Lecturer · Department of Chemistry
Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
Our research group works on the synergy of synthetic organic chemistry, photophysical property, and biological applications to solve problems in medicine and agriculture. Our goal is the rational design and architectural engineering of functional molecules with unique properties for bio-imaging, disease treatment and diagnosis, and environmentally friendly insecticides. By combining synthesis with detailed mechanistic studies, we aim to translate innovations at the molecular level into practical diagnostic tools, potent therapies, and sustainable solutions for agriculture.
We develop fluorescence probes for biomarker detection. This includes the development of fluorescent molecular rotors (FMRs) that allow rapid in situ quantification of proteins. Furthermore, we design specific sensors for viscosity micro-environment, hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and β-amyloid aggregates, which are important for studying neurodegenerative diseases.
We develop next-generation photosensitizers as phototheranostics for precision cancer treatment. Phototheranostic agents can diagnose and provide therapy in a single molecule with dual functions. Our work features selenium-substituted BOIMPY derivatives that utilize near-infrared (NIR) light to trigger photodynamic therapy (PDT). These selenium-BOIMPYs are also able to detect hypochlorous acid (HOCl), enabling their development as phototheranostic agents for integrated bio-imaging and targeted therapy.
We develop new therapeutic and agricultural leads by structural modification of natural and synthetic scaffolds. One of our focuses is the design of coumarin-linked carbazole hybrids that serve as dual-binding acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors for Alzheimer’s disease. In agriculture, we create thymyl esters that are effective at being insecticidal, offering eco-friendly options instead of harmful synthetic pesticides.
We welcome motivated undergraduate, M.Sc., and Ph.D. students to join our group. Interested candidates are encouraged to send a CV and a brief statement of research interests to sorachat.thar@ku.th.
