Research objectives of the Senge group at Trinity College, Dublin
Our group is active in developing the organic chemistry, biochemistry, and applications of porphyrins and related macrocycles.
We characterize novel compounds by single-crystal X-ray diffractometry, to determine atomic structure and intermolecular interactions, pioneering methods in data science and in structure-property-activity relationships.
Polypyrrole-derived molecules and formulations thereof can be applied for anti-cancer and anti-microbial photodynamic therapies. Photosensitizers possess a wide range of functionalities for targeting and biocompatibility.
Porphyrin molecules can be used as colorimetric components for sensing systems; the Senge group is researching porphyrin-based sensors for selective ion and chiral molecule quantification.
The rigid, saturated alkanes cubane, bicyclo[2.2.2]octane and bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane are customizable scaffolds for novel drug syntheses and materials applications. We are exploring the fundamental organic chemistry of these rigid molecules.
The Senge group has received funding from many national and international funding bodies.