Jiajia Luo

• CDT Doctoral Researcher Supervisor: Dr Clare Mahon
• Email: jiajia.luo@durham.ac.uk
• Project Title: Conjugation and encapsulation of photoactive metal complexes for medicinal applications

Institution: Durham University

Project Summary: Photocatalytic metal species have been demonstrated to have anti-cancer and anti-bacterial properties, but these compounds also have many detrimental off target effects. This project will utilise fluorinated metal ligands to conjugate these species onto encapsulation and targeting vectors to tackle this challenge. We will optimise a range of ‘backbones’ to which photocatalysts are appended, enabling the production of targeted delivery platforms for prodrugs to bacteria, or cancer cell lines.

Interesting Fact: My driving instructor put me on the road immediately after teaching me how to shift gears!