Using light to control platinum compounds for medical applications
Official title: Light-Controlled Supramolecular Platinum Complexes for Biomedical Applications
Funded at Kent State University · NIH-10796064 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to use special light to help activate certain medicines that contain platinum, aiming to make treatments more effective and with fewer side effects for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kent State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kent, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $434,148 |
| NIH project number | 1R15GM152919-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10796064 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include patients with cancers that are currently treated with platinum-based chemotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have cancer or those whose cancers are not responsive to platinum-based therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel method of using near-infrared (NIR) light to activate platinum-based compounds that can be used in medical treatments. By employing a technique called photo-uncaging, the researchers aim to control the release of bioactive substances in a precise manner, allowing for targeted therapy. The study focuses on developing new platinum complexes that can be activated by NIR light, which penetrates deeper into tissues compared to traditional UV light. This approach could enhance the effectiveness of treatments while minimizing side effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and targeted cancer therapies with fewer side effects.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of light for drug activation is a growing field, this specific approach using NIR light with platinum complexes is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Kent State University
Kent, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zheng, Yaorong — Kent State University
- Study coordinator: Zheng, Yaorong
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Telomere Overhang Imaging Tool to Understand DNA Damage and Telomere Biology
A hospital or research lab could use a new high-end microscope to study how telomeres protect chromosomes and how DNA damage impacts telomere biology.
-
Embedded Acceptance and Commitment Training helps veterinary and medical students cope with tough client interactions
A university program will test a flexible, online training called Unburdened to help veterinary technician and medical students stay calm and focused during challenging client moments.
-
Magnetic nanoparticle stimulation to remove Alzheimer’s plaques
This work uses tiny magnetic particles and targeted magnetic fields to try to remove the amyloid plaques that build up in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
-
DNA nanodevices to control cell movement
Tiny DNA-built springs are used to change how cells move, aiming to help people with diseases where cell movement is abnormal, such as some autoimmune conditions.
-
How the protective end caps of chromosomes (telomeres) fold and are accessed
This project looks at how the single-stranded ends of human chromosomes fold and where they are open to enzymes, which matters for cancer and cell aging.
-
How the brain's daily clock controls ovulation
Researchers are learning how the brain's master clock signals reproductive brain cells to time the hormone surge that triggers ovulation, which could help people with timing-related fertility issues.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.