Welcome to the Balaz research group!

The research interests of our group lie at the intersection of organic, biological, and supramolecular chemistry. Current research projects include the design, development, and application of 1) light activated molecules (photolabile protection groups and photoswitches) to elucidate intracellular biological processes; 2) porphyrin-DNA nanostructures for light harvesting and energy transfer; 3) fluorescent and chiroptical supramolecular sensors for DNA (e.g. left-handed Z-DNA, triplex DNA, DNA mismatch); and 4) one-photon and two-photon photosensitizers for near infrared photodynamic cancer therapy. All of our projects are interdisciplinary and involve organic synthesis combined with biological and medicinal applications or development of functional bio-inspired materials.

Recent publications

Role of Environmental Factors on the Structure and Spectroscopic Response of 5’-DNA-Porphyrin Conjugates Caused by Changes in the Porphyrin-Porphyrin Interactions.
A. Mammana, G. Pescitelli, T. Asakawa, S. Jockusch, A. G. Petrovic, R. R. Monaco, R. Purrello, N. J. Turro, K. Nakanishi, G. A. Ellestad,* M. Balaz,* N. Berova*
Chem. Eur. J., 2009, doi: 10.1002/chem.200902029.

Interactions of a tetraanionic porphyrin with DNA: from a Z-DNA sensor to a versatile supramolecular device.
A. D’Urso, A. Mammana, M. Balaz, A. E. Holmes, N. Berova, R. Lauceri,* R. Purrello*
J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2009, 131, 2046–2047.