RSC Advances Blog

We are delighted to introduce the next contribution to our New Principal Investigators collection.

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Para-substituted benzoic acid ruthenium(ii) complexes: structural features modulating cytotoxicity

Jocely L. Dutra, Pedro H. S. Marcon, Gustavo Moselli, Fabiano M. Niquini, João Victor F. da Costa, Carlos André F. Moraes, Ataualpa A. C. Braga, Javier Ellena, Alzir A. Batista and João Honorato de Araujo-Neto

This work explores a series of para-substituted benzoic acid ruthenium(II) complexes and how small changes in their structure affect cytotoxicity. By combining synthesis, crystallographic characterization, and biological assays, it was observed that even small modifications in ligand substitution can significantly affect biological behaviour. This study reinforces how important structural information is for understanding and designing new bioactive metal complexes.

Meet the Principal Investigator

João Honorato is an Assistant Professor at the University of São Paulo, Brazil, and the group leader of Metallis Vitae, a research group which operates at the intersection of bioinorganic chemistry and crystallography. His research combines synthesis, structural determination, and biological studies to understand how atomic-level structure influences biological activity. He’s especially interested in diffraction techniques and how emerging methods such as MicroED are expanding the limits of structural science and allowing us to study increasingly challenging systems. He obtained his MSc in Chemistry (2016) and PhD in Sciences (2020) from the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), in the field of Inorganic Chemistry. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship in crystallography at the São Carlos Institute of Physics (IFSC/USP). He was awarded the Young Researcher Award by the Young Researchers Division of the Brazilian Chemical Society (JPSBQ), in partnership with the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).

What are the big research questions your group will be focussing on?

At Metallis Vitae, we are fascinated by one central question: how can atomic-level structure explain biological activity? We are particularly interested in bioactive metal complexes and in understanding how small structural variations affect properties such as stability, interaction with biomolecules, and cytotoxicity. A major part of our work involves structural determination using diffraction techniques. I’m especially excited about the possibilities opened by MicroED, mainly because it allows us to obtain high-resolution structural information from crystals that would traditionally be considered too small or too difficult. More broadly, we want to strengthen the connection between structure and function, using crystallography not just as a characterization tool, but as a way to understand and guide chemical design.

What inspired you to get into science?

Curiosity, but also a bit of frustration with not knowing how things really work. I became fascinated by the idea that the behaviour of a molecule can often be explained by something invisible to the naked eye: the arrangement of atoms. When I first started working with crystallography, it completely changed how I viewed chemistry. Suddenly, chemistry was no longer only about reactions and formulas, it became something visual and tangible. That ability to “see” matter at the atomic level still feels incredible to me.

What advice would you give to those who are seeking their first group leader position?

Try to build your own scientific identity as early as possible. It is very easy to stay inside the comfort zone of your previous training, but starting a group is really about deciding what kind of science you want to create and what questions you genuinely want to answer. Also, don’t be afraid of learning new techniques or entering new areas. Some of the most exciting things happening in science today are exactly at the interface between fields. And finally, remember that science is deeply collaborative. A healthy and motivated group environment matters just as much as good ideas.

We are delighted to introduce the next contribution to our New Principal Investigators collection.

Read the paper

Plasmonic nanoparticles boost low-current perovskite LEDs governed by photon recycling effects

Jaime Bueno, Alberto Jiménez-Solano, Miguel Anaya and Sol Carretero-Palacios

This work demonstrates how embedding plasmonic nanoparticles in perovskite LEDs boosts emission efficiency, achieving up to a four-fold enhancement in external quantum efficiency at ultra-low injection currents. These advances are enabled by a rigorous three-dimensional theoretical model that, for the first time, accounts for photon recycling when photonic nanostructures are incorporated, opening new design pathways for next-generation energy-efficient light sources.

