Dept of Chemistry

DEPT OF CHEMISTRY

Researcher : An XM

List of Research Outputs

Ng S.M., Cheung Y.T., An X.M., Chen Y.C., Li M., Li H.Y., Cheung K.C., Sze J., Lai L., Peng Y., Xia H.H.X., Wong B.C.Y., Leung S.Y., Xie D., He M.L., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., Cell Cycle-related Kianse: A Novel Candidate Oncogene in Human Glioblastoma, Journal of the National Cancer Institute. 2007, 99(12): 936-948.

Wang J., Yang Y., Xia H.H.X., Gu Q., Lin M.C., Jiang B., Peng Y., Li G., An X.M., Zhang Y., Zhuang Z., Zhang Z., Kung H.F. and Wong B.C.Y., Suppression of FHL2 Expression Induces Cell Differentiation and Inhibits Gastric and Colon Carcinogenesis, Gastroenterology. 2007, 132(3): 1066-1076.

Researcher : Brown GD

Project Title:	Gradient diffusion-attenuated NMR spectroscopy for the analysis of multi-component mixtures
Investigator(s):	Brown GD
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Other Funding Scheme
Start Date:	12/1994

Abstract:

Spectroscopic analysis of multi-component mixtures has always required a physical separation of the components by some chromatographic technique prior to the acquisition of a characteristic spectrum from each component. In recent years there has been a poliferation of "hyphenated" techniques based on this very principle. The modern capability to generate magnetic-field gradients in NMR Spectroscopy opens up the possibility of differentiating compounds by their diffusion characteristics. The project aims to investigate whether this molecular property can be applied to resolve different components when present simultaneously in the same mixture. If successful, NMR analysis of complex mixtures would then be as simple a matter as NMR analysis of ind ividual compounds, and the need for prior chromatography will have been removed, resulting in greater simplicity and wider applicability of NMR in the analysis of multi-component mixtures.

Researcher : But YS

List of Research Outputs

But Y.S. and Toy P.H., Organocatalytic Mitsunobu Reactions, Journal of the American Chemical Society. 2006, 128: 9636-9637.

Shang Y., But Y.S., Togo H. and Toy P.H., Macroporous Polystyrene-Supported (Diacetoxyiodo)benzene, Synlett. 2007, 67-70.

Xue J., Guo Z., Chan P.Y., Chu L.M., But Y.S. and Phillips D.L., Time-resolved Resonance Raman Study Of The Reaction Of The 2-fluorebylnitrenium Ion With 2-fluroenylazide , Journal of Physical Chemistry A. 2007, 111: 1441-1451.

Researcher : Chai Y

List of Research Outputs

Wong I.L.K., Chan K.F., Burkett B.A., Zhao Y., Chai Y., Sun H., Chan T.H. and Chow L.M.C., Flavonoid Dimers as Bivalent Modulators for Pentamidine and Sodium Stiboglucanate Resistance in Leishmania, Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. 2007, 51: 930-940.

Researcher : Chan CL

List of Research Outputs

Yip S.K., Chan C.L., Lam S.W.H., Cheung K.K. and Yam V.W.W., Synthesis, Structure and Iuminescence Studies of Heterometallic Gold(I)-Copper(I) and -Silver(I) Alkynyl Clusters/ Aggregates , Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences . 2007, 6: 365-371.

Researcher : Chan GKY

Project Title:	Electrochmeical oxidation of glucose
Investigator(s):	Chan GKY
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Outstanding RGC Projects
Start Date:	09/1998

Abstract:

The electrochemical oxidation of glucose on some inorganic electrodes will be studied. These electrodes appeared to have better activities than others reported in the literature. Investigations are planned to identify the oxidation products and hence the mechanism of the glucose oxidation process. Furthermore kinetics studies will be made on well characterized surfaces so that the effects of surface morphology and composition on catalytic activity can be determined. The results of these studies will help in the design of better catalytic electrodes for glucose oxidation and will be used to help in the development of a glucose sensor. The applications of these electrodes as glucose sensors will be assessed. Tests will be made for determination of glucose concentration in serum. Anti-fouling, anti-interference, linearity, and selectivity of a glucose sensor using the new catalyst will be evaluated.

Project Title:	Fuel cell research towards a clean environment
Investigator(s):	Chan GKY, Che CM
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	The University of Hong Kong Foundation Seed Grant
Start Date:	03/2001

Abstract:

To accelerate and broaden existing fuel cell research, to foser external links and collaborations.

Project Title:	Controlled macroporous and mesoporous structures for gas-diffusion, gas-evolving, and fuel-cell electrodes
Investigator(s):	Chan GKY
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	08/2003

Abstract:

To synthesize and explore conducting materials with controlled nanostructures, macrostructures, and chemical composition for several electrochemical applications and their optimum performance.

Project Title:	Efficient extraction of trace precious metals in industrial effluents via novel water compatible PEG/PS solid-phase separable
Investigator(s):	Chan GKY, Ng DCL, Toy PH, Wong KO
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Matching Grant for Joint Research
Start Date:	11/2005

Abstract:

A process technology will be developed to recover gold and silver in waster water collected from electroplating, electronics and other industries. The challenges are to efficiently scavenge low concentrations (mg/L) of metal salts so that the final concentrations in the discharge are down to ug/L level with an economical and environmentally friendly procedure.

Project Title:	Selectivity and Transport of Ions and Water in a Silica Nanotube
Investigator(s):	Chan GKY
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	01/2006

Abstract:

To conduct computer simulations at the molecular and atomic level to investigate how ions and water interact with each other and with atoms on the silica surface; to probe and quantify the fluid-solid interactions by modeling the silica surfaces with several structural and functional group variations giving different polarity, charges, and hydrophobicity; to learn how the geometry and surface type of the nanotube will influence selectivity, diffusion, and conductivity of ions and water confined inside the nanopore.

Project Title:	Generation of ozone in water via novel electrode materials
Investigator(s):	Chan GKY, Li XY
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Innovation and Technology Support Programme
Start Date:	09/2006

Abstract:

The performance of the novel electrode material in ozone generation is commercially competitive by several folds compared to conventional corona discharge method. This competitive performance need to be sustained over months of operation, by additional innovation in materials development. From an existing prototype of a single cell design, a scale up design with multiple stacked cells need to be developed to demonstrate the feasibility of the technology for a realistic scale.

Project Title:	Electrochemical generation of ozone from water using novel doped tin oxide electrode
Investigator(s):	Chan GKY, Li XY
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	12/2006

Abstract:

(1) Study effects of operation parameters in a large electrode with convective flow. (2) Investigate the alternative of hydrogen co-production. (3) Investigate the alternative of aerated anode (4) Evaluate alternative electrode preparation methods for optimum ozone generation (5) Correlate ozone generation to materials properties.

Project Title:	Multi-Scale Modeling of Electrochemcal Reactions in Porous Electrodes
Investigator(s):	Chan GKY
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	03/2007

Abstract:

In recent years, a large variety of nanoporous materials of different structures were synthesized. One approach of structuring in the mesoscopic scale (2-50 nm) was to use structure directing agents like ionic surfactants or tri-block polymeric surfactants in the synthesis. Some notable examples of silicas such as MCM[1], SBA[2,3], FDU[4] were produced to possess uniform ordered pores with tunable sizes. Carbonization of these silica structures lead to various mesoporous structures such as the CMK carbons [5,6]. Applications of these materials to electrochemical applications are promising and studies of fuel cell electrode reactions have been reported[7]. Integrating these mesoporous carbons with larger scale structures lead to further improvement in the mass transport processes. The interpretation of the experimental results of these complex electrochemical processes in the multiple scale structures becomes difficult and demands the corresponding development of appropriate theoretical analyses. The objective of this research is to develop a mathermatical model to describe the integrated process of electrochemical kinetics, ionic transport, and mass-transfer in the various structures with multiple-scale porosity. The development will start from the fundamental principles such as Bullter-Volmer equations, Laplace equations of concentration and electric potential fields. The nano-confinement effect on diffusion of ions and reactants will also be considered. The model will be applied to interpret experimental data generated in our laboratory and available in the literature for electrode materials with various nanoporous and mesoporous structures. The results of this work will lead to understanding better the critical parameters affecting performance of electrodes with novel structures. [1] C. T. Kresge, M. E. Leonowicz, W. J. Roth, J. C. Vartuli and J. S. Beck, Nature 359, 710. [2] D. Zhao, J. Feng, Q. Huo, N. Melosh, G. H. Fredrickson, B. F. Chmelka and G. D. Stucky, Science, 279(1998)548. [3] D. Zhao, Q. Huo, J. Feng, B. F. Chmelka and G. D. Stucky, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 120(1998)6024. [4] J. Fan, C. Yu, F. Gao, J. Lei, B. Tian, L. Wang, Q. Luo, B. Tu, W. Zhou and D. Zhao, Angew. Chem., Int. Ed., 42(2003)3146. [5] R. Ryoo, S. H. Joo, S. J. Jun, Phys. Chem. B 103(1999)7743. [6] Jun, S.; Joo, S. H.; Ryoo, R.; Kruk, M.; Jaroniec, M.; Liu, Z.; Ohsuna, T.; Terasaki, O. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 122(2000)10712. [7] K.Y. Chan, J. Ding, J. Ren, S.A. Cheng, and K.Y. Tsang, J. Mater. Chem, 14 (2004) 505-516.

List of Research Outputs

Chan G.K.Y., "Materials Research for Electrochemical Technologies", 2006 Doctoral Forum of China, East China University of Science and Technology. 2006.

Ren J., Ding J., Chan G.K.Y. and Wang H., Dual-Porosity Carbon Templated from Monosize Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles , Chemistry of Materials . 2007, 19: 2786-2795.

Wang Y., Chan G.K.Y., Li X.Y. and So S.K., Electrochemical degradation of 4-chlorophenol at nickel-antimony doped tin oxide electrode , Chemosphere . 2006, 65: 1087-1093.

Xie Z., Li X.Y. and Chan G.K.Y., Nitrogen removal from the saline sludge liquor by electrochemical denitrification, Water Science and Technology. London, U.K., International Water Association, 2006, 54(8): 171-179.

Xie Z., Li X.Y. and Chan G.K.Y., Nitrogen removal from the saline sludge liquor by electrochemical denitrification, World Congress of the International Water Association, Beijing, China, September. Beijing, China, 2006.

Zhang X., Yang H., Zhang F. and Chan G.K.Y., Preparation and Characterization of Pt-TiO2-SiO2 Mesoporous Materials and Visible-light Photocatalytic Performance , Materials Letters. 2007, 61: 2231-2234.

Zhang X., Guan R.F., Wu Q.R. and Chan G.K.Y., Preparation of Amino-functionalized Mesostructured Cellular Foams and Application as hosts for Large Biomolecules , Journal of Materials Sciences -- Materials in Medicine . 2007, 18: 877-882.

Zhang X., Zhang F., Guan R.F. and Chan G.K.Y., Preparation of Pt-Ru-Ni Ternary Nanoparticles by Microemulsion and Electrocatalytic Activity for Methanol Oxidation , Materials Research Bulletin . 2007, 42: 327-333.

Researcher : Chan HY

List of Research Outputs

Chan H.Y., Design and Synthesis of Luminescent Mono - and Dinuclear Platinum(II) Alkynyl Terpyridine Complexes - from Photophysics to Aggregation and Self-Assembly (PhD Thesis) . 2006.

Yam V.W.W., Chan H.Y., Wong M.C. and Chu B.W.K., Luminescent Dinuclear Platinum (II) Terpyridine Complexes with a Flexible Bridge and : Stick Ends" , Angewandte Chemie International Edition. 2006, 45: 6169-6173.

Yu C., Chan H.Y., Wong M.C. and Yam V.W.W., Single-stranded Nucleic Acid-induced Helical Self-assembly of Alkynylpatinum(II) Terpyridyl Complexes , Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America . 2007, 103: 19652-19657.

Researcher : Chan HY

List of Research Outputs

Chan H.Y., Design and Synthesis of Luminescent Mono - and Dinuclear Platinum(II) Alkynyl Terpyridine Complexes - from Photophysics to Aggregation and Self-Assembly (PhD Thesis) . 2006.

Researcher : Chan KWQ

List of Research Outputs

Lai S.W., Chan K.W.Q., Zhu N. and Che C.M., cis-Dicyano Osmium(II) Diimine Complexes: Solvatochromic And Luminescent Signaling Studies, XXII International Conference on Organometallic Chemistry, Zaragoza, Spain, 23-28 July. 2006.

Zhi Y.G., Lai S.W., Chan K.W.Q., Law Y.C., Tong S.M. and Che C.M., Systematic Studies on Photoluminescence of Oligo(arylene-ethynylene)s: Tunability of Excited States, and Derivatization as Luminescent Labeling Probes for Proteins, European Journal of Organic Chemistry. Wiley-VCH, 2006, 3125-3139.

Researcher : Chan KWY

List of Research Outputs

Wong W.T. and Chan K.W.Y., Optimized Relaxivity and Specificity Hepatobillary MRI Contrast Agent, Patent Publication No. US 2007/0116648 A1 - United States Patent & Trademark Office). 2007.

Researcher : Chan MS

List of Research Outputs

Wong C.M.Q., Chan M.S., Ma C.Y. and Sze K.H., Determination of the Solution Structure of an Antimicrobial Peptide Derived from Human Lactoferricin by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy , The 4th Joint Conference of the Hong Kong Biophysical Society and the Guangdong Biophysical Society, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, January 27, 2007.

Researcher : Chan PWH

Project Title:	Synthesis and applications of transition metal-nitrogen multiple bonded complexes in carbon-nitrogen bond formation reactions
Investigator(s):	Chan PWH, Che CM
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2004

Abstract:

To develop the chemistry of highly reactive metal-nitrogen multiple bonded complexes.

List of Research Outputs

Researcher : Chan PY

List of Research Outputs

Xue J., Guo Z., Chan P.Y., Chu L.M., But Y.S. and Phillips D.L., Time-resolved Resonance Raman Study Of The Reaction Of The 2-fluorebylnitrenium Ion With 2-fluroenylazide , Journal of Physical Chemistry A. 2007, 111: 1441-1451.

Researcher : Chan QKW

List of Research Outputs

Zhi Y.G., Lai S.W., Chan Q.K.W., Law Y.C., Tong S.M. and Che C.M., Systematic Studies on Photoluminescence of Oligo(arylene-ethynylene)s: Tunability of Excited States, and Derivatization as Luminescent Labeling Probes for Proteins , In: Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, 2-Goukan, Lecture Room 130, Second Asian Symposium on Advanced Organic Synthesis, Kyoto, Japan, 9 November. 2006.

Researcher : Chan WK

Project Title:	Fabrication of photovoltaic devices by polyelectrolyte deposition
Investigator(s):	Chan WK, Djurisic A
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	08/2003

Abstract:

To prepare a series of ionic polymers that can function as photosensitizers and charge transport materials, and can be fabricated to multilayer structures by the layer-by-layer deposition process; to modify the device structures by using different combination of sensitizers, n- and p-type charge carriers, and mixed layers; to study the photoconducting and photovoltaic properties of the devices fabricated using different light sources; to simulate the experimental results into theoretical models in order to understand different physical processes such as photo charge generation, exciton diffusion, and interference effect.

Project Title:	Use of Transition Metal Complexes in Heterojunction Photovoltaic Devices
Investigator(s):	Chan WK, Djurisic A
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	09/2004

Abstract:

To synthesize a series of sublimable transition metal complexes that can be processed by caccuum deposition; to fabricate photovoltaic devices with different structures using the metal complexes as photosensitizers/change carriers; to optimize the device performance by fabricating devices with different structures, using different charge transport layers, or modifying the electrode surfaces; to study the roles of these complexes in photosensitization, exciton separation, exciton diffusion, and charge transport processes.

Project Title:	Fabrication of nanostructures using functional block copolymers as the templates
Investigator(s):	Chan WK, Djurisic A
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	12/2005

Abstract:

The objectives of this project are: 1. To design and synthesize functional block copolymers that can serve as the templates for subsequent nanofabrication. 2. To characterize the solid-state bulk and surface morphology of the resulting block copolymers, and to deposit various types of semiconducting nanoparticles/polyelectrolytes by the electrostatic adsorption process. 3. To fabricate photovoltaic devices based on the nanoparticles-polymer composite, and to study the device performance. 4. To fabricate two dimensional nanoparticles ensembles on a functional block copolymer surface and to study the potential of using these structures as photonic crystals, optical filters, and/or Bragg mirrors.

