understanding the modus operandi and fate of catalysts under turnover conditions.

This journey has been instrumental in shaping my commitment to addressing challenges in different electrocatalysis domains and establishing myself as an independent researcher in the field of non-covalent interactions.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

One of the most valuable advices I received came from my colleague Dr. Catherine Belle: “Sometimes, it’s not just about focusing solely on the immediate path but exploring lateral perspectives. Learning to see things from other points of view by changing your way of thinking may help you better understand what surrounds you.”

Why did you choose to publish in ChemComm?

Choosing to publish in ChemComm was a strategic decision aligned with the journal’s reputation for disseminating cutting-edge research. The rapid dissemination and broad readership of ChemComm provide an excellent platform for sharing our findings on non-covalent integrations in dicopper(II,II) complexes. By contributing to ChemComm, we aim to stimulate discussions within the scientific community and showcase the potential of our research to influence the broader landscape of catalytic transformations involving such non-covalent interactions.

Dr J. De Tovar completed his PhD in 2018 at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, where he explored Pd- and Co-based (nano)catalysts for C-C coupling reactions and artificial photosynthesis under the guidance of Dr. Jordi García-Antón and Dr. Xavier Sala. Notably, his research delved into photophysical and dynamical phenomena within molecular and colloidal systems, thanks to the privilege of engaging in collaborative research with esteemed scientists such as Dr. Karine Philippot (LCC-CNRS, Toulouse), Dr. Zoraida Freixa (UPV-EHU, San Sebastián), Dr. Antoni Llobet (ICIQ, Tarragone), and Dr. Nathan McClenaghan (ISM-CNRS, Bordeaux). Following his doctoral studies, J. De Tovar continued his research by joining Dr. Laurent Djakovithc and Dr. Franck Rataboul for a 2-year postdoctoral stay at the Institute des Recherches sur la Catalyse et l’Environnement de Lyon. There, he focused on developing NHC-containing Pd complexes for the in-situ generation of highly reactive Pd species in C-C coupling reactions. Afterward, he joined Dr. Vincent Artero and Dr. Matthieu Koepf at Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA-Grenoble), dedicating 2 years to studying the mechanisms of CO2 and N2 electrochemical reduction reactions using pincer-containing transition metal complexes. In 2023, J. De Tovar joined Dr. Aurore Thibon-Pourret and Dr. Catherine Belle at the Département de Chimie Moléculaire – Université Grenoble Alpes as a postdoctoral researcher, focusing on the development of Cu-based complexes for the activation and further selective oxidation of recalcitrant C-H bonds. His current research interests center around bio-inspired catalysis, showcasing his dedication to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in this dynamic field. Twitter/X: @DCMGrenoble Linkedin: Jonathan De Tovar Villanueva

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We are excited to share the success of James Cumby’s first-time independent article in ChemComm; “Mixed anion control of negative thermal expansion in a niobium oxyfluoride“ included in the full milestones collection. 

Read our interview with James below.

What are the main areas of research in your lab and what motivated you to take this direction?

I am interested in how, by substituting oxygen with another anion (such as fluorine) we can directly tune the properties of inorganic materials.

Beneath this simple idea lies a lot of complexity. For instance, while the number of metal oxides known is huge (~100,000) only a few (~5,000) oxyfluorides have been reported. For an experimental chemist, this gives a lot of choice of materials to discover! Even once synthesised, the arrangement of oxide and fluoride ions within the material can have a big influence, but is difficult to analyse. To address these problems, my group combines experimental synthesis with advanced crystallography, as well as using data-driven computational models to predict and understand new materials.

Can you set this article in a wider context?

Normally, materials expand as they get hotter. This can lead to problems like concrete cracking or dental fillings failing. A materials-based solution to these problems would be something that could stay the same volume as it was heated or cooled. Such materials exist, but they are very rare and difficult to design or control. In this research, we have discovered that by substituting oxygen with fluorine in a material we can directly control the thermal expansion behaviour. By tweaking the atomic composition, we can get a material that expands, stays the same, or even contracts as we heat it.

What do you hope your lab can achieve in the coming year?

