MTRL focuses on the rational design of light-responsive coordination complexes of first-row transition metals, platinum(II), gallium(III), Ruthenium(II), and lanthanide(III)—for applications in cancer photo(therapy), antimicrobial phototherapy treatment, and molecular imaging. We specialize in developing chemo-photodynamic agents by combining natural ligands (such as coumarins, flavonoids, and naphthoquinones) with tumor-specific moieties (e.g., glucose, vitamins, and ferrocene) to achieve selective visible/red/NIR light activation and ROS-mediated apoptosis in cancer cells.

A key thrust of our work involves theranostic metal complexes, particularly those with paramagnetic metal ions, which serve dual roles as MRI contrast agents and photoactivable anticancer therapeutics. These agents offer the potential for simultaneous diagnosis and therapy through image-guided photodynamic treatment.

Our overarching goal is to contribute to the development of biocompatible, tumor-targeted, and multifunctional metallodrugs with translational potential in precision oncology and infectious disease therapy.

Current Research Group

Dr. Akhtar Hussain (Principal Investigator)

 

Scholars/Students
  • Jyotirmoy Dutta, Ph.D. Scholar – Photoactive Fe/Co-based anticancer and antibacterial agents
  • Khairuz Zaman Ahmed, Ph.D. Scholar – Ga(III)-based anticancer agents
  • Ipsita Patir, Ph.D. Scholar – Cu(II)/Zn(II)-based anticancer and antibacterial agents
  • Shiruma Akhtar, M.Sc. Dissertation Student
  • Bhanita Kalita, M.Sc. Dissertation Student

 

Instruments/Infrastructure
  • Synthetic research laboratory
  • UV-Visible Spectrophotometer
  • FT-IR Spectrometer
  • Fluorescence Spectrometer
  • Electrochemical Workstation (CV)
  • Photoreactor and red diode laser sources (400–800 nm)
  • Stereozoom microscope

 

Selected Journal Publications
  • A. Bera, T. Sarkar, A. Upadhay, A. Hussain*. First-row transition metal complexes of naturally occurring anticancer chelators for cancer treatment. Coord. Chem. Rev. 2025, 541, 216847. I.F. = 23.5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ccr.2025.216847
  • B. Deka, S. Sahoo, R. Kushwaha, J. Dutta, A. Bhattacharyya, S. Banerjee, A. Hussain*. Cobalt(III) complexes with dihalo-substituted 8-hydroxyquinoline ligands: synthesis, characterization, and anticancer evaluation. Inorg. Chem. Commun. 2025, 114915. I.F. = 5.3. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.inoche.2025.114915
  • T. Sarkar, S. Rizzuti, I. Chongtham, R. Kushwaha, A. Bhattacharyya, S. Banerjee, E. Gianolio, A. Hussain*. Four-in-one multifunctional iron(III) complex for cancer theranostics: unique integration of targeted delivery, photodynamic therapy, and dual imaging modalities. Inorg. Chem. Front. 2025, Advance Article, I.F. = 6.4. https://doi.org/10.1039/D5QI00623F
  • J. Dutta, A. Varshini, S. G. Padaga, A. Bera, T. Sarkar, S. Biswas, A. Hussain*. Red and NIR light-triggered enhancement of anticancer and antibacterial activities of dinuclear Co(II)-catecholate complexes. Dalton Trans. 2025, 54, 3027–3038. I.F. = 3.3. https://doi.org/10.1039/D4DT03153A
  • B. Deka, T. Sarkar, A. Bhattacharyya, R. J. Butcher, S. Banerjee, S. Deka, K. K. Saikia, A. Hussain*. Synthesis, characterization, and cancer cell-selective cytotoxicity of mixed-ligand cobalt(III) complexes of 8-hydroxyquinolines and phenanthroline bases. Dalton Trans. 2024, 53, 4952–4961. I.F. = 3.3. https://doi.org/10.1039/D3DT04045C

 

Research Outcome
  • Ph.D. scholars supervised = 02 (degree awarded)
  • Major Projects: Completed: 04 (as PI); Ongoing = 01 (as Co-PI)
  • M.Sc. Dissertation students guided = 17
  • B.Sc. Dissertation students guided = 35