Project Title:	Study of photocurrent generation in polymeric photovoltaic devices
Investigator(s):	Chan WK
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2006

Abstract:

1. To fabricate photovoltaic cells by using some metal containing polymers synthesized in our laboratory. The active layer will be based on polymer blends composed of photosensitizing and charge transport polymers. 2. To study the transient photocurrent profile of polymer-based devices upon light irradiation. 3. To simulate the photocurrent rise and decay profiles by fitting the experimental results with theoretical model.

Project Title:	Synthesis, spectroscopy and OLED application of triplet emitters containing charge transport moieties
Investigator(s):	Chan WK, Mak SK
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Germany/Hong Kong Joint Research Scheme
Start Date:	01/2007

Abstract:

1. To synthesize, characterize, and to test new functionalized triplet emitters for OLED (organic light emitting diode) applications. 2. To improve the electroluminescence quantum yield, and to lengthen the device lifetime Triplet emitters for this new technology attract many research groups in universities and industrial laboratories, since the maximum obtainalbe efficiency of these materials can be by a factor of four times higher than that of pure organic molecules. The new compounds will contain charge transport moieties and are designed to enhance the electron-hole recombination probability.

List of Research Outputs

Chan S.W., Barille R., Nunzi J.M., Tam K.H., Leung Y.H., Chan W.K. and Djurisic A., Second harmonic generation in zinc oxide nanorods, Applied Physics B. Berlin, Springer-Verlag, 2006, 84: 351-355.

Chan W.K., Ho C.M., Wong M.K. and Che C.M., Oxidative amide synthesis and N-terminal alpha-amino group ligation of peptides in aqueous medium, Journal of the American Chemical Society. USA, AMER CHEMICAL SOC, 2006, 128: 14796.

Cheung K.Y., Yip C.T., Djurisic A., Leung Y.H. and Chan W.K., Long K-doped titania and titanate nanowires on Ti foil and fluorine-doped tin oxide/quartz substrates for solar-cell applications, Advanced Functional Materials. Weinheim, WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co., 2007, 17: 555-562.

Djurisic A., Leung Y.H., Tam K.H., Hsu Y.F., Ding L., Ge W.K., Zhong Y.C., Wong K.S., Chan W.K., Tam H.L., Cheah K.W., Kwok W.M. and Phillips D.L., Defect emissions in ZnO nanostructures, Nanotechnology. Bristol, IOP Publishing Limited, 2007, 18: 095702: 1-8.

Djurisic A., Leung Y.H., Cheung C.H., Tam K.H., Ng M.C.A., Li D., Wang H., Xie M.H. and Chan W.K., Organic and inorganic nanostructures for optoelectronic devices, Nonlinear Optics and Quantum Optics. Philadelphia, Old City Publishing, Inc., 2007, 37: 99-106.

Kwok W.M., Djurisic A., Leung Y.H., Li D., Tam K.H., Phillips D.L. and Chan W.K., Influence of annealing on stimulated emission in ZnO nanorods, Applied Physics Letters. New York, American Institute of Physics, 2006, 89: 183112: 1-3.

Mak S.K., Leung Q.Y. and Chan W.K., Synthesis and Characterization of One-Dimensional Ruthenium Based Self-Assembly Polymer, American Chemical Society 232nd National Meeting, San Francisco, U.S.A., September 10-14, 2006 . 2006.

Man K.K.Y., Tse C.W., Cheng K.W., Djurisic A. and Chan W.K., Fabrication of photovoltaic cells using rhenium diimine complex containing polyelectrolytes by the layer-by-layer electrostatic self-assembly method, Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials. Springer Science, 2007, 17: 223-233.

Tam K.H., Cheung C.K., Leung Y.H., Djurisic A., Ling F.C.C., Beling C.D., Fung S.H.Y., Kwok W.M., Chan W.K., Phillips D.L., Ding L. and Ge W.K., Defects in ZnO nanorods prepared by a hydrothermal method, Journal of Physical Chemistry B. American Chemical Society, 2006, 110: 20865-20871.

Tong W.Y., Djurisic A., Xie M.H., Ng M.C.A., Cheung K.Y., Chan W.K., Leung Y.H., Lin H.W. and Gwo S., Metal phthalocyanine nanoribbons and nanowires, Journal of Physical Chemistry B. American Chemical Society, 2006, 110: 17406-17413.

Tong W.Y., Djurisic A., Ng M.C.A. and Chan W.K., Synthesis and properties of copper phthalocyanine nanowires, Thin Solid Films. Amsterdam, Elsevier B.V., 2007, 515: 5270-5274.

Tse C.W., Chan W.K. and Djurisic A., Hyperbranched polymer as surface modifier for nanosized zinc oxide tetrapods, American Chemical Society 232nd National Meeting, San Francisco, U.S.A., September 10-14, 2006.

Tse C.W., Man K.K.Y., Cheng K.W., Mak S.K., Chan W.K., Yip C.T., Liu Z. and Djurisic A., Layer-by-layer deposition of rhenium-containing hyperbranched polymers and fabrication of photovoltaic cells, Chemistry-A European Journal. Weinheim, WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co., 2007, 13: 328-335.

Tse C.W., Chan W.K. and Djurisic A., Modification of ZnO Tetrapod and Nanorod Surfaces by the Layer-by-Layer Deposition Process, 90th Canadian Chemistry Conference, Winnipeg, Canada, May 28-30, 2007.

Tse C.W., Leung Y.H., Tam K.H., Chan W.K. and Djurisic A., Tailoring and modifications of a ZnO nanostructure surface by the layer-by-layer deposition technique, Nanotechnology. Bristol, IOP Publishing Limited, 2006, 17: 3563-3568.

Wang H., Yip C.T., Cheung K.Y., Djurisic A., Xie M.H., Leung Y.H. and Chan W.K., Titania-nanotube-array-based photovoltaic cells, Applied Physics Letters. New York, American Institute of Physics, 2006, 89: 023508: 1-3.

Wong H.L., Mak S.K., Chan W.K. and Djurisic A., Efficient photovoltaic cells with wide photosensitization range fabricated from rhenium benzathiazole complexes, Applied Physics Letters. New York, American Institute of Physics, 2007, 90: 081107: 1-3.

Wong H.L., Mak S.K., Leung Q.Y., Chan W.K. and Djurisic A., Use of Sublimable Rhenium Diimine Complexes as Photosensitizers in Bulk Heterojunction Photovoltaic Devices, The 7th International Symposium on Advanced Organic Photonics, Angers, France, June 13-15, 2007.

Researcher : Chan WK

List of Research Outputs

Tong W.Y., Djurisic A., Ng M.C.A. and Chan W.K., Synthesis and properties of copper phthalocyanine nanowires, Thin Solid Films. Amsterdam, Elsevier B.V., 2007, 515: 5270-5274.

Researcher : Chan WT

Project Title:	Development of a Novel Bottom-Viewed Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry
Investigator(s):	Chan WT
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	09/2004

Abstract:

To improve the analytical performance of bottom-viewed inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (BV-ICP); to study the characteristics of BV-ICP.

Project Title:	Optimization of photochemical decomposition–fluorescence (PCF) measurement of pyrethroids in vegetables and tealeaves
Investigator(s):	Chan WT
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	06/2006

Abstract:

Pyrethroids refer to derivatives of pyrethrum which is a natural pesticide extracted from Chrysanthemums [1]. Pyrethroid is the largest group of environment friendly pesticides in the world. Pyrethroids are practically nontoxic to birds, but are very toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates. Pyrethroids break down rapidly in the environment to less toxic compounds. The pesticide is a viable alternative to persistent organic pesticides (POP) such as DDT. Pyrethroids, however, pose certain toxic effects on humans. Pyrethroids affect the nervous system by interacting with the sodium channels of the neuronal membranes and will lead to seizures on high dose. Pyrethroids are endocrine disruptors and may cause damage to the liver upon long-term exposure. The USEPA also identifies pyrethroids as potential carcinogens. Stringent control on the maximum residue level (MRL) in foodstuffs, especially on vegetables and agricultural products, has, therefore, imposed by various countries in recent years. For example, the European Union requirement of MRL of pyrethroids on tealeaves is 0.02–0.1 mg/Kg in Year 2000, orders of magnitude larger than the previous MRL requirement. Proper control of pyrethroid content in foodstuffs is essential, especially for the foodstuffs for export. Determination of the pyrethroid content is the first step in quality control of the foodstuffs. Determination of the pyrethroid residue on agricultural products at 0.01 mg/Kg levels requires highly sensitive instrumental methods, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) [2]. GC-MS requires tedious and meticulous extraction and cleanup processes of the analytes because of low tolerance of sample matrix by the GC column. GC-MS instruments are also relatively expensive and will add to the cost of the agricultural products, if not unaffordable to the producers / exporters. An alternative to GC separation is high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). However, the sensitivity of conventional UV-absorption detection method of HPLC does not meet the MRL requirement. False negative on pyrethroid determination will result in health hazards to the consumers of the agricultural products. False negative will also result in rejection of the products by importing countries and cause financial losses. Post-column photochemical decomposition of pyrethroids and fluorescence measurement of the decomposition products has been demonstrated to be a viable detection method of pyrethroids after HPLC separation. The method is based on the conversion of non-fluorescent analytes into strongly fluorescent photoproducts by UV irradiation. Detection limits of 0.01 mg/Kg are readily achievable [3,4]. The best limits of detection reported in the literatures are in the range of 0.01 to 0.22 μg/Kg in vegetable samples using coupled-column HPLC [5]. In addition to the high sensitivity, the post-column photochemical decomposition–fluorescence (PCF) method is attractive in that photons are used as a reagent in the derivatization reaction [4]. Introduction of photons into the HPLC eluent does not cause turbulence in the HPLC flow and will not result in band broadening of the HPLC peaks. The flux of photons can also be adjusted readily and switched off completely as necessary. Depending on the photochemical reaction and the photon flux, the reaction typically takes more than a minute to complete. A relatively large dead volume of the post-column photochemical reactor is, therefore, needed to allow for the relatively long residence time of the HPLC eluent in the reactor. To avoid significant band broadening, the reactor volume is typically reduced, in the expense of the completeness of the photochemical reaction. For example, the fluorescence intensity of the photoproducts of five pyrethroids increases monotonically as the flow rate eluting solvent reduces [3], an indication of incomplete reaction. We propose to further refine the PCF method. The decomposition conditions, e.g., wavelength and power of the light source, irradiation duration, solvent and additives, and temperature, will be optimized for maximum fluorescence intensity and minimum interference from the sample matrix. The decomposition products will be identified using mass spectrometry. Knowledge of the decomposition products and mechanism is needed to select the decomposition conditions intelligently. Photodegradation products of various environmentally important compounds, e.g., dipheyl ethers [6], have been studied using mass spectrometry. Mass spectrometric studies of photodegradation of pyrethroids, however, are lacking. The objectives of the research proposal are: 1. To develop a photoreactor for post-column pyrethroid determination. 2. To optimize the operating parameters of the photoreactor for maximum sensitivity and minimum band broadening. 3. To study the photodegradation products of pyrethroids using mass spectrometry with the aim of further optimization of the performance of the photoreactor. Reference: 1. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “Toxicological Profile Information Sheet”, http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp155-c2.pdf, accessed on November 14, 2005. 2. Y.C. Li, J. Yi, Z.B. Bong, S.B. Zhang, and W.H. Zheng, “Determination of Cypermethrin and Fenvalerate Residues in Tea by Reversed-Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography”, J. Xiamen University (Natural Science), 2003, 42, 78-82. 3. T. López-López, M.D. Gil-Garcia, J.L. Mart´ınez-Vidal, M. Mart´ınez-Galera, “Determination of pyrethroids in vegetables by HPLC using continuous on-line post-elution photoirradiation with fluorescence detection”, Analytica Chimica Acta, 2001, 447, 101–111. 4. M. Lores, O. Cabaleiro, R. Cela, “Post-Column photochemical derivatization in high-performance liquid chromatography”, Trends Anal. Chem., 1999, 18, 392–400. 5. P. Parrilla Va´zquez, M.D. Gil Garcı´a, D. Barranco Martı´nez, M. Martı´nez Galera, “Application of coupled-column liquid chromatography combined with post-column photochemically induced fluorimetry derivatization and fluorescence detection to the determination of pyrethroid insecticides in vegetable samples”, Anal. Bioanal. Chem., 2005, 381, 1217–1225. 6. L. Sanchez-Prado, M. Llompart, M. Lores, C. Garcia-Jares, R. Cela, “Investigation of photodegradation products generated after UV-irradiation of five polybrominated diphenyl ethers using photo solid-phase microextraction”, J. Chrom. A, 2005, 1071, 85–92.

List of Research Outputs

Chan W.T., Yau M.H.P. and Lui K.O., Time-resolved ICP-MS measurement of part-per-trillion level of analyte ions adsorbed onto carbon nanotubes, FACSS 2006, September 24-28, 2006, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA. 2006.

Researcher : Chau DHW

List of Research Outputs

Li X., Liu X., Li Y.S., Ding Y., Chau D.H.W., Li G., Kung H.F., Lin M.C. and Peng Y., Recombinant Adeno-associated Virus Mediated RNA Interference Inhibits Metastasis of Nasopharyngeal Cancer Cells in vivo and in vitro by Suppression of Epstein-Barr Virus Encoded LMP-1, International Journal of Oncology. 2006, 29(3): 595-603.

Liu J., Yang G.Z., Zhou J.L., Cao S.P., Chau D.H.W., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., Prevalence of Neural Tube Defects in Economically and Socially Deprived Area of China , Child's Nervous System . 2007, 23(10): 1119-24.

Ng S.M., Gao Y., Chau D.H.W., Li H.Y., Lai L., Huang P.T., Huang C., Huang J.J., Chen Y., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., A Novel Glioblastoma Cancer Gene Therapy Using AAV-mediated Long-term Expression of Human TERT C-terminal Polypeptide via Multiple Mechanisms, 2006 ISCGT Japan Conference, Chiba, Japan, October 13-15, 2006.

Ng S.M., Gao Y., Chau D.H.W., Li H.Y., Lai L.H., Huang P.T., Huang C.F., Huang J.J., Chen Y.C., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., A Novel Glioblastoma Cancer Gene Therapy Using AAV-mediated Long-term Expression of Human TERT C-terminal Polypeptide, Cancer Gene Therapy. 2007, 14(6): 561-72.

Researcher : Che CM

Project Title:	Blue light photoluminescent materials
Investigator(s):	Che CM
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Hung Hing Ying Physical Sciences Research Fund
Start Date:	02/1999

Abstract:

To design and prepare highly robust and luminous materials for fabrication of bright blue-light emitting diode (LED) devices.

Project Title:	Institute of molecular technology for drug discovery and synthesis
Investigator(s):	Che CM
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Areas of Excellence Scheme
Start Date:	11/2001

Abstract:

To pursue world-class fundamental research in Chemical Biology; to develop novel compounds for new medicine and to engender the development of local and regional pharmaceutical industries through high quality research.

Project Title:	High-valent metal complexes and their photochemical studies
Investigator(s):	Che CM
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Matching Fund for NSFC Young Researcher Award
Start Date:	01/2002

Abstract:

To study high-valent metal complexes and their photochemical studies.

Project Title:	Shanghai-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory on chemical synthesis
Investigator(s):	Che CM
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	University Research Committee / Committee on Research and Conference Grants - General Award
Start Date:	05/2002

Abstract:

To conduct research activties at Shanghai-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory on chemical synthesis

Project Title:	Research and development of luminescent biosensors for drug screening and environmental monitoring
Investigator(s):	Che CM
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Applied Research
Start Date:	11/2002

Abstract:

To optimize the luminescent materials developed by Che and co-workers for optical pH, oxygen and chlorinated hydrocarbons sensing technology; to fabricate optical biosensors using the newly developed luminescent materials; to apply the newly developed fluorescent pH/oxygen biosensors for cell viability assay, drug screening and monitoring of environmental pollutants.