Having discovered this new thermal expansion control, we hope to develop a better understanding of why it occurs and to extend the use of anion doping to related materials. Beyond this specific study, we will continue to develop machine learning models for predicting new materials, and to continue to develop tools to understand how anion structure influences physical properties.

Describe your journey to becoming an independent researcher.

I began my research career at the University of Birmingham, UK, where I made and characterised magnetic analogues of a rare mineral called Schafarzikite under the supervision of Prof. Colin Greaves. During my PhD, I also used density functional theory (DFT) calculations to understand the magnetic behaviour of these compounds. As a postdoc I joined the group of Prof J. Paul Attfield, FRS at the University of Edinburgh, UK. Here, my focus switched to understanding charge-driven phase transitions in solids such as magnetite. I continued to synthesise new materials and explore or simulate their properties, but also developed my expertise in crystallography. Adding to my expertise in neutron powder diffraction, I helped to push the limits of micro-crystal X-ray diffraction (measuring small powder grains using single crystal diffraction) and gained expertise in total scattering (pair distribution function) techniques for analysing short-range atomic structure. Throughout this time I developed my interest in using crystallographic data to aid materials discovery.

As an independent group leader I combine a variety of approaches to solve research problems, and continue to explore new areas at the intersection of solid state chemistry, materials science, condensed matter physics and crystallography.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

I’m grateful to the many people who have given me advice during my career so far, but I doubt any of it can be expressed in a single quote! In lieu of that, I think a good guiding principle was best expressed by Prof. Linus Pauling:

“The best way to have a good idea is to have lots of ideas”

Why did you choose to publish in ChemComm?

The ChemComm format is perfect for studies which highlight a new research area with the potential for further exploration. The broad readership is the ideal audience for our work which shows an interesting chemical phenomenon, even though the exact cause requires a more extensive study.

Dr James Cumby is a lecturer (assistant professor) in inorganic chemistry at the University of Edinburgh, working in the School of Chemistry and Centre for Science at Extreme Conditions. He received his PhD in chemistry from the University of Birmingham, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Edinburgh. Following a year in a teaching-focussed role, he launched the functional materials group in 2019. The functional materials research group aims to understand and exploit the effects of combining multiple anions in materials in order to control physical properties. Structure-property relationships are at the heart of what we do, and we try to ignore existing subject boundaries; methods we apply include experimental synthesis, detailed structural characterisation, and computational or data-driven methods. Twitter/X: @CumbyLab Website: www.cumby.chem.ed.ac.uk

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We are excited to share the success of Rajkumar Misra’s first-time independent article in ChemComm; “Metal-driven folding and assembly of a minimal β-sheet into a 3D-porous honeycomb framework“ included in the full milestones collection. 

Read our interview with Rajkumar below.

What are the main areas of research in your lab and what motivated you to take this direction?

My research group primarily revolves around the strategic design and fabrication of diverse higher order/supramolecular systems resulting from the self-assembly of minimal peptides and peptidomimetics. We eventually study these systems to explore their wide range of applications, including the development of smart biomaterials for tissue engineering and drug delivery, theragnostic agents, and functional materials to address global environmental challenges. We are fascinated the complex structures and functionalities observed in biological systems and are striving to mimic such higher order systems in the laboratory through molecular assembly.  We further work towards engineering the properties of the system by implementing post-synthetic modification.

Can you set this article in a wider context?

To set the article in a wider context, it’s essential to consider the broader landscape of the research in biomimetic materials, nanotechnology, and the interdisciplinary scientific research. Metal-peptide frameworks is an emerging area and presents a promising avenue for future research. Peptides are known to form various secondary structures. Among these, the β-sheet conformation is particularly prone to aggregation and tends to form a 1D-dimensional networks more frequently. The high aggregation propensity of β-sheets is highly evident from their implication in pathogenesis of various proteinopathies such as neurodegenerative disease (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s), diabetes mellitus among others. In our research, we demonstrated a departure from the typical trend. Specifically, we revealed that a minimal β-sheet-forming peptide, incorporating terminal metal-coordinated 4- and 3-pyridyl ligands, can undergo a metal-driven folding and assembly process to form a unique 3D porous framework. Notably, we highlight the significance of the position of the 3 and 4-pyridyl groups in constructing porous frameworks and/or metallogels, which served as a platform for the light-assisted in-situ growth of Ag nanoparticles. More intriguingly, the assemblies of β-sheets reported in this research mimic the tertiary structure of β-barrels, capable of forming channels, pores, and sites for binding and catalysis. Consequently, this article seamlessly integrates into the broader context of interdisciplinary sciences, encompassing biomimicry, functional materials, and bionanotechnology.

