Marcin Ptaszek, Ph.D.

Marcin
Contact Information
Office: MEYR 549D
Phone: 410-455-2264
Ptaszek CV
Lab Website

Associate Professor

Ph.D. Jagiellonian University, Krakow (Poland) 2002; Post-Doctoral North Carolina State University 2004

Professional Interests

Our research interests are centered on the development of novel molecular arrays capable of absorbing and converting light in the deep-red and near-IR spectral windows. We are particularly focusing on the chemistry and photochemistry of hydroporphyrins: that are tetrapyrrolic macrocycles, which are synthetic analogues of photosynthetic pigments: chlorophylls and bacteriochlorophylls. We believe, that the very rich chemistry and photochemistry of hydroporphyrins, which are still not broadly explored, give an opportunity to create molecules with unprecedented optical and photochemical properties, which will make a significant impact of diverse areas of their application. The primary areas of intended application for such molecules are medicinal diagnosis, specifically fluorescence sensing and imaging, as well as phototherapy (specifically photodynamic therapy). However, the fundamental research performed in my lab has much broader impact on other areas, including artificial photosynthesis, light-harvesting arrays, solar energy conversion, and photocatalysis.