Project Title:	Novel photoluminescent, sensory and photocatalytic materials derived from closed-shell metal ions and pi-conjugated organics: impact of weak intermolecular interactions and metal-functionalization upon photophysical and photochemical properties
Investigator(s):	Che CM, Lai SW
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	09/2003

Abstract:

The objective is to identify new 1-, 2- and 3- dimensional nanostructures of metal-capped oligomeric carbon materials with tunable spectroscopic properties and to develop novel applicantions in organic optoelectronics and sensory devices.

Project Title:	Functional nanomaterials research
Investigator(s):	Che CM, Chan MCW
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2003

Abstract:

To develop new nanostructured and nanocomposite materials, based on the existing research expertise in synthetic chemistry, semiconductors, and ongoing collaborations with Chinese Academy of Sciences; to identify practical applications for newly prepared and patentable nanomaterials, such as catalysts for green chemistry and nanodevices for organic optoelectronics; to enable HKU to develop into a leading institution in nanosciences.

Project Title:	Metal-nitrogen multiple bonded complexes. Synthesis and applications in carbon-nitrogen bond formation reactions
Investigator(s):	Che CM, Tong SM, Chan PWH
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	09/2004

Abstract:

To probe the mechanism of H atom abstraction and subsequent C-N bond formation by highly reactive metal-imido complexes; to develop non-porphyrin ruthenium catalysts including metal-metal bonded diruthenium systems for amidation of C-H bonds by the "PhI(OA)₂ + RNH₂ protocol; to prepare new classes of ruthenium and osmium-imido complexes other than those bearing tosylimido ligands; to explore and develop Fe catalysts containing strongly chelating polypyridine ligand systems for amidation of organic compounds; to study systematically the ruthenium-catalyzed amidation of C(sp²)-H bonds of aromatic hydrocarbons and develop its application in organic synthesis; to investigate systematically the proton-coupled electron transfer reactions of Ru-NH₂R complexes by electrochemical means.

Project Title:	Functionalized phosphorescent metal-organic materials for biomedical, photocatalytic and organic optoelectronic applications
Investigator(s):	Che CM, Lai SW
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	NSFC/RGC Joint Research Scheme
Start Date:	01/2005

Abstract:

To develop new classes of water-soluble phosphorescent metal-organic compounds and polymer derivatives, including those appended with polysaccharide groups, for practical applications in luminescent signaling and biomedical sciences; to develop robust polymer/matrix-supported copper(I) and platinum(II) photocatalysts for light-induced C-H bond activation and atom transfer radical addition polymerization reactions; to study the effect of π-conjugation between transition metal ions and carbon-rich organic materials upon their spectroscopic and excited-states characteristics; to develop new families of phosphorescent platinum(II) dendritic materials exhibiting tunable emission energies for organic optoelectronic applications; to prepare multinuclear Pt(II)-Ru(II) complexes which exhibit low-energy Ru(II)-to-Pt(II) and ligand-to-Pt(II) charge-transfer excited states and to study the electro-optical properties of these heterometallic compounds.

Project Title:	Photoluminescent properties and applications of luminescent d8 and d10 metal complexes with metal-metal interactions
Investigator(s):	Che CM
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Germany/Hong Kong Joint Research Scheme
Start Date:	01/2005

Abstract:

To exploit the photoluminescence, determined by weak meatllophilic interactions between metal ions with d8 or d10 electronic configuration, weak ligand-ligand interactions in phosphorescent organoplatinum(II) and organogold(I) complexes and intermolecular metal-ligand interactions of d8 and d10 metal species; to elucidate the electronic origin of the emission by spectroscopic methods; to apply the effects of weak interactions upon the emissive characteristics of phosphorescent metal-organic materials to the development of new operating principles for luminescent molecular sensors and nanodevices; to synthesize phosphorescent materials with potential applications in optoelectronics of OLEDs.

Project Title:	Strategic Theme on Drug Discovery and Synthesis
Investigator(s):	Che CM, Man RYK, Lau ASY, Li Y, Chen G
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding for Strategic Research Theme
Start Date:	05/2005

Abstract:

To enhance collaborative interdisciplinary research between Science and Medicines with objectives to develop new drug leads and/or innovative research in biomedical sciences. To establish HKU as a leading centre in synergistic, interdisciplinary research on drug discovery and synthesis.

Project Title:	New Polymeric Materials for Flexible Displays
Investigator(s):	Che CM, Yu SC, Chen XM
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Applied Research
Start Date:	09/2005
Completion Date:	08/2006

Abstract:

The main theme of this proposal is to develop practical and cost effective Polymeric Light-Emitting Materials based on the phosphorescent small molecules invented at HKU for flexible displays applications. We target to apply external grants including ITF Programme based on technologies developed through this project. We will establish a platform which can facilitate the realization of PLED technology for the display companies and transfer the invented technologies including preparation and characterization to those interested companies. This proposal aims to develop the following technologies: 1) stable blue/bluish green Zn(II) polymeric materials as host for white-light displays; 2) high performance yellow/orange Pt(II) polymeric materials for WOLED applications; 3) new and environmental friendly self-assembled synthetic methods, which are inexpensive and require only simple processing for preparing polymeric materials in high yields and purities.

Project Title:	Metal-Carbon Multiple Bonded Complexes in Catalysis and Supramolecular Chemistry
Investigator(s):	Che CM, Wong MK
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	11/2005

Abstract:

Due to the shortfall of budget, spectroscopic, electronic and energy transfer studies of metal-carbon multiple bonded compounds could not be covered. The revised components of study include the followings: [1] reactive metal-carbene/alkylidyene complexes particularly the bis(carbene/alkylidene)osmium and high-valent ruthenium alkylidene complexes, [2] carbenoid transfer reactions in aqueous medium, and [3] design and synthesis of new classes of polymeric metal-containing carbon-rich materials.

Project Title:	Development of Ruthenium and Iron Catalysts for Green and Biological Oxidations
Investigator(s):	Che CM, Wong MK
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	02/2006

Abstract:

Oxidation Chemistry plays a pivotal role in biological processes and fine chemical industries, and the development of efficient, selective and environmentally friendly oxidation technologies remains a significant challenge in Chemical Sciences in the forthcoming decades. Metal-catalyzed oxidation reactions that utilizes air or hydrogen peroxide as a terminal oxidant is an area of great interest. In this context, there is a continued and growing interest in the design of oxidatively robust catalysts of ruthenium and iron. High-valent ruthenium- and iron-oxo complexes are widely known to have rich oxidation chemistry but applications of their oxidation chemistry in practical organic synthesis have yet to be achieved. Over the years, we have extensively developed metalloporphyrins as efficient catalysts in oxidation reactions. By virtue of the structural diversity of the macrocyclic ligand, steric and electronic properties of metalloporphyrin catalysts can be fine-tuned for stereo- and enantioselective oxidation reactions. We envisage that metalloporphyrins would have tremendous potential to be the future catalysts of choice for selective oxidation reactions in Chemical Industries. Recently, we have developed a practical and mild method for highly selective conversion of terminal alkenes to aldehydes catalyzed by ruthenium porphyrins. More interestingly, we have discovered that this Wacker type oxidation of alkenes can be conducted using air as oxidant. Apart from metalloporphyrin-based catalysts, we have recently prepared a series of iron(II) oligopyridyl complexes, which have been characterized by X-ray crystallography. We are delighted to find that these iron complexes are highly efficient catalysts for alkene epoxidation using Oxone as a terminal oxidant. The main objective of this project is to develop new classes of ruthenium- and iron-oxo complexes for catalytic organic oxidations using air, hydrogen peroxide or Oxone as a terminal oxidant with special emphasis to address several important problems in organic oxidations. The deliverables of this project include a collection of new oxidatively robust catalysts, application studies of ruthenium-catalyzed aerobic Wacker type oxidation of alkenes to aldehydes and iron-catalyzed selective alkene epoxidation and biological oxidation. The ultimate goal is to develop efficient and green oxidation reactions that have useful applications in practical organic synthesis and fine chemical industries.

Project Title:	Reactive metal-oxo complexes of group VIII metals for organic oxidations
Investigator(s):	Che CM, Wong MK, Tong SM
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	01/2007

Abstract:

This project aims to establish an interdisciplinary research program to expand the scope of research in metal-catalyzed organic oxidations previously developed in the laboratories [The University of Hong Kong and Shanghai-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory on Chemical Synthesis] of the HKU team. Synergetic efforts would be made to employ metalloporphyrins as key catalysts in organic synthesis, develop practical iron catalysts for organic oxidations, the latter is an area receiving a rapidly growing attention after the recent works of Que and co-workers (Science, 2003, 299, 1037), development of alternative and inexpensive catalysts for cis-dihydroxylation of alkenes and green oxidation catalysis. In essence, the objectives include. (1) To develop metalloporphyrin-catalyzed alkyne oxidations for biomolecule modification and practical protocols for construction of synthetically useful epoxides using environmentally friendly oxidants. (2) To develop ruthenium-catalyzed organic oxidations using air or hydrogen peroxide as a terminal oxidant. Of particular interest is to develop the chemistry of ruthenium-catalyzed Wacker oxidation of alkenes to aldehydes recently discovered at Shanghai-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory on Chemical Synthesis. (3) To develop practical iron catalysts using oligopyridine ligand systems for organic oxidations. (4) To design new classes of ruthenium-oxo complexes including those containing chiral auxiliary ligands for cis-dihydroxylation of alkenes. This work also aims to inquire as to whether a cis-dioxometal unit is a necessary requisite to accomplish cis-dihydroxylation of alkenes. (5) To examine the chemistry and reactivities of hitherto unknown reactive oxo complexes of ruthenium and iron using density functional theory calculations, and to systematically compare the ligand[pp(O2-)]-to-metal charge-transfer excited states of iron, ruthenium and osmium possessing the same dn electronic configuration. (6) To develop supported metal catalysts including those containing ruthenium nanoparticles for organic oxidations. This project is a concerted effort to tackle some difficult problems in the field of organic oxidations. Completion of this project could lead to important findings in ruthenium-catalyzed organic oxidations using air or hydrogen peroxide as a terminal oxidant. The outcomes would be rewarding as inexpensive and green oxidation technologies for fine chemical industry and organic synthesis could be developed. The development of practical and robust iron-based catalysts for organic oxidations with high selectivity and product turnovers is likely to have a long lasting impact in the forthcoming decade.

Project Title:	Atom and Group Transfer Reactions for Carbon-Nitrogen Bond Formation
Investigator(s):	Che CM, Ho CM
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	03/2007

Abstract:

Nitrogen atom insertion to saturated C-H bonds catalyzed by transition metal complexes provides a convenient synthetic route to amine and amine derivatives, which are important intermediates generally used for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and bioactive natural products. Metal complexes of Rh(II) and Ru(II) are effective catalysts for inter- and intramolecular amidation of saturated C-H bonds and aziridination of alkenes with PhI=NTs as a nitrogen source. However, these processes involve the usage of the highly toxic and expensive late transition metal catalysts and halogenated organic solvents. In this connection, it continues to be a challenge for chemists to develop new green catalysts (such as Fe) that can reduce the use of highly toxic metal catalyst, and achieve high product turnovers amidation reactions. Over the years, we have extensively investigated high-valent ruthenium- and osmium-ligand multiple bonded complexes in catalytic atom/group transfer reactions (over 250 papers and reviews published in international chemistry journals). By virtue of the structural diversity of the auxiliary ligands, the steric and electronic properties of transition metal catalysts can be tuned for stereo- and enantioselective reactions. For example, we showed that formation of sulfamte esters and carbamates can be achieved in high yields and e.e. values using chiral Ru(II) porphyrin catalysts [Che et al, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2002, 41, 3465]. On the other hand, little is known about the high-valent iron-nitrogen multiple bonded complexes. High-valent iron-imido complexes are usually proposed to be the reactive intermediates in Fe-porphyrin catalyzed amidation of hydrocarbons. Very recently, Berry et al reported the isolation and characterization of the first octahedral Fe(VI)-nitrido complexes [Science 2006, 312, 1937]. Our recent studies showed that reaction of [Fe(py5)(CH3CN)]2+ with PhI=NTs in MeCN produced a rapid color change and a yellow solid was obtained after evaporation to dryness. ESI mass spectral analysis revealed a molecular ion peak at m/z = 612, tentatively assigned to [TsN=Fe(py5)]+. Recently, we have determined the X-ray crystal structures of two bis(tosylimido)ruthenium(VI) porphyrin complexes and revealed that the Ru-N(imido) distances depended on the para-substituent on the phenyl ring of the tosylimido ligand. We envisage that iron catalyst would have tremedous potential to be the future catalysts of choice for selective amidation of hydrocarbons. We have found that [Fe(Cl3terpy)2]2+ is an active catalyst for aziridination of alkenes and amidation of activated C-H bond with moderate to good product yields. We propose to extensively develop such chemistry, including isolation of the Fe=NTs species for X-ray and spectroscopic characterization and reactivity studies. With our existing research capability and promising findings, we aim (1) to explore and develop new class of Fe catalysts containing chelating polypyridine ligand systems for selective amidation of organic compounds, (2) to synthesize and characterize the high-valent iron-imido compounds, (3) to probe the mechanism of C-H insertion and subsequent C-N bond formation by highly reactive metal-imido complexes, and (4) to prepare and/or generate cis-oxo-imido metal complexes for aminohydroxylation of C=C bonds and to develop robust metal catalysts for this transformation.

List of Research Outputs

Chan L.Y., Keung W.Y.W., Yeung K.Y., Leung S.W.S., Che C.M. and Man R.Y.K., The vasorelaxation effect of an extract of chinese medicinal herb, radix angelica pubescens in porcine coronary artery, Journal of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology, Tenth Annual Scientific Meeting, Institute of Cardiovascular Science and Medicine, December 9-10, 2006. 14:2: 77.

Chan L.Y., Keung W.Y.W., Yeung K.Y., Leung S.W.S., Che C.M. and Man R.Y.K., The vasorelaxation effect of osthole, derived from radix angelicae pubescentis, in porcine coronary artery, Experimental Biology 2007, Washington, DC, April 28-May 2, 2007.

Chan W.K., Ho C.M., Wong M.K. and Che C.M., Oxidative amide synthesis and N-terminal alpha-amino group ligation of peptides in aqueous medium, Journal of the American Chemical Society. USA, AMER CHEMICAL SOC, 2006, 128: 14796.

Che C.M., Xiang H. and Xu Z., Applied Physics Letters, American Institute of Physics. AIP, 2007, 90: 3509.

Che C.M., Ho C.M. and Huang J.S., Metal-carbon multiple bonded complexes. Carbene, vinylidene and allenylidene complexes of ruthenium and osmium supported by macrocyclic ligands, Coordination Chemistry Reviews. Elsevier, 2007, 251: 2145-2166.

Che C.M., Sun R.W.Y. and Wong E.L.M., Pharmaceutical Composition having a Ruthenium Oxalato Compound and Method of using the same. U.S. Patent, US11/256,175., 2007.

Che C.M., Yip W.P. and Yu W.Y., Ruthenium-Catalyzed Oxidation of Alkenes, Alkynes, and Alcohols to Organic Acids with Aqueous Hydrogen Peroxide , Chemistry - An Asian Journal . 2006, 453-458.

Dai D., Xu S.J., Shi S., Xie M.H. and Che C.M., Observation of both second-harmonic and multiphoton-absorption-induced luminescence in ZnO, IEEE Photonics Technology Letters. IEEE, 2006, 18: 1533-1535.

Han J., Chui S.Y. and Che C.M., Thermotropic liquid crystals based on extended 2,5-disubstituted-1,3,4-oxadiazoles: Structure-property relationships, variable-temperature powder X-ray diffraction, and small-angle X-ray scattering studies, In: Han J, Chui SSY, Che CM, Chemistry-an Asian Journal. 2006, 1: 814-825.

Huang J.S., Yu G., Xie J., Zhu N. and Che C.M., One-Pot Synthesis of Metal Primary Phosphine Complexes from O=PCl₂R. Isolation and Characterization of Primary Alkyphosphine Complexes of a Metalloporphyrin , Inorganic Chemistry. 2006, 45: 5724-5726.

Kui C.F., Sham I.H.T., Cheung C.C., Ma C.W., Yan B., Zhu N., Che C.M. and Fu W.F., Patinum(II) Complexes with p-Conjugated, Naphtyl-Substituted, Cyelometalated Lignds (RC^N^N): Strutctures and Photo- and Electronluminescence, Chemistry - A European Journal. 2007, 13: 417-435.

