Light is an appealing stimulus for molecular reactions because it can be delivered remotely with high spatiotemporal control simply by turning on and off a light source. Combined with light stimulation, photoactive molecules can be used to generate fluorescence signal, deliver chemical reagents such as proton and electron, modulate biochemical reactions, and shift the equilibrium of complex (bio)molecular systems. In our laboratory, we design, synthesize and study novel photoactive compounds targeting biological applications. With the help of analytical techniques and theoretical calculations, we understand the mechanistic underpinnings of the activation and deactivation of excited states by competing chemical reactions and intermolecular interactions. We harness this understanding to design and develop new and better photoactive compounds for further applications with improved outcomes.
Our projects are highly multidisciplinary. Students from various STEM fields work on these projects. Students remain involved in every aspect of the projects: starting from molecular modeling, multi-step organic synthesis, designing and conducting chemical and biochemical experiments, analyzing data, and communicating work through publications and presentations at conferences and symposiums.
November 2024
Trevor, Natalie, and Jocelyn co-authored an article in the Journal of Photochemistry & Photobiology. Congratulations!
August 2024
Trevor got admission into MD program at Oklahoma State University. Congratulations!
May 2024
Madeline, Kaitlin, Harper, and Nathan joined the group. Welcome!
April 2023
Andres got admission into PHD program at Texas A&M University. Congratulations!
Photochemistry of pH responsive compounds
Selective and sensitive detection of protein in complex biological samples
Molecular docking and MD simulation of macromolecules and proteins
Contact Information
Rajib Choudhury
Arkansas Tech University, 1701 North Boulder Avenue
Russellville, AR, 72801
Email: rchoudhury@atu.edu (Phone) 479-356-2028