What do you hope your lab can achieve in the coming year?

In the coming year, we would like to delve deeper into this area with a medicinal chemistry perspective and focus on the development of engineered peptide based therapeutic agents targeting infectious and neurodegenerative disorders as well as smart biomaterials for tissue engineering purposes. We would also be working simultaneously in the area of metal peptide frameworks, aiming to fabricate novel scaffolds with intriguing applications.

Describe your journey to becoming an independent researcher.

After completing my doctorate in the field of functional foldamers at IISER Pune. I commenced my postdoctoral research at the University of Delaware, where my focus was on investigating the structure-assembly relationship of coiled-coil bundlemers. Subsequently, I spent an additional three years as a postdoctoral researcher at Tel Aviv University, delving into the realm of peptide hydrogels. Drawing from these research experiences, I transitioned to working as an independent researcher in the area of “Bioinspired Supramolecular Materials”.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

The best advice I ever got was to work hard and be patient.

Why did you choose to publish in ChemComm?

I chose to publish my work in Chemical Communications as it is a highly reputed peer-reviewed scientific journal that covers a broad range of topics including general chemistry, material science, interdisciplinary sciences etc in the chemical sciences. Moreover, it is known for its high impact factor, ability to reach a wide audience within the chemical community and the most importantly rapid publication process and great journal visibility.

Rajkumar Misra received his Ph.D degree in 2018 from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune under the supervision of Prof. H. N Gopi. Subsequently, he joined as a postdoctoral fellow in Prof. Darrin Pochan’s research group, the University of Delaware. After finishing the tenure, he joined Dr. Lihi Adler-Abramovich’s research group under the PBC scholarship program for outstanding post-doctoral students at Tel-Aviv University. He is currently an Inspire Faculty Fellow at the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), S.A.S. Nagar. His research interests are the exploration of supramolecular assembly of bioinspired building blocks, artificial peptides, foldamers, and metal-peptide frameworks (MPFs) for asymmetric catalysis, bio-functional and advanced medical applications.

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We are excited to share the success of Vishal Govind Rao’s first-time independent article in ChemComm; “Insights into interfacial mechanisms: CsPbBr3 nanocrystals as sustainable photocatalysts for primary amine oxidation“ included in the full milestones collection. 

Read our interview with Vishal below.

What are the main areas of research in your lab and what motivated you to take this direction?

Our research group is dedicated to exploring the fundamental properties of photocatalytic materials, with a focus on addressing pressing challenges in the field. While we have delved into various areas of research, our direction is primarily shaped by the obstacles we encounter. For instance, our exploration of perovskite materials led us to the common challenge of stabilizing them in polar solvents and water, which has become a central focus of our work.

With the depletion of fossil fuel reserves, the transition to solar energy has become imperative. To contribute to this shift, we employ plasmonic catalysis and perovskite catalysis to optimize photocatalytic efficiency. Our core objective revolves around enhancing charge/energy transfer dynamics at interfaces to boost catalytic yields while maintaining cost-effectiveness. This overarching goal underscores our commitment to advancing energy utilization through innovative research approaches.

While we are currently focused on immediate challenges, we recognize the importance of transitioning towards addressing issues related to the hydrogen economy and other emerging areas in the future.

Can you set this article in a wider context?