Kui C.F., Huang J.S., Sun R.W.Y., Zhu N. and Che C.M., Self-assembly of a highly stable, topologically interesting metallamacrocycle by birdging gold(I) ions wiht pyridyl-2, 6-diphenyl^2-and diphosphanes , Angewandte Chemie International Edition. 2006, 45: 4663-4666.

Kwan M.C., Cheng K.H., Lai P.T. and Che C.M., Improved Carrier Mobility for Pentacene TFT by NH3 Annealing of Gate Dielectric, Solid-St. Electronics. 2007, 51: 77-80.

Kwan T.M.T., Cheng K.H., Lai P.T. and Che C.M., Enhanced Carrier Mobility for Pentacene TFT by Nitridation of SiO2 Gate Dielectric, Proceedings of RIUPEEEC. Macau, 2006, 41-44.

Kwok S.Y., Siu A.F.M., Ngai S.M., Che C.M. and Tsang J.S.H., Proteomic analysis of Burkholderia cepacia MBA4 in the degradation of monochloroacetate, Proteomics. 2007, 7: 1107-1116.

Lai S.W., Chan K.W.Q., Zhu N. and Che C.M., cis-Dicyano Osmium(II) Diimine Complexes: Solvatochromic And Luminescent Signaling Studies, XXII International Conference on Organometallic Chemistry, Zaragoza, Spain, 23-28 July. 2006.

Li H.Y., Lum C.T., Sun R.W.Y., Ng S.M., Smith D.K., Yiu S.M., Che C.M. and Lin M.C., Genome-Wide Study Reveals the Signaling Pathways Modulated by Gold-1a Treatment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma, The Fifth Asia-Pacific Bioinformatics Conference, APBC2007; 14-17 Jan, 2007; Hong Kong. 2007, apbc084.

Li K.H., Huang G., Xu Z.T., Zhang M.L., Zeller M., Hunter A.D., Chui S.Y., Che C.M. and Wong Y.W., Multiple Bismuth(III) -- Thioether Secondary Interactions Intergrate Metalloporphyrin Ligands into Functional Networks , In: Li K, Huang G, Xu ZT, M Zhang, Zeller M, Hunter AD, Chui SSY, Che CM, Wong WY, Inorganic Chemistry. 2007, 46: 4844-4849.

Li Q., Xu S.J., Li G., Dai D. and Che C.M., Two-photon photoluminescence and excitation spectra of InGaN/GaN quantum wells, Applied Physics Letters. New York, American Institute of Physics, 2006, 89: 011104: 1-3.

Liu X., Ding P., Huang J.S. and Che C.M., Synthesis of Substituted 1,2-Dihydroquinolines and Quinolines from Aromatic Amines and Alkynes by Gold(I)-Catalyzed Tandem Hydroamination-Hydroarylation under Microwave-Assisted Conditions , In: Amos B. Smith, III , Organic Letters. ACS, 2007, 9: 2645-2648.

Lok C.N., Ho C.M., Chen R., He Q., Yu W.Y., Sun H., Tam P.K.H., Chiu J. and Che C.M., Silver nanoparticles: partial oxidation and antibacterial activities, Journal of Biological Inorganic Chemistry. 2007, 12(4): 527-534.

Lu L., Sun R.W.Y., Hui C.K., Chen R., Luk J.M.C., Che C.M. and Lau K.K., In Vitro Anti-hepatitis B Virus Activities and Mechanism of Metal-based Nanoparticles , Hepatology . 2006, 44 (Suppl.1): 553A.

Lu L., Sun R.W.Y., Hui C.K., Chen R., Luk J.M.C., Che C.M. and Lau G., In Vitro Anti-hepatitis B Virus Activities and Mechanism of Silver Nanoparticles,The 17th Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver Conference, Kyoto, Japan, 27 - 30 March 2007, Hepatology International. 2007, 242: 14.

Lu L., Sun R.W.Y., Hui C.K., Chen R., Luk J.M.C., Che C.M. and Lau G., Size-dependent anti-hepatic B virus activities and mechanism of silver nanoparticles, The 17th Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver Conference, Kyoto, Japan, 27 - 30 March 2007.

Lu L., Sun R.W.Y., Hui C.K., Chen R., Luk J.M.C., Che C.M. and Lau G., Size-dependent anti-hepatitis B virus activities and mechanism of silver nanoparticles (Abstract), Hepatology International. 2007, 1(1): 14.

Lu W., Vellaisamy A.L.R. and Che C.M., Self-assembled Nanostructures With Tridentate Cyclometalated Platinum(ii) Complexes, Chemical Communications. 2006, 2006: 3972–3974.

Luk J.M.C., Lee P.Y., Shum K.Y., Siu A.F.M., Che C.M., Tam P.C., Cheung A.N.Y., Yang Z.M., Lin Y.N., Matzuk M.M., Lee C.K.F. and Yeung W.S.B., Acrosome-Specific Gene AEP1: Identification, Characterization and Roles in Spermatogenesis , Journal of Cellular Physiology . 2006, 209: 755-766.

Ma D.L., Che C.M., Siu A.F.M., Yang M. and Wong K.Y., DNA Binding and Cytotoxicity of Ruthenium(II) and Rhenium(I) Complexes of 2-Amino-4-Phenylamino-6-(2-Pyridyl)-1,3,5-Triazine, Inorganic Chemistry. 2007, 46: 740-749.

Ng K.M. and Che C.M., Gas Phase Acidities of Triterpenoid Saponins and Their Applications for Isomeric Differentiation, The Fifth Meeting of Consortium for Globalization of Chinese Medicine. 2006, September 20-23.

Ng K.M., Liang Z.T., Lu W., Tang H.W., Zhao Z.Z., Che C.M. and Cheng Y.C., In Vivo Analysis And Spatial Profiling Of Phytochemicals In Herbal Tissue By Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/ionization Mass Spectrometry, Analytical Chemistry. 2007, 79: 2745 - 2755.

Ng K.M., Liang Z.T., Zhao Z.Z., Che C.M. and Cheng Y.C., Spatial Distribution of Phytochemicals in Stem Tissue of Sinomenium Acutum (Thunb.) Rehd. et Wils. , Program & Abstracts, The Fifth Meeting of Consortium for Globalization of Chinese Medicine cum International Forum (Zhuhai) on Chinese Medicine, Sun Yat Sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China, September 20-23, 2006. QC007.

Siu A.F.M. and Che C.M., Quantitative Structure -- Activity (Affinity) Relationship (QSAR) Study on Protonation and Cationization of a-Amino Acids , Journal of Physical Chemistry A. 2006, 110: 12348-12354.

Sun Y., Ye K., Zhang H., Zhang J., Zhao L., Li B., Yang G., Yang B., Wang Y., Lai S.W. and Che C.M., Luminescent One-Dimensional Nanoscale Materials with Pt^II. Pt^II Interactions, Angewandte Chemie International Edition . Wiley-VCH, 2006, 45: 5610-5613.

Thu H.Y., Yu W.Y. and Che C.M., Intermolecular Amidation of Unactivated sp²and sp³ C-H Bonds via Palladium - Catalyzed Cascade C-H Activation / Nitrene Insertion , Journal of the American Chemical Society. 2006, 128: 9048-9049.

Tian J., Wong K.K.Y., Ho C.M., Lok C.N., Yu W.Y., Che C.M., Chiu J. and Tam P.K.H., Topical delivery of silver nanoparticles promotes wound healing, ChemMedChem. 2007, 2: 129-136.

Wang M., Xu H., Liu Y., Wong M.K. and Che C.M., Stereoselective Synthesis of Multifunctionalized 1,2,4-Triazolidines by a Ruthenium Porphyrin-Catalyzed Three-Component Coupling Reaction, Advanced Synthesis & Catalysis. GERMANY, WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH, 2006, 16-17: 2391.

Wang Y., He Q., Sun R.W.Y., Che C.M. and Chiu J., Cellular pharmacological properties of gold(III) porphyrin 1a, a potential anticancer drug lead, Eurpean Journal of Pharmacology. 2006, 554: 113-122.

Wong K.K.Y., Tian J., Ho C.M., Lok C.N., Che C.M., Chiu J. and Tam P.K.H., Topical delivery of silver nanoparticles reduces systemic inflammation of burn and promotes wound healing, Nanomedicine : nanotechnology, biology, and medicine. 2006, 2(4): 306.

Xiang H., Xu Z., Vellaisamy A.L.R., Che C.M. and Lai P.T., Method for Measurement of the Density of Thin Films of Small Organic Molecules , Review of Scientific Instruments . 2007, 78: 034104-1 - 034104-5.

Xu Y.C., Leung S.W.S., Yeung K.Y., Hu L., Chen G., Che C.M. and Man R.Y.K., Structure-activity Relationships of Flavonoids for Vascular Relaxation in Porcine Coronary Artery, Phytochemistry. 2007, 68: 1179-1188.

Xu Z., Vellaisamy A.L.R., Stallinga P., Muccini M., Toffanin S., Xiang H. and Che C.M., Nanocompostie Field Effect Transistors Based on Zinc Oxide / Polymer Blends , Applied Physics Letters. 2007, 90: 223509-1 - 223509-3.

Zhi Y.G., Lai S.W., Chan Q.K.W., Law Y.C., Tong S.M. and Che C.M., Systematic Studies on Photoluminescence of Oligo(arylene-ethynylene)s: Tunability of Excited States, and Derivatization as Luminescent Labeling Probes for Proteins , In: Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, 2-Goukan, Lecture Room 130, Second Asian Symposium on Advanced Organic Synthesis, Kyoto, Japan, 9 November. 2006.

Zhi Y.G., Lai S.W., Chan K.W.Q., Law Y.C., Tong S.M. and Che C.M., Systematic Studies on Photoluminescence of Oligo(arylene-ethynylene)s: Tunability of Excited States, and Derivatization as Luminescent Labeling Probes for Proteins, European Journal of Organic Chemistry. Wiley-VCH, 2006, 3125-3139.

Zhou C. and Che C.M., Highly Efficint Au(I)-Catalyzed Intramolecular Addition of b-Ketoamide to Unactivated Alkenes , Journal of the American Chemical Society. 2007, 129: 5828-5829.

Zhou X., Zhang H.X., Pan Q.J., Li M.X., Wang Y. and Che C.M., Electronic Structures and Spectroscopic Properties of [Pt(CNMe)₂(CN)₂]n(=1-4): A Theoretical Exploration of Promising Phosphorescent Materials , European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry. 2007, 2181-2188.

Researcher : Chen B

List of Research Outputs

Geng Z., Chen B. and Chiu P., Total synthesis of pseudolaric acid A , Angewandte Chemie International Edition. 2006, 45: 6197-6201.

Researcher : Chen F

List of Research Outputs

Chen F. and Yang D., Condensation of Amino Acids to from Peptides in Aqueous Solution Induced by the Oxidation of Sulfur (iv): An Oxidative Model for Prebiotic Peptide Formation , Origins of Life and Evolution of Biospheres . 2007, 37: 47-54.

Chen F., Studies on Aminoxy Peptides and Prebiotic Peptide Formation (PhD Thesis) . 2007.

Researcher : Chen G

Project Title:	A first-principles method for calculating STM images of nanoscale molecular systems and its application to alkyl substituted phthalocyanines and porphyrins
Investigator(s):	Chen G
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	09/2002

Abstract:

The objective of the project is to develop an efficient first-principles method to calculate the scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) images of nonoscale molecular systems and thus build an important tool in the reearch and development of nanotechnology.

Project Title:	Towards the first-principles simulation of open systems
Investigator(s):	Chen G
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	09/2003
Completion Date:	08/2006

Abstract:

To develop a first-principles quantum dissipation theory (QOT) to simulate the optical and electric processes of real open systems; to develop and implement time-dependent density-functional theory (TDDFT) based quantum dissipation theory (TDDFT-QOT).

Project Title:	First-principles quantum mechanical methods as predictive tools in materials design: neural networks approach
Investigator(s):	Chen G
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	03/2004

Abstract:

To employ Neural-Networks-based algorithms to improve greatly the accuracies of the first-principles quantum mechanical methods; to reduce the numerical errors within 1 to 2 kcal/ mol, i.e. the chemical accuracy; to combine the artificial intelligence and the first-principles quantum mechanical methods; to have profound impacts to computational chemistry and physics; to pave the way for the first-principles quantum mechanical methods to be employed as practical tools in materials design and research.

Project Title:	Theoretical Investigation and Computer Simulation of Carbon-Nanotube-Based Devices: Gigahertz Oscillators, Field Emitters and Tweezers
Investigator(s):	Chen G
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	10/2004

Abstract:

To explore potential electric and mechanical applications of CNTs; to design new types of nanomechanical devices as operative tools for manipulating atoms and molecules; to contribute to the advancements of nanoscopic science and technology.

Project Title:	Efficient linear scaling methods for optical properties of nanoscale material systems
Investigator(s):	Chen G
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Germany/Hong Kong Joint Research Scheme
Start Date:	01/2005

Abstract:

To develop linear-scaling quantum mechanical methods to simulate complex molecular systems such as nanotubes, nanowires, polymer films, surface, interfaces and biological molecules; to apply the resulting methods to examine the charge transport, optical and magnetic properties of nanotubes and nanowires and the photophysical processes in biological molecules.

Project Title:	Theoretical investigation of Zinc Oxide nanobelts and nanodevices
Investigator(s):	Chen G
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	06/2005

Abstract:

In this project, first-principles quantum mechanics and molecule mechanics methods will be employed to calculate the electronic structures of ZnO nanobelts and to help understand the structural basis of the unique physical properties of ZnO belts. The findings are expected to provide the useful guidance for ZnO nanobelts as potential constituents of nanodevices.

Project Title:	Theoretical investigation of carbon-nanotube-based nanoelectromechanical systems
Investigator(s):	Chen G, Zhao Y
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	NSFC/RGC Joint Research Scheme
Start Date:	12/2005

Abstract:

To understand physical properties of the CNT-based nano-components, to design and simulate novel CNT-based NEMS devices and to examine NEMS thermodynamic behavior and fundamental laws of statistical mechanics and thermodynamics at nanoscopic scales.

Project Title:	Towards the chemical accuracy: Combining first-principles methods and Neural Networks
Investigator(s):	Chen G
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	01/2006

Abstract:

In the proposed research, we develop the highly accurate first-principles quantum mechanical methods that systematically correct these inherent errors and thus yield the results of chemical accuracy. It is our objective that the resulting methods are quantitatively accurate and can be employed routinely as predict tools in chemistry, condensed matter physics, and materials science and engineering.

Project Title:	A novel numerical algorithm for prediction of 3D protein structures
Investigator(s):	Chen G
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	01/2006

Abstract:

The proposed work is to help resolve an important open question in life science, the prediction of protein three-dimensional structures. Due to recent developments in masspec and various sequencing technolgies, the determination of the primary sequences od proteins is not as difficult as before. However, determining their three-dimensional structures remains a challenge. Our objective is to develop a novel numerical algorithm to predict the three dimensional structures of proteins. An emerging view holds that protein folding is determined by the characristic kinetics of protein dynamics. The initial step of protein folding is the formation of secondary structures. This occurs within nano-seconds and is then followed by a hydrophobic collapse of proteins to their globular structures. The time scale of the hydrophobic collapse is from nano-seconds to micro-seconds. Finally, the globular structures re-adjust themselves, which may take more than seconds. Our proposed numerical algorithm is based on this emerging view of protein folding. The first step of our calculation is to determine the secondary structures from the primary sequence via homology modeling. Homology modeling has been employed to predict the tertiary structures of proteins. Due to the limited available known protein structures, homology modeling has only been applied successfully to small number of proteins. On the other hand, there are enough data on secondary structures that can be used for prediction of almost any secondary structures from the primary sequences. Homology modeling of secondary structures is thus expected to be highly successful. The second step of our calculation is to determine the globular structures. This can be achieved by a number of approaches, for instance, fixing the secondary structures while carrying our molecular dynamics simulations, or simplifying the interactions within the proteins by hydrophobic and hydrophillic interactions only. With such approaches, the degrees of freedom are reduced drastically, and thus it would be straight forward to predict the globular structures due to hydrophobic collapsing. Final step of our calculation is annealing which can be carried out by molecular dynamics simulation. Besides developing the algorithm, we plan to develop a computer program as well. The resulting program reads the primary sequence of any protein and predicts several three-dimensional structures of the protein. Each predicted structure carries a confidence score. It is our expectation that our program will become one of the standard programs that researchers will use to predict or interpret the tertiary structures of proteins in a near future.