Meet the Principal Investigator

Since September 2023, Sol has been a Tenured Scientist at the Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid (ICMM-CSIC), where she leads the theoretical branch of her research group. Her work focuses on modeling light–matter interactions at the nanoscale, with applications in optoelectronic devices, nanostructured materials, sustainable technologies, and Casimir forces in optical systems. As Principal Investigator, she has secured several national projects in Spain as well as international funding through a MSCA Doctoral Network. She earned her PhD in Physics from the University of Zaragoza, including a research stay at the Australian National University, and carried out postdoctoral research at LMU Munich, the Institute of Materials Science of Seville, and the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, supported by prestigious fellowships such as the Alexander von Humboldt and Juan de la Cierva. In recognition of her mentoring, she received the 2024 Best Early-Career PhD Supervisor Award from CSIC, and she remains actively involved in initiatives that promote inclusivity in science.

You’ve recently started your own group, what are the big research question/s your group will be focussing on?

Rather than pursuing a single “big question,” my group is dedicated to uncovering connections across different topics where knowledge from one field can unlock progress in another. For example, we apply our expertise in optical materials not only to optoelectronic devices such as detectors, LEDs, and solar cells, but also to unconventional challenges such as mitigating ice and snow loss in glaciers, exploring mechanisms for ocean preservation on icy worlds, and potentially using photonic structures for exoplanet detection. This diversity reflects my own constant curiosity for understanding different problems, and we address them by combining rigorous theoretical formalisms with emerging tools from artificial intelligence, aiming to advance areas where conventional approaches have reached their limits.

What inspired you to get into science?

Since childhood, I have been driven by curiosity and a need to ask “why,” across many different subjects. At the same time, I wanted to dedicate myself to something that could benefit others. For me, science, particularly in academia, embodies that balance of curiosity and altruism, an honest pursuit of knowledge that aligns with who I am and the values I want to bring to my work.

What advice would you give to those who are seeking their first group leader position?

My advice is to focus on working in an area you are genuinely passionate about, and to find a team and environment where people inspire and support one another. In a kind and encouraging atmosphere, ideas emerge more naturally, motivation stays high, and it is easier to achieve ambitious goals. Finding the right place to grow and develop is crucial: when passion and effort are nurtured in such conditions, success and recognition will follow naturally.

We are delighted to introduce the next contribution to our New Principal Investigators collection.

Read the paper

Fabrication of hydroxylated norbornene foams via frontal polymerization for catalytic applications

Andrew Vogler, Tina Dinh, Hanlin M. Wang, Ghaida Aldhahri, Arfa Abrar Malik and Diego Alzate-Sanchez

Watch the summary on YouTube

https://youtu.be/cKlQN3Q96I8?si=UR3NKgjGj0fSRkB1

Meet the Principal Investigator

08/23/23 – BOSTON, MA. – Diego Alzate-Sanchez, College of Science, poses for a headshot in Blackman Auditorium on campus at Northeastern University on Wednesday August 23, 2023. Photo by Adam Glanzman for Northeastern University

Diego was born and raised in Bogotá/Colombia. He completed his undergraduate studies at the National University of Colombia. After graduation, He worked with Professor Cesar Sierra as a Master student in the same institution. Then, He moved to Manizales/Colombia, where he worked as a volcanologist. He moved to the USA and finished his graduate studies at Northwestern University, working with Professor William Dichtel. Then, he completed postdoctoral training at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in the group of Professor Jeffrey Moore. Currently, Diego is an assistant professor in the department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Northeastern University. Diego is an enthusiastic scientist working in polymer sustainability and a member of the DMAS lab, where they are interested in finding alternative techniques to manufacture materials in a more sustainable fashion. They work at the interface of polymer chemistry and materials science, developing cutting edge technologies based on macromolecules.

You’ve recently started your own group, what are the big research question/s your group will be focussing on?

