Photoactive Metal Complexes as Potential Photo-therapeutics in Cancer Treatment

About the research project

Metal complexes offer significant advantages in medicinal chemistry due to their well-defined three-dimensional structures, tuneable reactivity, and catalytic capabilities. Such features are often absent in purely organic-based drug candidates. As such, innovative and highly targeted treatments can be developed from metal-based medicines enhancing selectivity whilst decreasing unwanted side-effects and toxicity. The most widely prescribed anti-cancer drug, cisplatin (a platinum-based drug molecule), was first discovered in 1965 and has since developed into one of most successful drugs in chemotherapy across a wide range of cancers. The primary mode of action of cisplatin is the binding the platinum metal centre to DNA residues. This disrupts DNA repair mechanisms causing cell death. However, cisplatin is non-selective and will target healthy and cancerous cells alike. While more selective derivatives of cisplatin have been developed and achieved global clinical approval, the development of effective antitumor drugs with higher selectivity and lower toxicity remains a highly relevant and enduring endeavour.

One very promising approach to address the challenges of selectivity is phototherapeutics; the use of photo-sensitive molecules that are controlled and activated by a certain wavelength of light. Phototherapeutics have the benefit of employing light to activate the drug molecule at the diseased site. As such, significantly enhancing selectivity and decreasing toxicity. This project aims to marry the known efficacy of platinum-based anti-cancer drugs with the superior selectivity of phototherapeautics. It aims to prepare and develop photo-sensitive transition metal complexes as next generation photo-therapeutics in cancer treatment. Photo-therapeutic metallodrugs that will be explored include metal-based photo-carbon monoxide release molecules (photoCORMs) and metal-based photoswitches (azobenzenes). These next generation drug candidates will be designed to absorb in the infrared/near infrared region of light to enhance skin penetration and reduce photo-damage caused to surrounding tissues. Extensive studies will be undertaken to understanding complex photophysical properties, DNA binding affinities and modes.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Curtis Ho

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years
• a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

The following eligibility criteria apply to this scholarship:

• The scholarship is open to Australian and New Zealand (domestic) and to International candidates
• Research must be undertaken on a full-time basis.
• Applicants should already have been awarded a First-Class Honours degree or hold equivalent qualifications or relevant and substantial research experience in an appropriate sector.
• Applicants must be able to demonstrate strong research and analytical skills.

 

Knowledge and skills that will be ranked highly include:

• Synthetic organic/organometallic/inorganic chemistry skills, including experience with Schlenk line manipulations and chromatographic purification techniques
• Experience with structural characterisation techniques, such as NMR spectroscopy.

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

• Synthetic organic/organometallic/inorganic chemistry skills, including experience with Schlenk line manipulations and chromatographic purification techniques
• Experience with structural characterisation techniques, such as NMR spectroscopy.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Experience with single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, SC-XRD (sample preparation, crystal mounting, data collection and structure solutions/refinement)
• Experience with glovebox usage.
• Experience with rigorous drying of common solvents for applications in highly air- and moisture-sensitive chemical reactions.
• Experience with handling highly air- and moisture-sensitive (potentially pyrophoric) chemical reagents.

 

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Curtis Ho to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 1 October 2026.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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