Project Title:	First-principles simulation of dynamic responses of molecular and nanoscopic devices
Investigator(s):	Chen G
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	01/2007

Abstract:

(1) The main objective of the proposed project is to investigate the dynamic electric responses of molecular and nanoscopic devices via computer simulation. While first-principles calculations have been carried out to study the steady currents through these electronic devices, such calculations have not been performed to simulate the transient responses of these devices. We intend to simulate in real time the evolution of electronic density distribution throughout these devices upon the application of external field. The devices of our particular interests are fullerene-based field effect transistors. (2) Another major objective is to develop a highly accurate and efficient first-principles method for such real time simulations. Real time computer simulation of molecular and nanoscopic devices is a difficult challenge. Accuracy, reliability and efficiency are all required for a successful numerical calculation. To achieve this, we need to develop an entirely new first-principles method. While they have been remarkably successful, the applications of first-principles quantum mechanical methods have been limited to isolated systems where the number of electrons and energy are conserved. However, most physical, chemical and biological systems are open systems where energy as well as matter are being exchanged between the system and the surrounding. Traditionally quantum dissipation theory (QDT) has been used to study open systems. Because of the enormous computational tasks that are required, conventional numerical methods based on QDT are limited to the small model systems. Our proposed first-principles quantum mechanical method solves the time-evolution of reduced single-electron density matrix instead of many-body wavefunction or system density matrix, and thus requires far less computational time. The resulting formulism is expected to be rigorous. (3) Building upon the results of our numerical simulations on fullerene based electronic devices, we intend to propose new novel devices for further investigations and applications. The techniques and experiences that we acquire through this project can be applied to study nano-devices and other open systems. The success of our project should provide timely the new understandings for molecular- and nano-electronics.

List of Research Outputs

Chen G., Existence of A Density-Functional Theory for Open Electronic Systems, International Conference of Computational Methods in Science and Engineering 2006, (ICCMSE 2006), October 27 - November 1, 2006, Greece. 2006, .

Chen G., Existence of a Density - Functional Theory for Open Electronic Systems , In: Theodore E. Simos , Lecture Series on Computer and Computational Science 7. Leiden, The Netherlands, Brill Academic Publishers, 2006, 7: 803-806.

Chen G., First-principles methods for open electronic systems, International Conference of Computational Methods in Science and Engineering 2006 (ICCMSE 2006), Greece, October 27 - November 1, 2006. 2006.

Chen G., Guest Editor, In: Guanhua CHEN, Journal of Computational and Theoretical Nanoscience. California, USA, American Scientific Publishers, 2006, 3.

Chen G., Photophysics of DNA and light harvesting systems, 17th International Conference on Phosphorus Chemistry, Xiamen, China, April 15-21, 2007. 2007.

Chen G., Transient current through molecular devices, gDFTB Workshop, Bremen, Germany, December 1-2, 2006. 2006.

Chen G.H., Li Z., Peng J., He C.S., Wang W.L., Deng S.Z., Xu N.S., Wang C.Y., Wang S.Y., Zheng X., Chen G. and Tao Y., Atomic Decoration for Improving the Efficiency of Field Emission of Carbon Nanotubes, Journal of Physical Chemistry C. 2007, 111: 4939-4945.

Li H., Shi L.L., Zhang M., Su Z.M., Wang X., Hu L. and Chen G., Improving the accuracy of density-function theory calculation: The genetic algorithm and neural network approach, Journal Chemical Physics. 2007, 26: 144101.

Wang F., Yam C.Y., Chen G. and Fan K.N., Density matrix based time-dependent density functional theory and the solution of its linear response in real time domain, Journal Chemical Physics. 2007, 126: 134104.

Wang F., Yam C.Y. and Chen G., Time-dependent Density-functional Theory / Localized Density matrix Method for Dynamic Hyperpolarizability , Journal of Chemical Physics. 2007, 126: 244102-1 - 244102-10.

Wang X., Xin H., Leonard J.N., Chen G., Chwang A.T.Y. and Jiang Q., The Oscillatory Characteristics of a 2C₆₀CNT Oscillator System, Journal Nanoscience and Nanotechnology . 2007, 7: 1512-1517.

Xu Y.C., Leung S.W.S., Yeung K.Y., Hu L., Chen G., Che C.M. and Man R.Y.K., Structure-activity Relationships of Flavonoids for Vascular Relaxation in Porcine Coronary Artery, Phytochemistry. 2007, 68: 1179-1188.

Xu Z.P., Zheng Q.S. and Chen G., Thermally Driven Large-amplitude Fluctuations in Carbon-Nanotube-based Devises: Molecular Dynamics Simulations, Physical Review B. 2007, 75: 195445-1 - 195445-4.

Xu Z.P., Zheng Q.S. and Chen G., Elementary Building Blocks of Graphene-Nanoribbon-Based Electronic Devices, Applied Physics Letters. 2007, 90: 223115-1 - 223115-3.

Yam C.Y., Zheng X. and Chen G., Some Recent Progresses in Density-Functional Theory: Efficiency, Accuracy, and Applicability , Journal of Comptutional and Theoretical Nanoscience . 2006, 3: 857-863.

Zhao Y., Ma C.C., Wong L.H., Chen G., Xu Z.P., Zheng Q.S. and Chwang A.T.Y., Quasi-Reversible Energy Flows in Carbon-Nanotube-Based Oscillation, Journal Computational Theoretical Nanoscience. 2006, 3, 852: 852.

Zheng J., Zheng X., Zhao Y., Xie Y., Yam C.Y., Chen G., Jiang Q. and Chwang A.T.Y., Maxwell's Demon and Smoluchowskis Trap Door, Physical Review E. 2007, 75: 041109-1 - 041109-6.

Zheng X., Wang F., Yam C.Y., Mo Y. and Chen G., Time-Dependent Density-functional Theory for Open Systems, Physical Review B. 2007, 75: 195217-1 - 195217-16.

Researcher : Chen Q

List of Research Outputs

Chen Q. and Fung Y.S., Quantum Dots for Anion Detection in Capillary Electrophoresis , Abstract of 2nd China-Japan-Korea Joint Symposium on Ion Chromatography, Hangzhou, China, November 28-30, 2006 . 2006, P-25, p.54.

Researcher : Chen R

List of Research Outputs

Chen R., Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Applications of Inorganic Nanomaterials (PhD Thesis) . 2006.

Lok C.N., Ho C.M., Chen R., He Q., Yu W.Y., Sun H., Tam P.K.H. and Chiu J., Proteomic analysis of the mode of antibacterial action of silver nanoparticles, Gordon Research Conference, Metal in Medicine, Oxford, United Kingdom, July 9-14, 2006.

Lok C.N., Ho C.M., Chen R., He Q., Yu W.Y., Sun H., Tam P.K.H., Chiu J. and Che C.M., Silver nanoparticles: partial oxidation and antibacterial activities, Journal of Biological Inorganic Chemistry. 2007, 12(4): 527-534.

Lu L., Sun R.W.Y., Hui C.K., Chen R., Luk J.M.C., Che C.M. and Lau K.K., In Vitro Anti-hepatitis B Virus Activities and Mechanism of Metal-based Nanoparticles , Hepatology . 2006, 44 (Suppl.1): 553A.

Lu L., Sun R.W.Y., Hui C.K., Chen R., Luk J.M.C., Che C.M. and Lau G., Size-dependent anti-hepatic B virus activities and mechanism of silver nanoparticles, The 17th Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver Conference, Kyoto, Japan, 27 - 30 March 2007.

Lu L., Sun R.W.Y., Hui C.K., Chen R., Luk J.M.C., Che C.M. and Lau G., Size-dependent anti-hepatitis B virus activities and mechanism of silver nanoparticles (Abstract), Hepatology International. 2007, 1(1): 14.

Researcher : Chen R

List of Research Outputs

Chen R., Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Applications of Inorganic Nanomaterials (PhD Thesis) . 2006.

Researcher : Chen X

List of Research Outputs

Chen X., Ma C., Kwok W.M., Guan X., Du Y. and Phillips D.L., A Theoretical Investigation of pHydroxyphenacy Caged Phototrigger Compounds: An Examination of the Excited State Photochemistry of pHydroxyphenacyl Acetate , Journal of Physical Chemistry A. 2006, 110: 12406-12413.

Researcher : Chen Z

List of Research Outputs

Chen Z. and Zu Y., Detection of Cysteine Using Nonionic Fluorosurfactant-Modified Gold Electrode , 57th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Electrochemistry. Edinburgh, UK, 2006.

Chen Z. and Zu Y., Simultaneous Detection of Ascorbic Acid and Uric Acid Using a Fluorosurfactant-modified Platinum Electrode, J. Electroanal. Chem. Elsevier, 2007, 603: 281.

Researcher : Cheng CC

List of Research Outputs

Ho S.Y., Cheng C.C., Tiekink E.R.T. and Yam V.W.W., Luminescent Phosphinegold(I) Thiolates: Correlation Between Crystal Structure and Photoluminescent Properties in [R₃PAu{SC(OMe)=NC₆H₄NO₂-4}]; R = Et, Cy & Ph, and [(Ph₂P-R-PPh₂){AuSC(OMe)=NC₆H₄NO₂-4}v2] for R = CH₂, (CH₂)₂, (CH₂)₃, (CH₂)₄ & Fc, Inorganic Chemistry. 2006, 45: 8165-8174.

Lam S.W.H., Cheng C.C. and Yam V.W.W., Computational Studies on the Photophysical Properties and NMR Fluxionality of the Tetranuclear Copper(I) Complexes [Cu₄(m-dppm)₄(m₄-E)]²⁺ (E = PPh and S), Inorganic Chemistry. 2006, 45: 9434-9441.

Yam V.W.W. and Cheng C.C., Photochemistry and Photophysics of Coordination Compounds: Gold , Topics in Current Chemistry . 2007, 281: 269-309.

Yam V.W.W. and Cheng C.C., Silver Organometallics, In: Robert H. Crabtree and D. Michael P. Mingos, Comprehensive Organometallic Chemistry III. Oxford, Elsevier, 2006, 2: 197-250.

Researcher : Cheng KH

List of Research Outputs

Kwan M.C., Cheng K.H., Lai P.T. and Che C.M., Improved Carrier Mobility for Pentacene TFT by NH3 Annealing of Gate Dielectric, Solid-St. Electronics. 2007, 51: 77-80.

Kwan T.M.T., Cheng K.H., Lai P.T. and Che C.M., Enhanced Carrier Mobility for Pentacene TFT by Nitridation of SiO2 Gate Dielectric, Proceedings of RIUPEEEC. Macau, 2006, 41-44.

Researcher : Cheng KW

List of Research Outputs

Man K.K.Y., Tse C.W., Cheng K.W., Djurisic A. and Chan W.K., Fabrication of photovoltaic cells using rhenium diimine complex containing polyelectrolytes by the layer-by-layer electrostatic self-assembly method, Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials. Springer Science, 2007, 17: 223-233.

Tse C.W., Man K.K.Y., Cheng K.W., Mak S.K., Chan W.K., Yip C.T., Liu Z. and Djurisic A., Layer-by-layer deposition of rhenium-containing hyperbranched polymers and fabrication of photovoltaic cells, Chemistry-A European Journal. Weinheim, WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co., 2007, 13: 328-335.

Researcher : Cheng KW

List of Research Outputs

Researcher : Cheung ASC

Project Title:	Laser Jet Spectroscopy of Low-lying Electronic States of Group III-V Diatomic Molecules
Investigator(s):	Cheung ASC
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	12/2004

Abstract:

To record the electronic transition spectrum of some selected gas-phase Group III-V diatomic molecules in the visible and NIR spectral regions; to analyze the electronic transition spectrum recorded for some-selected Group III-V diatomic molecules and determine their molecular structure. Reasons for the change: the change from covering the UV. visible and NIR spectral regions of the Group III-V diatomic molecules to only the visible and NIR regions of some selected Group III-V diatomic molecules is necessary because, at the present funding level, resource is insufficient for us to tackle the whole spectral region and most of the Group III-V molecules as proposed.

Project Title:	Optical-optical double resonance spectroscopy of transition metal compounds
Investigator(s):	Cheung ASC
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	01/2005
Completion Date:	12/2006

Abstract:

The objective of the proposed investigation is to study the high-lying electronic transitions of transitional metal compounds. It is proposed to combine laser vaporization/reaction free jet expansion source for producing the metal compound in gas-phase and optical-optical double resonance (OODR) spectroscopy to study electronic states near the dissociation limit. The goal of this research is to determine the vibrational and rotational, constants for electronic transitions of transition metal compounds. Supersonic expansion is a well-known technique for cooling the internal degrees of freedom of molecules far below the normal boiling point, while maintaining the molecule in gas-phase. Recently, this technique has been combined with laser vaporization/reaction source to produce high-boiling point transition metal compounds and dimers. A localized pulse heating of the metal or metallic compound by focused laser irradiation is technically superior to the extreme temperatures required to vaporize metal compounds. An intense pulse beam source of gas mixtures provides chemicals for the reaction with vaporized metal atom. The technique of laser vaporization/reaction with supersonic expansion has been proven to be successful in forming metallic compounds in gas-phase at low temperature. In OODR spectroscopy, two photons of different wavelength undergo absorption in a three-level system. Both of these photons are either from the near infrared, visible or ultra violet or each is from a different one of these spectral regions. When these two photons are arranged to pass each other in opposite directions, a spectrum with sub-Doppler resolution could be obtained. The OODR process with two photons absorption in two steps reaching for the high-lying electronic state is called cascade OODR process, which permits the study of these high-lying electronic states that are not reachable either because of symmetry characteristics from the ground state or due to limitation in photon energy with only one photon. The molecules excited are those in the specific lower level to upper levels of various electronic states, so excitation is selective for this transition or a group of transitions. Spectroscopy involving a double resonance technique in which transitions are detected through fluorescence is of advantages. This is because in the optical region the detection of fluorescence photon against a background of zero or little scattered laser light is intrinsically much more sensitive than the detection of direct absorption of laser light. The applicant has an on-going programme and long history of studying transition metal containing species in the visible and near infrared region using laser induced fluorescence techniques with an argon ion pump dye laser system. It is proposed here to combine the laser vaporization/reaction supersonic expansion technique with OODR spectroscopy to study electronic transitions of transition metal compounds. Such a combined approach should be fruitful for studying the high-energy electronic states because it solves the problem of getting the high melting point compounds in the gas-phase and performing high-resolution study. In this project, a widely tunable pulsed dye laser and narrow linewidth laser source will be used to excite the metal compound molecules and the detection is by fluorescence spectroscopy. Most of the high-lying electronic transitions of transition metal compounds are not known, once these molecules are produced in a supersonic jet, an extensive spectral search for the electronic transitions is necessary.

