Diquaternerised and Ru(11) based polypyridyl conjugates as biological probes and phototherapeutic agents

Abstract

This Thesis entitled 'Diquaternerised and Ru(ll) Based Polypyridyl Conjugates as Biological Probes and Phototherapeutic Agents' is divided into 8 Chapters. Chapter 1, the introduction, gives a brief introduction to the cell cycle and its relevance to cancer treatment and is followed by a brief description of the structure of DNA and the different binding modes by which molecules may interact with it. A description of the photophysical properties of Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes and their DNA binding ability is also given and is supported by relevant examples from the literature. A brief introduction to photodynamic therapy (PDT) follows with particular emphasis on the applicability of certain Ru(II) conjugates. The introduction then deals with the excited state reactivity of the 1,8-naphthalimide chromophore and leads to a short review of gold nanoparticle (AuNP) conjugates and their applicability to biological use. This Chapter concludes with a description of ongoing research within the Gunnlaugsson research group and also describes the aims of the research conducted in each of the subsequent Chapters.