One of the central research questions guiding my new group is: Can we design polymeric materials in a way that mimics nature’s ability to eliminate waste entirely? I’m deeply interested in demonstrating that human systems—particularly those built on synthetic polymers—can achieve true sustainability by embracing circularity. Nature offers a powerful blueprint: everything is reused, repurposed, and regenerated in closed loops. In contrast, many of our synthetic systems rely on linear lifecycles that generate persistent waste.
Our approach to this grand challenge is grounded in polymer chemistry. We focus on developing materials and processes that enable complete circularity—whether through chemical recycling, dynamic covalent networks, bio-based monomers, or systems that degrade predictably under specific conditions. The overarching goal is to prove, through both fundamental and applied work, that it is possible to make polymers that support human needs without compromising planetary health.

What inspired you to get into science?

I’ve always been a curious person, and that curiosity naturally drew me to science. In middle school, I joined a few science clubs where I discovered how much I enjoyed doing experiments and understanding why things happened the way they did. That hands-on experience made science feel both exciting and accessible. In high school, my chemistry teacher recognized that I wasn’t just curious—I was also dedicated and organized. She encouraged me to pursue chemistry, seeing potential in me that I hadn’t fully realized yet. Her support and belief in me played a pivotal role in my decision to become a chemist, and it’s a path I’ve thoroughly enjoyed ever since.

What advice would you give to those who are seeking their first group leader position?

I want to start by acknowledging that everyone’s path is different, and advice that works for one person may not apply to another. That said, one piece of guidance I feel strongly about is: be truthful to yourself. Know what truly excites and motivates you, and try to build your path in that direction. Don’t shape your goals or take on roles just because they seem like the “right” steps toward a group leader position—especially if they don’t align with your interests or values. The energy and authenticity you bring to your work are incredibly important, and they’re only sustainable if you’re doing something you genuinely care about.

We are delighted to introduce the next contribution to our New Principal Investigators collection.

Read the paper

Simple divalent metal salts as robust and efficient initiators for the ring-opening polymerisation of rac-lactide

Phoebe A. Lowy and Jennifer A. Garden

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is emerging as a leading sustainable polymer due to its bio-derived and biodegradable nature. The demand for PLA based products is rapidly increasing, which has prompted significant advancements into new catalyst design. Many recent developments focus on low-toxicity metals supported by a tailor-made ligand scaffold. In this study, we demonstrate that zinc benzoxide, a simple salt without a supporting ligand, delivers excellent catalytic activity under specific conditions. Notably, this includes industrially relevant conditions, including high monomer loadings, bulk polymerisation conditions, and polymerisation of technical-grade lactide in the presence of air.

Meet the Principal Investigator

Jennifer A. Garden received her MSci (1^st Class, Hons, 2010) and her PhD from the University of Strathclyde, the latter under the supervision of Prof. Robert Mulvey. This was followed by 2 years as a postdoctoral researcher in the group of Prof. Charlotte Williams at Imperial College London. In 2016, Jenni moved to the University of Edinburgh as the first recipient of the Christina Miller Fellowship, which was followed by a Ramsay Memorial Fellowship, a L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science UK & Ireland Fellowship and a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship. The work of Jenni and her team has been recognised by several awards including the 2019 Macro Group Young Researcher Medal and the 2021 RSC Sir Edward Frankland Fellowship.

You’ve recently started your own group, what are the big research question/s your group will be focussing on?

My research group focusses on enhancing polymer sustainability, underpinned by new catalyst design. We explore cooperative catalysis, where multiple metals work synergistically to improve catalyst performance. Our work spans from molecular to macromolecular levels, and aims to develop new sustainable materials, understand how catalyst design influences the polymer structure and material properties, and advance recycling processes.

What inspired you to get into science?

I’ve always had a passion for science, and as a child, my best friend and I would play “potions” by mixing various bubble baths, shampoos and toothpaste. Unfortunately, this once included her dad’s expensive aftershave! However, it wasn’t until the second year of my undergraduate degree that I realised I wanted to pursue research. I was fortunate to spend a summer as a Carnegie Scholarship student in the Mulvey group, where I created a molecule that had never been synthesised before. This experience opened my eyes to the creativity and design that are inherent in science, and from that moment, I was hooked! What continues to inspire me are my incredible team, the opportunity to continuously learn more about science, and the knowledge that science can play a crucial role in addressing global challenges and environmental concerns.

