A research project led by Gökhan Sevinç, Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science at our University, has been approved for funding by TÜBİTAK under the 3501 Career Development Programme.

The project team includes Rafig Gurbanov, Associate Professor in the Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering; Abdullah Biçer, Associate Professor at the Scientific Research Projects Coordination Office; Ahmet Karatay, Associate Professor in the Department of Physics Engineering at Ankara University; Elif Yıldız, Associate Professor in the same department; and Sevinç Karaçam Koş, Lecturer at our University’s Central Research Laboratory Application and Research Centre.

Titled “Synthesis of Pyrazole-Based Aza-BODIPY Compounds and Investigation of Their Two-Photon Absorption Properties and Photodynamic Activities,” the project focuses on the development and analysis of novel functional molecules with potential biomedical applications.

Pyrazole-class compounds offer significant advantages in synthetic chemistry and biological applications due to their ability to be modified with various functional groups. In biological contexts, certain pyrazole derivatives are known for their anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, demonstrating high selectivity and therapeutic potential in biological systems. Within the scope of the project, original pyrazole-substituted aza-BODIPY dyes will be synthesised, and their two-photon absorption behaviour and photophysical properties will be investigated using spectroscopic and computational methods.

Simultaneously, the target molecules will be evaluated in terms of their reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation efficiency, cell imaging potential, and effectiveness in photodynamic cancer therapy (PDT), with analyses conducted across different cell types, excitation durations, and concentration levels. By assessing both the photophysical and biological activities of the developed molecules, the project aims to determine their potential for biomedical applications.

We congratulate our faculty members on this important achievement and wish them continued success in their research activities.