Our primary focus lies in the creation of biomimetic and biocompatible structures, spanning from initial design to synthesis, characterization, and functional analysis. Our interest is deeply rooted in unraveling the fundamental principles governing molecular recognition phenomena in solution — a captivating domain within supramolecular chemistry. 

Our efforts involve designing and synthesizing various synthetic molecules to construct a myriad of supramolecular assemblies, such as aggregates, molecular recognition systems (e.g. receptors, sensors, etc.), molecular machines (e.g. catenanes, rotaxanes, etc.), alongside membrane transporters, supramolecular polymers, and membrane fusion constructs. Additionally, we engineer responsive supramolecular systems sensitive to diverse stimuli, including pH variations, enzymatic activity, and light exposure.

Our research group is deeply engaged in delving into the fundamental mechanisms underlying ion transport across lipid membranes. The movement of charged species through membrane-embedded proteins that form channels is essential for the proper functioning of cellular processes. Any disruption in this transport mechanism can lead to severe diseases, with cystic fibrosis being one of the most widely recognized examples. To address this, we specialize in designing and synthesizing small organic molecules that mimic the structure and behavior of large, intricate protein channels. These synthetic chloride ion transporters hold immense promise for applications in channel replacement therapy.

Moreover, recent findings from both our lab and other research groups have unveiled an intriguing potential: synthetic chloride transporters can induce apoptosis in cancer cells by disturbing cellular ionic balance. Our investigations span across various fronts, including thermodynamics, kinetics, and structural analyses conducted through sophisticated NMR techniques, fluorescence spectroscopy, ion-selective electrode-based experiments, and planar bilayer conductance measurements. These studies shed light on the efficiency of supramolecular receptors as carriers and channels.

Currently, our efforts are concentrated on developing stimuli-responsive artificial ion transporters tailored for use in biological systems, furthering the scope of our research into practical applications.

Our laboratory is dedicated to advancing research in the development of artificial water channel systems. The escalating global freshwater scarcity presents a pressing threat to humanity. With over one-third of the world's population already grappling with severe freshwater shortages, the situation is becoming increasingly dire. Accessible freshwater resources represent only a minuscule fraction of the total, exacerbating challenges not only in meeting basic drinking water needs but also in addressing sanitation issues, which can lead to severe, life-threatening diseases.

To confront this crisis, research into artificial water channels (AWCs) has garnered considerable attention. These channels offer a potential solution by purifying water through processes such as desalination of seawater using reverse osmosis (RO) techniques to satisfy freshwater demands. Currently, our focus lies in exploring the water transport properties of self-assembled small-molecule systems, aiming to contribute to the development of efficient and sustainable solutions for freshwater purification.

Changes in the concentration of biologically relevant molecules are frequently associated with various disease states, making their detection crucial for early diagnosis and intervention. Monitoring these molecular fluctuations often provides vital insights into the onset and progression of diseases. Therefore, the ability to accurately and selectively image these molecules is essential for advancing medical diagnostics. Our research is dedicated to addressing this need by designing and synthesizing innovative fluorescent probes tailored to detect a broad spectrum of biologically significant molecules. By leveraging theoretical calculations, we aim to predict and enhance the fluorescence properties of these probes, thereby improving their effectiveness in identifying specific molecular targets.

Our research aims in the development of both molecular and supramolecular fluorescent sensors. Through meticulous design and synthesis, we have created diverse probes that exhibit enhanced selectivity and sensitivity for a range of biologically relevant species, including cations, anions, biological thiols, thiophenols, and hydrogen sulfide. We employ theoretical calculations to predict the fluorescence behavior of the designed probes, allowing for fine-tuned adjustments and optimizations before implementing the synthesis. The fluorescent probes we developed have demonstrated promising performance in selective detection, offering the potential for early disease diagnosis and a deeper understanding of molecular changes associated with health conditions. Our findings underscore the potential impact of these advanced probes in the field of medical diagnostics and highlight their role in improving early disease detection.