Research | srikanta-patra

WHAT we do

Our Activities

Our research group is primarily focused on two aspects (a) development of embellished transition metal complexes comprising suitable ligand framework and (b) multimetallic core-shell type solid/porous or metal modified nanoparticles, to explore their suitable applications in the area of metal based chemotherapeutic agents, catalysis and sensors.

Development of Metal Complexes as Anticancer/Imaging Agents

Our research group is engaged in developing metal based anticancer agents which can exhibit alternative mode (non-apoptotic) of cancer cell death. Such complexes are anticipated to exhibit selective kinase inhibitor, anticancer activity with less toxicity and induce natural product-like non-apoptotic mode of cell death. Our novel observation suggests that tuning the coordination environment of metal center, the efficiency and mode of cell death can be controlled. Understanding the metal mediated alteration of cell death mechanism and identifying the controlling parameters associated with this could be useful and promising for the development of efficient anticancer agents for resistant cancer.

Related references: Dalton Trans. 2016, 45, 15122; Dalton Trans. 2014, 43, 14546; Dalton Trans. 2013, 42, 14081; Dalton Transactions, 2018, DOI: 10.1039/C8DT02461H

Development of Green and Sustainable Catalyst for Multi-step Organic Transformation

The second goal of our research group is the development of efficient bifunctional catalytic systems using two different metals for conducting mechanistically diverse one-pot multi-step reactions (tandem reactions). In this context, our group is involved in designing suitable bridging and ancillary ligands so that the efficient cooperative interaction between the metal centers can be achieved and thereby the improved reactivity, selectivity and efficiency.

Related references: Dalton Trans. 2016, 45, 16597; ACS Catal. 2016, 6, 5535.

Development of Multimetallic Nanoparticle Systems for Waste Water Treatment

The third area of our research program is the development of multimetallic core-shell type porous/solid or metal modified nanoparticles to improve the properties and reactivity via the cooperative interaction and self-assembly. We are deeply involved in developing multimetallic nanoparticles systems of second and third row transition metals for their use in designing sensors, efficient catalyst systems for organic transformations, electrocatalyst for various electrochemical reactions, waste water treatment, etc.