Project Title:	Laser spectroscopy of metallic compounds in a pulsed plasma expansion
Investigator(s):	Cheung ASC
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	01/2006

Abstract:

The objective of this investigation is to study the low-lying electronic transitions of metal compounds. It is proposed to combine direct current (DC) discharge and free jet expansion source for producing the metal compounds in gas-phase and using cavity ring down (CRD) spectroscopy to study electronic transitions in the near infrared spectral region. The goal of this research is to determine the molecular vibrational and rotational constants for electronic transitions of metal compounds. The electronic transition spectrum of gas-phase metal compounds is a topic of great interest in many branches of chemistry and physics [1]. Bonding between a ligand is of great importance in chemistry because of the role it plays in homogenous and heterogeneous catalytic processes [2]. In addition, metal compounds have been found in the circumstellar envelops of M-type stars, making these species of interest to the astrophysical community as well [3,4,5]. Searching and detection of gas-phase of metal compounds in stellar objects rely heavily on laboratory measurements of their electronic transition or rotational spectrum for identifying particular transition frequencies to aid the search. Unfortunately, transition frequencies for these carbide molecules are generally not available. We hope to be able to provide such transition information for the astronomy community to search for them. Detection of any of the metallic diatomic molecules would have broad implication for nucleosynthesis, dust grain composition and gas-phase chemistry in circumstellar materials Many metal compounds are high temperature molecules and their production usually require high temperature environment. The usual hot oven technique presents difficulties in the vaporization of these high temperature compounds. Even though thermal excitation could produce these metal compounds in gas phase, the thermal distribution of these molecules at high temperature will greatly complicate the absorption or emission spectra obtained. Supersonic expansion is a well-known technique for cooling the internal degrees of freedom of molecules far below the normal boiling point, while maintaining the molecules in gas phase. Recently, this method has been combined with laser vaporization/reaction source to produce high boiling transition metal compounds [6,7]. High voltage direct-current (DC) pulsed discharge has also proven to be a versatile technique in producing carbon-containing molecules [8,9]. Early work in DC pulsed discharge indicated that the production of molecular species and production efficiency is extremely sensitive to the discharge voltage applied, discharge timing, the compositions of sample gas and so on. It is possible to generate different species under various conditions [8]. We plan to build a DC pulsed discharge assembly in this project at the exit of the free jet expansion molecular source. The cavity ring down spectroscopy (CRDS), using pulsed tunable lasers, has proven to be a highly sensitive absorption technique. Since its introduction [10], CRDS has resulted in applications to chemical problems ranging from surface phenomena to process measurements in plasmas and plumes, to atmospheric studies and to a wide range of chemical kinetics studies. This novel type of long path-length measurement is based upon the measurement of the rate of absorption rather than the magnitude of absorption of a light pulse confined within a closed cell cavity. By measuring the decay time, this technique overcomes known stability and intensity variation problems encountered with pulse lasers. CRDS is one of the most sensitive absorption techniques presently available. Studies of various reaction intermediates and products using CRDS have been reported in a review by Busch and Busch [11]. Even thought laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy is one the most sensitive laser spectroscopic technique available for studying electronic transition, but in the NIR region LIF is not that useful because of the lack of very sensitive detector. The advantage of the CRDS using multi-pass absorption technique in the NIR spectral region is obvious. In this project, electronic transition spectrum of metal compounds in the NIR will be recorded using CRDS. References: [1] J. F. Harrison, Chem. Rev. 100, 679 (2000). [2] W.A. Nugebt and J.M. Mayer, “Metal Ligand Multiple Bonds”, Wiley-Interscience, New York, 1988. [3] M.A. Brewster and L.M. Ziurys, Astrophys. J. Lett. 559, L163, (2001). [4] G. van Helden, A.G. Tielens, M.A. Duncan, L.B. Waters,and G. Meijer, Science 288, 313 (2000) [5] R.R. Joyce, K.H. Hinkle, L. Wallace, M. Dulick and D.L. Lambert, Astrophys. J. 116, 2520 (1998). [6] S. Maruyama, L.R. Suderson, R.E. Smalley, Rev. Sci. Instrum., 61, 3686 (1990). [7] A. S-C. Cheung, Q. Ran, W.S Tam, D. K-W. Mok, P.M. Yeung, J. Mol. Spectrosc. 203, 96 (2000). [8] Y. Ohshima and Y. Endo, J. Mol. Spectrosc. 153, 627 (1992) [9] T.C. Smith, H. Li, D.J. Clouthier C.T, Kingston and A.J. Merer, J. Chem. Phys.112, 3663 (2000) [10] J. J. Scherer, J. B. Paul, A. O’Keefe and R. J. Saykally, Chem. Rev, 97, 25 (1997). [11] K. W. Busch and M. A. Busch, Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopy ACS series 720, ACS, Washington. DC. USA, 1999.

Project Title:	Electronic transition spectrum of transition metal carbides
Investigator(s):	Cheung ASC
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	01/2007

Abstract:

(1) The purposes of the investigation are: (i) To produce gas-phase transition metal (TM) carbides using the state-of-the-art laser vaporization/reaction and/or high voltage direct-current pulsed discharge followed by supersonic cooling techniques. Such a combination of laser vaporization and discharge techniques is new for producing metal compounds. (ii) To record and analyze the near infrared spectra of TM carbides using cavity ring down spectroscopy. Electronic transitions of the carbide molecules, particularly the early 3d period: TiC, VC and CrC, have not been observed so far. Our work could provide first experimental spectroscopic observation of these TM carbides. (iii) To study and understand the electronic structure of these carbides using molecular orbital theory and compare their electronic structure across the entire first transition metal period. (2) The impact and significance of these experiments are: (i) These experiments provide high quality data on the spectroscopic properties of the electronic states of TM carbides. The information obtainable concerns molecular and electronic structure. When the metal nucleus possesses non-zero nuclear spin, hyperfine interactions between the nucleus and the unpaired electron produce further splitting of the rovibronic energy levels. These interactions are extremely sensitive probes of the electronic structure and are very stringent test of the theory of chemical bonding. (ii) In this project, the first row transition metal carbides are of interest. These molecules have many unpaired electrons in their molecular orbital giving rise to high spin multiplicity states. It is hoped that starting from simple carbides and proceeding gradually to more complicated systems, this will help to build up our knowledge in large metal carbide systems. (iii) The observed transition frequencies in the near infrared region will be extremely useful and significant for astronomers to search for these TM carbides in the stellar objects. (3 ) Possible outcome: (i) First experimental observation of the electronic transition spectra of the early 3d period TM carbides: TiC, VC and CrC molecules. Accurate determination of molecular constants and provide understanding of the electronic structure of the TM carbides. (ii) Detailed comparison of the chemical bonding of the first row transition metal carbides using the molecular orbital theory. (iii) Data obtained could facilitate the search of these molecules in stellar object such as low temperature carbon rich stars.

Project Title:	Laser spectroscopy of metal borides
Investigator(s):	Cheung ASC
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	01/2007

Abstract:

The objective of this investigation is to study the electronic spectra of gas-phase metal boride molecules in the visible and near infrared (560 – 1000nm) regions using laser vaporization/reaction free jet expansion technique and laser induced fluorescence spectroscopy, and to determine molecular vibrational and rotational constants for electronic transition of metal boride. The electronic structure of metal borides is a topic of great interest in many branches of chemistry [1]. Many metal brides such as CoB2, Ni3B, FeB etc. are good catalysts for hydrogenation of alkenes and also deoxygenation reactions of sulfoxides. Recently, magensium boride was found to have superconducting property at 39K [2]. These compounds show a wide range of crystal structures and often differs greatly from one another in their physical and chemical properties. Bond type is often uncertain. These borides frequently exhibit properties different to those metal carbides and nitides. Despite the importance of the metal borides, only very limited information on the structure of these compounds has emerged from studies which have been pursued so far. A detailed understanding of the molecular electronic structures can be derived from the study of gas-phase molecular spectra. These metal borides are very hard, high melting, refractory molecules whose structures and stoichiometries do not conform to the ordinary concepts of valence. Borides with low boron-to-metal ratios (M4B, M3B, M2B) contain isolated boron atoms, however as the proportion of boron increases (M3B2, M4B3, M3B4), borides with single and double chains of boron appear. Borides with formulae like MB4, MB6 and MB12 exist in three-dimensional arrays with open networks of boron atoms interpenetrating a regular metal atom lattice[3]. The production of metal boride usually required high temperature environment. The usual hot oven or arc discharge techniques present difficulties in the vaporization of these high temperature borides. Even though thermal excitation could produce the borides in gas phase but the thermal distribution of these molecules at high temperature will greatly complicate the absorption or emission spectra obtained. In combination with the sequence congestion and extended rotational structure which invariably accompany high temperature spectra, will probably lead to spectra which are too complex to be readily analyzed [4]. Supersonic expansion is a well-known technique for cooling the internal degrees of freedom of molecules far below the normal boiling point, while maintaining the molecules in gas phase. Recently, this method has been combined with laser vaporization / reaction source to produce high boiling transition metal compounds [5]. A localized pulsed heating of the metal or metallic compounds by focused laser irradiation is technically superior to the use of a furance since it is not necessary to heat any part of the apparatus to the extreme temperature required to vaporize refractory compounds. An intense pulse beam source of gas mixtures provides chemicals for reaction with hot metal atoms. The laser vaporization / reaction technique has been proven successful in producing metallic compounds in gas phase at a very low temperature. Laser induced fluorescence (LIF) has been developed into a standard technique for studying and monitoring various atomic, neutral, and ionic molecular species [6]. A tunable source of laser light with narrow spectral bandwidth is brought into resonance with a spectroscopic transition to an electronically excited level whose spontaneous radiative decay provides the signal to be observed. The detection of fluorescence against a background of zero or little scattered laser light is intrinsically much more sensitive than the direct measurement of absorbed light. The applicant has an on-going programme and long history of studying metal containing species in the visible and near infrard red regions using LIF spectroscopy with tunable dye laser system. We are also experienced in using the laser vaporization / reaction method to produce metal compounds in gas phase for high resolution work [7]. It is proposed here to use the laser vaporization/reaction technique to produce metal borides with LIF spectroscopy to study their electronic transitions. In this study, a widely tunable and narrow linewidth laser source for LIF spectroscopy is necessary. This is because the electronic transitions of the metal borides are not known, once they are produced in a jet, an extensive spectral search for the electronic transitions are inevitable. The narrow linewidth is required to obtain high resolution spectrum. References 1. B. Ganem and J.O. Osby, Chem. Rev. 86, 763 (1986). 2. J. Nagamatsu, N. Nakagawa, T. Muranaka, Y. Zenitani, and J. Akimitsu, Nature (London) 410, 63 (2001). 3. F.A. Cotton and G. Wilkinson, Advanced Inorganic Chemistry, 6th Edition, 1999. 4. G. Hezberg Molecular Spectra and Molecular Structure I Van Norstrand 1950. 5. S. Maruyama, L.R. Suderson, and R.E. Smally,Rev. Sci. Instrum. 61, 3686 1990. 6. D.L. Andrews, Applied Laser Spectroscopy, VCH Publishers Inc. 1992.7. A.S.C. Cheung, Q. Ran, W.S. Tam, D.K.W. Mok, P.M. Yeung, J. Mol. Spec. 203, 96 (2000) .

List of Research Outputs

Cheung A.S.C., Cavity Ringdown Spectroscopy Metal Free Radicals and Catalytic Reactions , First Asian Spectroscopy Conference, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India, January 29- February 2, 2007.

Leung W.H., Ye J., Cheung A.S.C., Gibbs K.D., Palmer D.L., O'Brein L.C.O. and O'Brein J.J., Spectroscopy of nickel chloride: Identification of the [15.0]²P_3/2and [15.0]²D_5/2states, Journal of Molecular Spectroscopy. 2006, 238: 42-48.

Lin B., Leung W.H., Li L., Cheung A.S.C. and Au C.T., Investigation on Methane Aromatization over 3% Mo/ZSM-5 Catalyst under Supersonic Jet Expansion Condition. , 4th Asia Pacific Congress on Catalysis, Nauyang Technological University, Singapore, December 6-8, 2006.

Liu B., Leung W.H., Li L., Cheung A.S.C. and Au C.T., Reforming Over La₂NiO₄and 10% NiO / C_eO₂-La₂O₃ Catalysts Under Condition of Supersonic Jet Expension via Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopic Analysis, International Symposium on Molecular Spectroscopy, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A., June 18-22, 2007.

Liu B., Leung W.H., Li L., Au C.T. and Cheung A.S.C., TOF-MS Investigation on Methane Aromatization over 3%Mo/HZSM-5 Catalyst Under Supersonic Jet Expansion Condition , Chemical Physics Letters. 2006, 430: 210-214.

Ye J., Pang H.F., Wong M.Y., Leung W.H. and Cheung A.S.C., Laser Spectroscopy of Iridium Mouoboride, International Symposium on Molecular Spectroscopy, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A., June 18-22, 2007.

Ye J., Leung W.H. and Cheung A.S.C., Laser Spectroscopy of NiBr: New Electronic States and Hyperfine Structure , The Journal of Chemical Phyics. 2006, 125: 214308-1 - 214308-8.

Ye J., Pang H.F. and Cheung A.S.C., Optical-optical double resonance spectroscopy of YBr and YCl, Chemical Physics Letters. 2007, 442: 251-258.

Researcher : Cheung CC

List of Research Outputs

Kui C.F., Sham I.H.T., Cheung C.C., Ma C.W., Yan B., Zhu N., Che C.M. and Fu W.F., Patinum(II) Complexes with p-Conjugated, Naphtyl-Substituted, Cyelometalated Lignds (RC^N^N): Strutctures and Photo- and Electronluminescence, Chemistry - A European Journal. 2007, 13: 417-435.

Researcher : Cheung KC

List of Research Outputs

Cheung K.C., He M.L., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., Genomic Analysis of Early Response Induced by Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Human Hepatoma HepAD38 Cells, The Fifth Asia-Pacific Bioinformatics Conference, APBC2007; 14-17 Jan, 2007; Hong Kong. 2007, apbc105.

Ng S.M., Cheung Y.T., An X.M., Chen Y.C., Li M., Li H.Y., Cheung K.C., Sze J., Lai L., Peng Y., Xia H.H.X., Wong B.C.Y., Leung S.Y., Xie D., He M.L., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., Cell Cycle-related Kianse: A Novel Candidate Oncogene in Human Glioblastoma, Journal of the National Cancer Institute. 2007, 99(12): 936-948.

Researcher : Cheung KK

List of Research Outputs

Yip S.K., Chan C.L., Lam S.W.H., Cheung K.K. and Yam V.W.W., Synthesis, Structure and Iuminescence Studies of Heterometallic Gold(I)-Copper(I) and -Silver(I) Alkynyl Clusters/ Aggregates , Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences . 2007, 6: 365-371.

Researcher : Chiu J

Project Title:	Regulation of [alpha]-fetoprotein gene expression in differentiating and cancer cells
Investigator(s):	Chiu J
Department:	Institute of Molecular Biology
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	09/2002
Completion Date:	12/2006

Abstract:

The project attempts to: (1) Identify and characterize DAS-binding protein (DAP) that regulate [alpha]-fetoprotein expression; (2) Investigate the specific DNA binding activity and biological function of DAP. The biological function will be determined by using various mutant genes, DAP antisense sequence and transcription factor decoys; (3) Identify other genes that are regulated by the DAS cis-element through a computer-assisted analysis of the genomic sequences in GenBank; and (4) Investigate the expression of these candidate genes in F9 cells during differentiation, and in developing liver cells and hepatomas.

Project Title:	Biochemical and proteomic analyses of arsenic carcinogenesis
Investigator(s):	Chiu J, Leung SY, He Q
Department:	Institute of Molecular Biology
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	09/2003

Abstract:

To establish and examine the processes of in vitro carcinogenesis induced by arsenic; to identify key elements of oxidative stress that involve in arsenic-induced cell transformation by biochemical and proteomic approaches; to determine which signaling pathway that mediates arsenic-induced cell transformation by proteomic approach.

List of Research Outputs

Lok C.N., Ho C.M., Chen R., He Q., Yu W.Y., Sun H., Tam P.K.H., Chiu J. and Che C.M., Silver nanoparticles: partial oxidation and antibacterial activities, Journal of Biological Inorganic Chemistry. 2007, 12(4): 527-534.

Researcher : Chiu P

Project Title:	Applications of copper hydride reductions to organic synthesis
Investigator(s):	Chiu P
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	07/2002

Abstract:

The project will examine substrates including alkynones and nitroalkenes, that will undergo stereoselective reductive aldol reaction to achieve new motifs in the products. Intermolecular aldol reaction will be developed to make the protocol more generally applicable to organic synthesis. Efforts will be devoted to achieve a catalytic reductive aldol reaction, which will make this reaction more economical and environmentally sound.

Project Title:	Synthetic Studies toward Guanacastepene A
Investigator(s):	Chiu P, Toy PH
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	08/2004

Abstract:

To study the carbene cyclization cycloaddition cascade reaction and its application to the synthesis of the BC ring system of guanacastepene A; to synthesize and characterize monomers and polymers bearing arsine residues; to evaluate the use of immobilized arsines in organic synthesis, and its application to the synthesis of guanacastepene; to use of Nazarov cyclization strategy to elaborate the BC ring system to the ABC rings of guanacastepene; to engage in studies toward the asymmetric total synthesis of guanacastepene A.

Project Title:	Investigations on the reduction of activated dienes
Investigator(s):	Chiu P
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	02/2006

Abstract:

1. To explore reaction conditions to reduce activated alkenes 2. To investigate catalytic reduction reactions for activated alkenes.