In our study, we utilized a process called photocatalysis, which typically involves three main steps: (1) a photocatalyst absorbing light to create charge carriers, (2) these charge carriers moving to specific sites where reactions occur, and (3) the transfer of these charge carriers to molecules on these sites, which helps certain chemical reactions happen. Specifically, we used lead halide perovskite nanocrystals to turn primary amines into imines. This research is significant because it contributes to the development of technologies that use renewable energy and support environmentally friendly chemical processes. By understanding how these reactions work on a fundamental level and adjusting how selective they are through surface interactions, our discoveries suggest ways to make energy use more efficient and chemical production more sustainable.

What do you hope your lab can achieve in the coming year?

In the upcoming year, our lab aims to maintain an active research agenda, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of scientific exploration. While we have specific aspirations, we understand that research entails embracing uncertainty. We appreciate that some of the most significant breakthroughs arise from unexpected observations and chance discoveries.

By remaining open-minded and adaptable, we strive to create an environment conducive to uncovering new insights. History has shown that unforeseen discoveries often pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in science, as demonstrated by numerous Nobel laureates. Thus, in the coming year, our lab eagerly anticipates the journey of discovery, ready to pursue new avenues of research wherever they may lead us.

Describe your journey to becoming an independent researcher.

My journey to becoming an independent researcher has been shaped by a deep appreciation for the collaborative nature of scientific inquiry. Despite being termed an “independent researcher”, I recognize that none of us operate in isolation. Instead, we are indebted to the wealth of knowledge and support that surrounds us. As the proverbial saying goes, “We can see further by standing on the shoulders of giants”.

Throughout my career, the guidance and camaraderie of mentors, collaborators, and colleagues have been pivotal in shaping my trajectory. What excites me most about research is the lively exchange of ideas, the iterative process of experimentation, and the eventual thrill of discovery. Every interaction, whether in the lab, at conferences, or through literature, enriches my understanding and ignites my curiosity for exploration.

In essence, my journey to independence as a researcher has been a journey of interdependence—a recognition of the invaluable contributions of others and a celebration of the collective pursuit of knowledge.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

The most valuable advice I received came from my Ph.D. supervisor, Dr. Nilmoni Sarkar. Despite being a man of few words, his actions spoke volumes. He taught me that true research springs from within; scientists aren’t inherently geniuses but rather individuals driven by curiosity about the problem of interest. To thrive in research, one must cultivate that innate curiosity and dedicate oneself to the pursuit of answers. He emphasized that while discipline is necessary, forcing a set number of hours of work doesn’t guarantee results in research, as productivity in the field of research doesn’t solely depend on the maximum hours worked.

Why did you choose to publish in ChemComm?

In our lab, I often encourage students to assess the paper’s scope and select the appropriate journal for submission. In this instance, Monika chose ChemComm due to its wide readership, recognizing the platform it offers for reaching a broad audience.

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Vishal Govind Rao holds the position of Assistant Professor of Chemistry at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Banaras Hindu University in 2007, followed by his Master of Science and Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, under the supervision of Professor Nilmoni Sarkar. During his doctoral research, Vishal delved into various photophysical and dynamical phenomena within microheterogeneous systems containing ionic liquids. Following the completion of his Ph.D., Vishal embarked on a 3.5-year postdoctoral stint at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. During this period, he employed single-molecule spectroscopy to investigate the interfacial electron transfer dynamics in dye-sensitized solar cells. Subsequently, he transitioned to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where he dedicated 2 years to studying the mechanism of photocatalysis on plasmonic metal nanoparticles. In 2019, Vishal returned to India and joined IIT Kanpur as an Assistant Professor, where he has remained committed ever since. His research team is actively engaged in addressing challenges related to perovskite stability and exploring their applications in photocatalysis. Additionally, they focus on plasmonic photocatalysis, interfacial charge transfer dynamics, strategies for efficient solar energy utilization, and the conversion of carbon dioxide into hydrocarbon fuels. Twitter: @VishalGovindRao

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We are excited to share the success of Yi (David) Ju’s first-time independent article in ChemComm; “Engineering poly(ethylene glycol) particles for targeted drug delivery“ included in the full milestones collection. 

Read our interview with David below.

What are the main areas of research in your lab and what motivated you to take this direction?

