Associate Professor Tak Kee

My group uses steady state and time-resolved spectroscopic techniques to investigate the molecular processes in two significant systems. The first system is the important medicinal pigment curcumin. We aim to provide molecular insight into the medicinal effects of curcumin, focusing on the role of excited state photophysical processes and metal chelation. In addition, we use molecular assemblies including cyclodextrins and hydrogels to capture and stabilize curcumin in aqueous environment. We use these molecular assemblies to deliver curcumin to cancer cells. Recently, we began to use polymer nanoparticles to capture curcumin with the aim to develop a new means of delivery. Another system of interest is the highly fluorescent conjugated polymer nanostructures. We currently focus on using femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy and fluorescence upconversion spectroscopy to understand the effect of the shape of the nanostructure on the energy and charge transfer processes in these structures. Because conjugated polymers are used as organic solar cell materials, a good understanding of these processes will lead to strategies for improving the efficiency of organic solar cells.