Project Title:	Novel [4+3] cycloaddition reactions for the synthesis of functionalized cycloheptenones
Investigator(s):	Chiu P
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	07/2006

Abstract:

(1) To explore the scope of the [4+3] cycloaddition using epoxy enol silanes as cation precursors. Our previous work funded by RGC (HKU 7103/00P) developed reaction conditions that tremendously escalated the yield of the cycloaddition and showed that the intramolecular reaction proceeds with excellent yield and diastereoselectivity. With these preliminary results in hand, we are in a position to more fully develop and exploit these reactions for synthesis. The reactions of additional dienes and epoxy enol silane substrates will be explored to synthesize a range of new highly functionalized polycyclic structures as intermediates for the synthesis of natural products. (2 ) To developed improved conditions for the [4+3] cycloaddition. The present reaction uses stoichiometric amounts of Lewis acids as activators. The goal is to develop a process catalytic in Lewis acid. Parameters that will be examined include solvents and different Lewis acids. The successful development of these conditions would provide the foundation to create a catalytic asymmetric process. (3) To improve the diastereoselectivity of the [4+3] reaction. The selectivities of the present cycloaddition ranges from low to very high. Mechanistic studies will be done to find the origins of these diastereoselectivities. Based on these results, conditions to maximize the directing factors could lead to a highly diastereoselective reaction for synthesis. (4) To explore alternative epoxy enol silanes as oxyallyl cation precursors. Besides improving aspects of the existing reaction, novel oxyallyl cation precursors will be designed based on vinyl epoxy silanes. The successful implementation of this reaction could lead to the development of a new class of functionalized cycloheptenones. (5) To develop this [4+3] cycloaddition process for making enantiomerically enriched cycloheptenones. The demands of synthesis in the pharmaceutical industry today are increasingly for single enantiomers of intermediates and products. The investigations of asymmetric induction and the use of chiral activators in this cycloaddition process could yield an asymmetric methodology for the synthesis of highly functionalized cycloheptenone enantiomers. (6) To apply the results of these studies and evaluate the [4+3] cycloaddition as a key step in the synthesis of natural products. A possible target of which the cycloheptenone is a key structure is the protein kinase C inhibitor, ingenol. Presently the shortest total synthesis of ingenol is 32 steps. The [4+3] cycloaddition would be an efficient strategy to synthesize this natural product, but previous attempts using this cycloaddition failed to make the core structure. The present studies could provide additional results to make the [4+3] cycloaddition a viable and efficient route.

Project Title:	Reductive or alkylative ring opening of oxabicyclic compounds
Investigator(s):	Chiu P
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	01/2007

Abstract:

The purpose of the proposed project is to investigate ring opening reactions of compounds having the [3.2.1] oxabicyclic nculeus via a reductive or an alkylative route. The reactions, if successful, would be very useful methods to derivatize oxabicyclic compounds, in ways that would generate the carbocyclic frameworks of numerous natural products and bioactive compounds. Oxabicyclic compounds are versatile intermediates, readily synthesized and having a facial and stereochemical bias which make subsequent reactions highly selective. One of the most important ways to manipulate these compounds are reactions which cleave the oxygen bridge. This is because while the oxygen bridge confers significant stability to the compound, as well as provide a strong facialselectivity for reactions, the oxygen bridge itself is not a motif often found in natural and bioactive compounds. Thus methods to cleave the oxygen bridge are required in order of oxabicyclic compounds to be useful for synthesis in general. Additional functionalizations in the course of oxygen bridge opening would increase the usefulness of the methodology and the generality of use of oxabicyclic compounds in synthesis.

List of Research Outputs

Chiu P., The 1st International Conference on Cutting-edge Organic Chemistry in Asia, Asian CORE Program Lectureship Award, Awarded by Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. 2007.

Chiu P., The Total Synthesis of Pseudolaric Acid -- An Anti-mitotic and Anti-cancer Natural Product , The 2^nd Dorothy Crowfoot-Hodgkins (DCH) Symposium, University of Zurich, Switzerland, April 27. 2007.

Chiu P., Lam S.K. and Leung L.T., Total synthesis of (-) - Indicol and related marine natural products , The 1st International Conference on Cutting-edge Organic Chemistry in Asia-Post Conference, Hsinchu, Taiwan. 2006.

Chiu P. and Chung W.K., [4+3] Cycloaddition Reactions Using Epoxy Enol Silanes , The 1^st International Conference on Cutting-Edge Organic Chemistry in Asia, Okinawa, Japan, October 16-20,. 2006, PB26.

Chiu P. and Chung W.K., [4+3] Cycloaddition reactions using epoxy enol silanes , The 1st International Conference on Cutting-edge Organic Chemistry in Asia . 2006.

Chung W.K., Lo B.T.K. and Chiu P., Synthesis of Oxapolycyclic Frameworks Via [4+3] Cycloadditions of Epoxy Enol Silanes , The 9^thInternational Symposium for Chinese Organic Chemists (ISCOC-9): Invited Speaker, Singapore, December 17-21, . 2006.

Geng Z., Chen B. and Chiu P., Total synthesis of pseudolaric acid A , Angewandte Chemie International Edition. 2006, 45: 6197-6201.

Ko J.K.S., Leung W.C., Ho W.K. and Chiu P., Herbal Diterpenoids Induce Growth Arrest and Apoptosis in Colon Cancer Cells with Increased Expression of the Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug-activated Gene , European Journal of Pharmacology . 2006, 559: 1-13.

Lau C.Y. and Chiu P., The Application of Non-cross-linked Polystyrene-supported Triphenylarsine in Stille Coupling Reactions , Tetrahedron Letters . 2007, 48: 1813-1816.

Leung L.T., Miao R. and Chiu P., Hydrostannation of Alkynes Catalyed by Styker's Reagent, The 1^stEuropean Chemistry Congress, Budapest, Hungary, August 27-31, . 2006.

Miao R., Li S. and Chiu P., Regioselective Hydrostannation of Activated Alkynes Catalyzed by in Situ Generated Copper Hydride , Tetrahedron . 2007, 63: 6737-6740.

Researcher : Cho CKL

List of Research Outputs

Yang Y., Cho C.K.L., Sze K.H. and Haynes R.K., Determination of Solution Conformations of Loloatins by NMR Spectroscopy , The 14th Symposium on Chemistry Postgraduate Research in Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, April 22, 2007. 2007.

Researcher : Choy TSJ

List of Research Outputs

Choy T.S.J., Lau K.M. and Fung Y.S., Rapid Determination of Organic and Inorganic Anions in Human Serum and Urine Samples by Capillary Zone Electrophoresis , Proceedings of 30th International Symposium on Capillary Chromatography (30th ISCC), Dalian, China, June 4-6, 2007. P30-P139, pp177.

Fung Y.S. and Choy T.S.J., Separation and Determination of Organic and Inorganic Anions in Human Serum and Urine Samples by Capillary Zone Electropnoresis , Proceedings of 4th International Symposium of Worldwide Chinese Scholars on Analytical Chemistry (ISWCSAC 2006), Dalian, China, September 22-27, 2006.

Researcher : Chu BWK

List of Research Outputs

Chu B.W.K. and Yam V.W.W., Sensitive Single-layered Oxygen Sensing Systems: Polypyridyl Ruthenium(II) Complexes Covalently Attached or Deposited as Langmuir-Blodgett Monolayer on Glass Surfaces , Langmuir . 2006, 22: 7437-7443.

Li M., Chu B.W.K., Zhu N. and Yam V.W.W., Synthesis, Structure, Photophysics, Electrochemistry, and Ion-Binding Studies of Ruthenium(II) 1,10-Phenanthroline Complexes Containing Thia-, Selena-, and Aza-Crown Pendants , Inorganic Chemistry. 2007, 46: 720-733.

Yam V.W.W., Chan H.Y., Wong M.C. and Chu B.W.K., Luminescent Dinuclear Platinum (II) Terpyridine Complexes with a Flexible Bridge and : Stick Ends" , Angewandte Chemie International Edition. 2006, 45: 6169-6173.

Researcher : Chu IK

Project Title:	Dissociation of Molecular Radical Cationic Oligopeptides
Investigator(s):	Chu IK
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	09/2005

Abstract:

The proposed studies will focus on obtaining a fundamental understanding of the dissociation pathways of peptide radical cations using a combination of tandem mass spectrometry experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In addition, we will study the energetics of dissociation of these species using RRKM-based modeling of the time- and collision energy-resolved SID data. Understanding the fragmentation mechanisms of peptides is a key step that is required prior to establishing strategies for gas-phase peptide sequencing.

Project Title:	Facile generation and characterization of cationic and anionic radical peptides: ligand effects and peptide structures
Investigator(s):	Chu IK
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	09/2006

Abstract:

(1) To investigate fundamental factors governing competitive reactions: a. Macrocyclic effect of auxiliary ligand. (2 ) To investigate fundamental factors governing competitive reactions: b. Peptide modification to control radical peptide formation. (3) To develop methodology for the synthesis of novel anionic radical peptides in the gas-phase. (4) To improve the fundamental understanding of one-electron transfer and to explore the factors that govern the formation of a variety of radical peptides.

List of Research Outputs

Chu I.K., Biological Mass Spectrometry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing. 2006.

Lam N.W. and Chu I.K., Formation of anionic peptide radicals in vacuo, Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry. 2006, 17: 1249-1257.

Lam N.W., Ruan D., Ma C.Y. and Chu I.K., Non-zwitterionic structures of aliphatic-only peptides mediated the formation and dissociation of gas phase radical cations , Journal of Mass Spectrometry. 2006, 41: 931-938.

Laskin J., Yang Z., Lam N.W. and Chu I.K., Formation and Dissociation of Odd-Electron Peptide Ions, 4th Uppsala International Conference on Electron Capture and Transfer Dissociation Mass Spectrometry – Fundamental and Application. 2006.

Mao X., Chu I.K. and Lin B., A sheath-flow nanoelectrospray interface of microchip electrophoresis MS for glycoprotein and glycopeptide analysis, Electrophoresis. 2006, 27: 5059-5067.

Shih C.H., Chu I.K., Yip W.K. and Lo C.S.C., Differential expression of two flavonoid 3'-hydroxylase cDNAs involved in the biosynthesis of anthocyanin pigments and 3-deoxyanthocyanidin phytoalexins in sorghum, Plant and Cell Physiology. 2006, 47: 1412-1419.

Shih C.H., Siu S.O., Wong E., Chiu L.C.M., Ng D.C.M., Chu I.K. and Lo C.S.C., Quantitative analysis of anticancer 3-deoxyanthocyanidins in infected sorghum seedlings, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2007, 55: 254-259.

Yu K.Y., Lam N.W., Springob K., Schmidt J., Chu I.K. and Lo C.S.C., Constitutive accumulation of cis-piceid in transgenic arabidopsis overexpressing a sorghum stilbene synthase gene , Plant & Cell Physiology . 2006, 47: 1017-1021.

Yu K.Y., Lam N.W., Shiu H.Y.F., Yves Le Blanc J.C., Chu I.K. and Lo C.S.C., Identification and characterization of SbSTS1-derived secondary metabolites in transgenic arabidopsis, Plant Biology 2006, Boston, MA, USA. August 5-9, 2006.

Researcher : Chu LM

List of Research Outputs

Chu L.M., Guan X. and Phillips D.L., Time-resolved Resonance Raman Spectroscopy And Density Functional Theory Investigation Of The Photochemistry Of 4-chloroaniline In The Solution Phase , Asian Journal of Spectroscopy . 2006, 10: 71-81.

Xue J., Guo Z., Chan P.Y., Chu L.M., But Y.S. and Phillips D.L., Time-resolved Resonance Raman Study Of The Reaction Of The 2-fluorebylnitrenium Ion With 2-fluroenylazide , Journal of Physical Chemistry A. 2007, 111: 1441-1451.

Researcher : Chui SY

List of Research Outputs

Han J., Chui S.Y. and Che C.M., Thermotropic liquid crystals based on extended 2,5-disubstituted-1,3,4-oxadiazoles: Structure-property relationships, variable-temperature powder X-ray diffraction, and small-angle X-ray scattering studies, In: Han J, Chui SSY, Che CM, Chemistry-an Asian Journal. 2006, 1: 814-825.

Li K.H., Huang G., Xu Z.T., Zhang M.L., Zeller M., Hunter A.D., Chui S.Y., Che C.M. and Wong Y.W., Multiple Bismuth(III) -- Thioether Secondary Interactions Intergrate Metalloporphyrin Ligands into Functional Networks , In: Li K, Huang G, Xu ZT, M Zhang, Zeller M, Hunter AD, Chui SSY, Che CM, Wong WY, Inorganic Chemistry. 2007, 46: 4844-4849.

Researcher : Chung NW

List of Research Outputs

Sun Z., Wang H., Chung N.W. and Yang D., Highly Selective Fluorescent Probe for Detection of Peroxynitrite , Nature China Forum, Hong Kong, March 5-6, 2007.

Researcher : Chung WK

List of Research Outputs

Chiu P. and Chung W.K., [4+3] Cycloaddition Reactions Using Epoxy Enol Silanes , The 1^st International Conference on Cutting-Edge Organic Chemistry in Asia, Okinawa, Japan, October 16-20,. 2006, PB26.

Chiu P. and Chung W.K., [4+3] Cycloaddition reactions using epoxy enol silanes , The 1st International Conference on Cutting-edge Organic Chemistry in Asia . 2006.

Chung W.K., Lo B.T.K. and Chiu P., Synthesis of Oxapolycyclic Frameworks Via [4+3] Cycloadditions of Epoxy Enol Silanes , The 9^thInternational Symposium for Chinese Organic Chemists (ISCOC-9): Invited Speaker, Singapore, December 17-21, . 2006.

Researcher : Chung WY

List of Research Outputs

Chung W.Y. and Toy P.H., Multipolymer Reaction System for Selective Aerobic Alcohol Oxidation: Simultaneous Use of Multiple Different Polymer-Supported Ligands, Journal of Combinatorial Chemistry. 2007, 9: 155-160.

Researcher : Ding J

List of Research Outputs

Ren J., Ding J., Chan G.K.Y. and Wang H., Dual-Porosity Carbon Templated from Monosize Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles , Chemistry of Materials . 2007, 19: 2786-2795.

Researcher : Ding P

List of Research Outputs

Liu X., Ding P., Huang J.S. and Che C.M., Synthesis of Substituted 1,2-Dihydroquinolines and Quinolines from Aromatic Amines and Alkynes by Gold(I)-Catalyzed Tandem Hydroamination-Hydroarylation under Microwave-Assisted Conditions , In: Amos B. Smith, III , Organic Letters. ACS, 2007, 9: 2645-2648.

Researcher : Du Y

List of Research Outputs

Chen X., Ma C., Kwok W.M., Guan X., Du Y. and Phillips D.L., A Theoretical Investigation of pHydroxyphenacy Caged Phototrigger Compounds: An Examination of the Excited State Photochemistry of pHydroxyphenacyl Acetate , Journal of Physical Chemistry A. 2006, 110: 12406-12413.

Ma C., Du Y., Kwok W.M. and Phillips D.L., Femtosecond Transient Absorption and Nanosecond Time-Resolved Resonance Raman Study of the Solvet-Dependent Photo-Deprotection Reaction of Benzoin Diethyl Phosphate , Chemistry - A European Journal. 2007, 13: 2290-2305.

Researcher : Du Y

List of Research Outputs

Researcher : Fung KL

List of Research Outputs

Li H., Fung K.L., Jin D., Chung S.S.M., Ching Y.P., Ng I.O.L., Sze K.H., Ko C.B. and Sun H., Solution Structures, Dynamics, and Lipid-binding of the Sterile a-Motif Domain of the Deleted in Liver Cancer 2, PROTEINS: Structure, Function, and Bioinformatics. 2007, 67: 1154-1166.

Zhang L., Mulrooney S.B., Fung K.L., Zeng Y., Ko C.B., Hausinger P. and Sun H., Inhibition of urease by bismuth (III): Implications for the mechanism of action of bismuth drugs, BioMetals. 2006, 19: 503-511.