What advice would you give to those who are seeking their first group leader position?

My main piece of advice is to find a good mentor. I have been incredibly fortunate to have had fantastic mentorship throughout my career. My mentors have given me with invaluable guidance, support and encouragement. They have continuously pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and to pursue opportunities I might once have thought were beyond my reach. Early in my career, I made a commitment to myself that I wouldn’t talk myself out of applying for new opportunities – and I’ve been amazed by some of the results! I also believe that it’s important to build resilience. During the tough times, I turn to a few iconic poems and speeches that remind me of the importance of character and perseverance. One of the best pieces of advice I’ve been given is to truly celebrate your successes, no matter how big or how small! It can be easy to move on to the next thing, but pausing and taking time to acknowledge achievements, both for yourself and your team, can be both motivational and uplifting.

We are delighted to introduce the next contribution to our New Principal Investigators collection.

Read the paper

Design strategies for organelle-selective fluorescent probes: where to start?

Samira Husen Alamudi and Yong-An Lee

Tracking changes inside cells is essential for understanding both normal biological functions and disease processes. Fluorescent probes are valuable tools for this purpose, offering advantages over genetically encoded alternatives. Despite significant advances in organelle-specific probes, several challenges persist. This work highlights key design strategies for such probes, including cellular uptake mechanisms and the interplay between the properties of the target organelle and the physicochemical characteristics of the probe. Additionally, it showcases recent advancements and  addresses current challenges in the development of organelle-targeted fluorescent probes.

Meet the Principal Investigator

After completing her BSc at Universitas Indonesia (UI), Samira Husen Alamudi received her PhD in chemistry from the National University of Singapore (NUS) in 2015 under the supervision of Prof. Young-Tae Chang. She then pursued postdoctoral studies at NUS and later worked as a Research Fellow at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, with Prof. Young-Tae Chang and Prof. Ichiro Hirao until 2021. She subsequently worked in the biotechnology industry before joining UI in 2023, where she is currently an assistant professor. Her research interests include the development of small fluorescent probes for monitoring intracellular dynamics in native cellular environments.

You’ve recently started your own group, what are the big research question/s your group will be focussing on?

Our research focuses on advancing the development of fluorescent probes for monitoring intracellular dynamics in native cellular  environments. While numerous target-specific probes exist, many still face classic challenges such as poor selectivity, membrane impermeability, high background noise, and instability in complex biological systems. We aim to address these limitations by leveraging structure-function relationships to design effective labelling tools. Ultimately, our goal is to contribute innovative molecular tools that can drive new biological discoveries and therapeutic advancements.

What inspired you to get into science?

My fascination with science began at an early age when I asked my father, “What makes us human?” and “What lies behind the moon?“, to which he responded with “Those are such big questions for such a little girl“, only fueled my curiosity further. During high school, I became deeply intrigued by how biomolecules interact to create life’s complexity. This passion for chemical biology solidified during my doctoral studies when I first encountered the power of fluorescence imaging. The ability to visualize cellular processes in vibrant colors was captivating, revealing hidden aspects of biology behind beautiful images. This further inspired me to develop tools that could aid in disease diagnosis, drug discovery, and beyond.

What advice would you give to those who are seeking their first group leader position?

Starting a research group is both an exciting and daunting transition. To succeed as a group leader, it is essential to embrace both the scientific and leadership aspects of the role. One of the most important lessons I have learned is the value of prioritizing mentorship and building strategic collaborations. Investing time in fostering a supportive and collaborative environment helps students thrive, while establishing meaningful partnerships accelerates progress and creates new opportunities. Science is a long journey, but with passion and perseverance, it is undoubtedly a rewarding one.