Research Projects

Introduction

The main research focus of the Talukdar research group is broadly focused at the interface of chemistry and biology with particular interest in the molecular design that allow the understanding of noncovalent interactions. Relying on novelty of organic synthesis the group is aiming to create novel structures for molecular recognition. Present research of the group branched into supramolecular chemistry and drug design.

Following projects are presently being carried out in the group:

• Supramolecular Chemistry:
  • Synthetic Macrocycles
  • Synthetic Ion Channels

• Drug Design:
  • Unnatural Amino Acids and Small Molecule Drugs
  • Development of Fluorescent Probes

Synthetic Macrocycles

Design of synthetic receptors for molecular recognition studies is an interesting field of research. During last 2-3 decades diverse types of molecular receptors have been designed and studied. Bucket shaped molecular receptors also gained tremendous interest in this regard. Calixarenes and cyclodexrtins which provide the bucket shape have been exploited as versatile synthetic receptors.

Design of new bucket shaped molecules for molecular recognition is our present interest. Our plan is to design and synthesize macrocyclic structures using click chemistry, pyromellitic/naphthalene/perylene diimide, etc. Synthesized molecules will be applied in molecular recognition, ion sensing, ion channels, etc.

 

Synthetic Ion Channels

The focus is this area to design ion channel forming by supramolecular assembly of simpler molecular units. Understanding of ion selectivity, molecular recognition, etc. are prime interests in the field.

Unnatural Amino Acids and Small Molecule Drugs

Unnatural amino acids are important class of compounds which have drawn tremendous attention in peptidomimetic and drug discovery research. Our present research is focused towards the development of general strategies for synthesizing unnatural amino acids. The strategy will be further extended for in the targeted synthesis of small and medium sized organic compounds for drug development. Some specific areas of interest include the drug design against cancer (sirtuins), diabetes (DPP-IV), etc.

Development of Fluorescent Probes

Presently, the we are developing organic molecules for understanding their fluorescent properties. Recently, we have developed a series of fluorescent molecules. We are carrying out their photophysical properties. These molecules will be applied as fluorescent probes.