My research has two main streams: 1) understanding how physicochemical properties of nanomaterials mediate protein interactions and modulate downstream biological responses; 2) engineering advanced nanoparticle systems for biotechnology and medical applications. The most significant challenge in the development of nanomedicines is the recognition and inactivation by the immune system. When synthetic nanoparticles are introduced into the blood, they are coated with a multitude of host-derived biological components (including proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids) within the bloodstream. These coatings on the surface of the nanomaterials make up the biomolecular corona and regulate the downstream immune responses. The understanding of bio–nano interactions is essential in the therapeutic field and the development of nanomedicine formulations because it influences the final product utility. My vision is to exploit this goal towards developing new functional nanoparticles to overcome biological barriers and increase delivery efficiency to the target.

Can you set this article in a wider context?

It is well known that poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is the gold standard for the low-fouling surface modifications of nanomaterials. Various nanoparticles (NPs) have shown improved colloidal stability and stealth properties through PEG modification. Since 2013, we have focused on engineering PEG-based NPs, in which PEG is the only or one of the main components of the NPs. The present feature article summarizes our recent research in engineering PEG-based NPs via different methods (i.e., mesoporous silica-assisted templating, metal–phenolic network-assisted assembly, metal–organic framework-assisted templating, and sono-polymerization) for bio–nano interaction studies and targeted drug delivery applications. The use of different engineering strategies enables the tuning of the physiochemical properties of PEG-based NPs (e.g., size, structure, elasticity, and compositions) for controlled bio–nano interactions (e.g., stealth and targeting) and drug-loading capabilities. A perspective is also provided on the major challenges of PEG-based NPs and their potential immunogenicity as well as future research directions. This feature article is expected to serve as a reference to guide the engineering of PEG-based NPs and facilitate the rational design of PEG-based NPs for diverse emerging applications.

What do you hope your lab can achieve in the coming year?

We aim to make progress on engineering advanced nanoparticle system for drug and gene delivery and understanding the interactions between nanoparticles and the human immune system.

Describe your journey to becoming an independent researcher.

My PhD was conducted in Prof. Frank Caruso’s lab at the University of Melbourne. During this period, I developed interests in the development of ‘stealth’ nanomaterials and investigation of fundamental bio–nano interactions in complex biological environments. After my PhD completion, I hold a Research Fellow position in the same group exploring various low-fouling nanomaterials for controlled bio–nano interactions and served as a Co-Leader of the Signature Project ‘Mediating Protein Interactions’ within the Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio–Nano Science and Technology (CBNS). During my postdoctoral career, I have begun to pursue and demonstrate research leadership. I received an Early Career Researcher (ECR) Grant from the University of Melbourne. With this grant, I led a team producing a first-author publication in ACS Nano, which received the 2020 Most Significant Publication Award from CBNS. I was also awarded an Outstanding Postdoctoral Researcher Award at University of Melbourne in 2019. In 2021, I moved to RMIT University as a Vice-Chancellor’s Postdoctoral fellow and published my first co-corresponding author paper in 2022. During this fellowship, I received research grants and awards, including an ECR Lectureship from Australasian Colloid and Interface Society and a Victoria Fellowship from Victorian State Government, which supported me to conduct an oversea research visit at the University of Manchester from January to September 2023. After coming back from the UK in 2023, I started my ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) fellowship at RMIT University.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

‘Not only work hard but work smart’ from my PhD supervisor.

Why did you choose to publish in ChemComm?

ChemComm was one of my favourite journals which provides key research messages in a short format. The journal has a good reputation with a broad readership in chemistry.

Yi (David) Ju is an ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) Fellow at RMIT University. He received his Ph.D. in 2017 from the University of Melbourne under the supervision of Prof. Frank Caruso and thereafter conducted postdoctoral research at the ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology and the University of Melbourne. He moved to RMIT University in 2021 as a Vice-Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellow. During his appointment, he conducted an overseas research visit (January to September 2023) at the University of Manchester funded by a Victoria Fellowship. His research interests focus on studying the interactions between nanomaterials and the immune system and engineering advanced nanoparticle systems for biotechnology and medical applications. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/david-yi-ju Twitter/X:@David_Yi_Ju

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