Researcher : Fung KL

List of Research Outputs

Researcher : Fung YS

Project Title:	PCR-based DNA quartz piezoelectric biosensor for determination of E. Coli in environmental and food samples
Investigator(s):	Fung YS, Ng SP, Yam WC
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	10/2003

Abstract:

To investigate and select a suitable primer and probe for use in the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to amplify appropriate DNA sequence for E. coli determination using the piezoelectric crystal (PZ) biosensor; to develop and optimize the coating procedure for a single strand Deoxyribonucleic Acid (ssDNA) onto the quartz piezoelectric crystal surface; to investigate the mechanism for the procedures during immobilization and hybridization of ssDNA of E. coli using various techniques based on Scanning Probe Microscope (SPM); to correlate the PCR-based DNA PZ signal with the bacteria count using the real-time PCR and Capillary Electrophoresis (CE) for quantitative determination; to optimize the working conditions, determine the analytical parameters and study the field application of PCR-based DNA quartz PZ biosensor.

Project Title:	Nanoparticle Characterization Technology for Biomedical Research and Diagnostic Application
Investigator(s):	Fung YS, Yeung WSB, O WS
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	02/2006

Abstract:

Introduction The proposed project aims to investigate the applicability of the nanoparticle characterization technology in the areas of biomedical research and diagnosis. The technology has been developed by Dr Fung with the support of the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) project (Fung, Li and Zhu, 2005) awarded by the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) on the development of Nanotechnology for sizing and collection of polymeric nanoemulsions for industrial quality control and assessment application. During the ITF project started in March 2002 till August 2004, we have built and tested the following equipment and facilities for sizing, counting, collection and characterization of polymeric nano-particles: Electrospray Aerosol Generator, Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer, Condensation Particle Counter and the Nanometer Aerosol Sampler/Collector for collection of nanoparticles for Dynamic Laser Scattering studies and characterization by TEM, SEM, AFM, ICP-MS and other techniques available in the University. The system allows intact electrospray of industrial polymeric nanoemulsions for separation according to their m/e ratio, counting the number of nanoparticles within a given size range and collection of nanoparticles separated for subsequent morphological and chemical characterization by other advanced techniques. This is the first set of equipment and facilities built specially for characterization of industrial polymeric nanoemulsions for quality control purpose. Using the equipment and facilities built to provide a reliable laboratory-based methodology for accurate sizing and characterization of soft nanoparticles, we have successfully developed both the equipment and methodology of the Capillary Electrophoretic Nano-sizing Technology (CENST) and tested its applicability in factory at Pearl River Delta area for onsite quality assessment of industrial nano-emulsions. We have been invited by the ITC to submit a bid for the State Technological Invention Award (STIA) and the State Scientific and Technological Progress Award (SSTPA) under the 2006 State Science and Technology Awards Scheme. In addition, we have invited by the Hong Kong Productivity Council to further develop the electrophoretic nanotechnologies for automobile application and acted as one of the initiating projects for the R & D centre on automobile which have received approval from the ITC and Legislative Council and will be started early next year. Since the completion of the ITF project in August last year, we have explored the possibility of the nanotechnology developed for biomedical application, as many biomolecules such as proteins and subcelluar organelles (e.g. mitochrondria) are in nanometric sizes and our techniques developed can be applied for their separation and characterization. With a new graduate student coming in January 2005 to Dr Fung’s group, a procedure for determining free and protein-bound calcium in milk samples has been developed using the nanoparticle characterization technology developed with results presented at the 8th Asianalysis meeting held in Taipei in October this year (Fung and Sze, 2005). We are in the process of writing a paper on the work presented. During the Joint Retreat of the Strategic Research Theme of Development and Reproduction & Centre for Reproduction, Development and Growth held at the end of June, I have met and discussed with Dr S.B. Yeung and other colleagues in the medical faculties, and found that there are strong interest in calcium speciation, counting and characterization of biomedical nanoparticles. The following project has been formulated with details given below : Backgrounds : Calcium homeostasis is important for fertilization and early embryonic development. The entry of the sperm into the oocyte causes repetitive release of calcium from intracellular calcium store leading to oscillation in the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration [Ca2+]i (Stricker, 1999; Dumollard et al., 2002). The frequency and the amplitude of this calcium oscillation provide cues leading to completion of meiosis and initiation of embryonic development (Ozil and Huneau, 2001). The calcium concentration in these studies was determined by calcium ratio imaging. Currently, there is no established method in determining bound calcium in oocyte, though calcium-binding proteins have been detected in oocyte (Balakier et al., 2002). Mitochondria are important organelles in regulating intracellular calcium homeostasis in oocytes. Sperm-triggered calcium oscillations stimulate mitochondrial ATP production (Hajnoczky et al., 1995; Dumollard et al., 2003, 2004), which in turn regulates intracellular Ca2+ release (Mak et al., 1999). Mitochondrial dysfunction in mouse oocytes impairs Ca2+ clearance from the cytosol (Liu et al., 2001). Evidence show that mitochondrial ATP generation in oocyte is crucial to the maintenance of a low resting [Ca2+]i and for sustenance of sperm-triggered calcium oscillations (Dumollard et al, 2004). Aging is associated with changes in mitochondria within the oocyte. Mitochondria in aged oocytes have features found in senescent somatic cells (Motta et al., 2000; de Bruin et al., 2004) and apoptotic somatic cells (Müller-Hocker et al., 1996; Lee and Wei, 2001), show sign of degradation (Sundstrom and colleagues 1985) and more frequent point mutations and rearrangements of mitochondrial DNA (Barritt et al., 1999). Aging is also related to decline in mitochondrial charge (Wilding et al., 2001), which has been associated with increased levels of mosaicism in embryos (Wilding et al., 2003). Aged mouse oocytes have defective regulation of intracellular ATP at fertilization (Igarashi et al., 2005). Whether these age-related changes in mitochondria would affect the calcium homeostasis in oocyte from advanced aged mammals is not entirely known. Hypothesis Calcium homeostasis is defective in aging oocytes. Objectives 1.To develop the electrophoretic methodology for determining free and bound calcium concentration in mouse oocytes 2.Based on the method developed, to compare the concentration of free and bound calcium in oocytes from mature and aged mice. 3. To develop the nanoparticle characterization methodology for counting, separation and characterization of mitochondria in aged as compared to matured oocytes. References: Pooled together with other sections and placed at the end of the Research Plan and Methodology section.

Project Title:	Electronic tongue by quartz piezoelectric crystal with molecularly imprinted polymer recognition
Investigator(s):	Fung YS, Zhu D, Sun H
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Innovation and Technology Support Programme
Start Date:	09/2006

Abstract:

1) The development of the quartz piezoelectric technology as a technology platform for electronic tongue. 2) The development of the molecularly imprinted polymer technology for recognization of taste generating molecules in different ingredients from food products. 3) Based on the chemometric computer pattern recognition technique and chemical information obtained from an array of quartz crystal sensors with MIP coatings, an electronic tongue will be developed to differentiate and quantity taste from difference ingredients of food products. 4) With a prototype of the electronic tongue developed, conduct field testing of the electronic tongue in selected food industries.

List of Research Outputs

Chen Q. and Fung Y.S., Quantum Dots for Anion Detection in Capillary Electrophoresis , Abstract of 2nd China-Japan-Korea Joint Symposium on Ion Chromatography, Hangzhou, China, November 28-30, 2006 . 2006, P-25, p.54.

Choy T.S.J., Lau K.M. and Fung Y.S., Rapid Determination of Organic and Inorganic Anions in Human Serum and Urine Samples by Capillary Zone Electrophoresis , Proceedings of 30th International Symposium on Capillary Chromatography (30th ISCC), Dalian, China, June 4-6, 2007. P30-P139, pp177.

Fung Y.S. and Sze K.L., Assessing the Association of Metals with Protein Particles in Milk by Gas-Phase Electrophoretic Mobility Analyzer Coupled with Elemental Deterination, Proceedings of 4th International Symposium of Worldwide Chinese Scholars on Analytical Chemistry (ISWCSAC 2006), Dalian, China, September 22-27, 2006.

Fung Y.S. and Sun H., Coupling MIP-SPE with MEKC for Determination of Carbonyl Compounds in Air , Abstract of 6th Asia-Pacific International Symposium on Microscale Separaions and Analysis (APCE 2006), Kyoto, Japan, November 12-14, 2006. AP-K7, p1.

Fung Y.S., Coupling MIP-SPE with MEKC for Determination of Carbonyl Compounds in Air, Abstract of 6th Asia-Pacific International Symposium on Microscale Separations and Analysis (APCE 2006), Kyoto, Japan, November 12-14, 2006. 2006.

Fung Y.S., Electrodeposition of Nano Sn particles in Room Temperature Molten Salts and Their Electrochemical Performance in Lithium Battery Application, Abstract of Joint International Meeting (210 Meetings of Electrochem. Soc and XXI Congress de la Sociedad Mexicana de Electroquimica), Cancum, Mexico, October 29-November 3, 2006. 2006.

Fung Y.S., Member of Editorial Board, Chemistry Education, published by the Chinese Chemical Society, April 2000 - June 2007. 2006.

Fung Y.S., Member of Editorial Board, Journal of Biochemical and Biophysical Methods, January 2005 - 2007. Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Elsevier, 2006.

Fung Y.S., Member of Steering and Organizing Committee, Green Products/Component Finishing Technology-advanced processes for compliance to RoHS/WEEE and ELV Directives, International Symposium organized by the Hong Kong Metal Finishing Society, Innovation and Technology Commission and Hong Kong Productivity Council, Hong Kong, July 17-18, 2006. 2006.

Fung Y.S., Member, Scientific Committee, The 2th China-Japan-Korea Joint Symposium on Ion Chromatography, to be held in Hangzhou, China, November 26 - December 1, 2006. 2006.

Fung Y.S. and Wong C.W., Determination of Sulphate in Water by Flow-injection Analysis with Electrode-separated Piezolelectric Quartz Crystal Sensor, Proceedings of 11th International Meeting on Chemical Sensor (IMCS 11), Brescia, Italy, July 16-19, 2006. 2pp.

Fung Y.S. and Choy T.S.J., Separation and Determination of Organic and Inorganic Anions in Human Serum and Urine Samples by Capillary Zone Electropnoresis , Proceedings of 4th International Symposium of Worldwide Chinese Scholars on Analytical Chemistry (ISWCSAC 2006), Dalian, China, September 22-27, 2006.

Gong F., Wang B.T., Liang Y.Z., Chau F.T. and Fung Y.S., Variable selection for discriminating herbal medicines with chromatographic fingerprints , Analytica Chimica Acta. 2006, 572: 265-271.

Nie Z. and Fung Y.S., Determination of Free Bilirubin in Serum by Capillary Electrophoresis , Abstract of 2nd China-Japan-Korea Joint Symposium on Ion Chromatography, Hangzhou, China, November 28-30, 2006. O-4, p.5.

Sun H. and Fung Y.S., DNA Biosensor Based on Quartz Crystal Microbalance and Polymerase Chain Reaction for Detecting E. Coli in Environmental Water, Proceedings of 11th International Meeting on Chemical Sensor (IMCS 11), Brescia, italy, July 16-19, 2006. 2pp.

Sun H., Mo Z., Zhu D. and Fung Y.S., Development of Piezoelectric Quartz Crystal Sensor Array for Sensing Taste-Causing Compounds in Food , Proceedings of International Symposium on Olfactory and Electronic Noses (ISOEN 2007), St Petersburg, Russia, May 3-5, 2007. pp39-40.

Sun H., Zhang Y. and Fung Y.S., Flow Analysis Coupled with PQC / DNA Biosensor for Assay of E. coliBased on Detecting DNA Products PCR Amplification , Biosensors & Bioelectronics . 2006, 22: 506-512.

Sun H. and Fung Y.S., Hourly Determination of Carbonyl Compounds in Ambient Air by Coupling Capillary Electrophoresis with Molecular Imprinted Polymer Based Solid Phase Extraction, Abstract of 10th International Conference on Atmospheric Sciences and Applications to Air Quality (ASAAQ 2007). 2007, pp64.

Sun H. and Fung Y.S., Piezoelectric quartz crystal sensor for rapid analysis of pirimicarb residues using molecularly imprinted polymers as recognition elements , Analytica Chimica Acta. 2006, 576: 67-76.

Yang Z.P., Si S. and Fung Y.S., Bilirubin Adsorption on Nanocrystalline Titania Films , Thin Solid Films . 2007, 515: 3344-3351.

Zhu D. and Fung Y.S., Electrodeposition of Nano Sn Particles in Room Temperature Molten Salts and their Electrochemical Performance in Lithium Battery Application , Abstract of Joint International Meeting (210 Meetings of Electrochem. Soc and XXI Congress de la Sociedad Mexicana de Electroquimica), Cancum, Mexico, October 29 -November 3, 2006,. 2006, Number 2004, p1.

Researcher : Gao Q

List of Research Outputs

Yang D., Yan Y., Zheng B., Gao Q. and Zhu N., Copper(I)-Catalyzed Chlorine Atom Transfer Radical Cyclization Reactions of Unsaturated a-Chloro b-Keto Esters, Organic Letters. 2006, 8: 5757-5760.

Researcher : Ge R

List of Research Outputs

Ge R., A Biochemical and Proteomic View of Nickel Homeostasis, and Bismuh treatment: Idenification of Bismuth-trageted Proteins in Helicobacter Pylorl and Characterization of a Nickel-storage Protein HPN (PhD Thesis) . 2006.

Ge R., Sun X., Gu Q., Watt R.M., Tanner J.A., Wong B.C.Y., Xia H.H., Huang J., He Q. and Sun H., A Proteomic Approach for Identification of Bismuth-binding Proteins in Helicobacter pylori., Journal of Biological Inorganic Chemistry. 2007, 12: 831-842.

Ge R. and Sun H., Bioinorganic Chemistry of Bismuth and Antimony: Target Sites for Metallodrugs, Accounts of Chemical Research. 2007, 40: 267-274.

Ge R., Zhang Y., Sun X., Watt R.M., He Q., Huang J., Wilcox D.E. and Sun H., Thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of metal binding to the histidine-rich protein, Hpn, Journal of the American Chemical Society. 2006, 128: 11330-11331.

Sun H., Ge R., Sun X., Xia H.H.X. and Huang J., Identification of Metal-binding Proteins/Motifs in Microorganisms by Metalloproteome: an Example for Bismuth, Gordon Research Conference, Metal in Medicine, Oxford, United Kingdom, July 9-14, 2006.

Sun H., Yang N., Ge R. and Huang J., Interactions of Bismuth with Proteins And Enzymes: Insight into its Mechanism of Action, 37^th International Conference on Coordination Chemistry (ICCC-37, Keynote Speaker), South Africa, August 13-18. 2006.

Sun H., Yang N., Ge R. and Zheng B., Interactions of antimony and bismuth with biomolecules: implications for the mechanism of action, 7th International Conference on Environmental and Biological Aspects of Main-Group Organometallics (7th ICEBAMO), Heraklion, Crete, Greece, October 10- 12. 2006.

Sun H., Yang N., Ge R. and Huang J., Interactions of bismuth with proteins and enzymes: insight into its mechanism of action., 37thInternational Conference on Coordination Chemistry (ICCCV-37) August 13-18, 2006, Cape Town, South Africa. 2006.

Sun H., Ge R., Zeng Y. and Huang J., The Role of Hpn and its Related Histidine-rich Proteins in Helicobacter pylori , 3^rd Asian Biological Inorganic Chemistry Conference, Nanjing, P.R. China, October 30- November 3. 2006.

Researcher : Ge R

List of Research Outputs

Ge R. and Sun H., Bioinorganic Chemistry of Bismuth and Antimony: Target Sites for Metallodrugs, Accounts of Chemical Research. 2007, 40: 267-274.

Researcher : Geng Z

List of Research Outputs

Geng Z., Chen B. and Chiu P., Total synthesis of pseudolaric acid A , Angewandte Chemie International Edition. 2006, 45: 6197-6201.

Researcher : Gu Y

List of Research Outputs

Gu Y. and Wong W.T., Electro-oxidation of Methanol on Pt Particles Dispered on RuO₂ Nanorods , Journal of the Electrochemical Society . 2006, 153: A1714-A1718.

Gu Y. and Wong W.T., Nanostructure PtRu/MWNTs as Anode Catalysts Prepared in a Vacuum for Direct Methanol Oxidation , Langmuir . 2006, 22: 11447-11452.

Gu Y., Nanostructures of Transition Metal and Metal Oxide for Electrocatalysis (PhD Thesis). 2006.

Gu Y. and Wong W.T., Synthesis and Characterization of Hyperbranched RuO2 Nanostructures , Journal of Cluster Science. 2006, 17: 517-525.

Researcher : Guan X

List of Research Outputs

Chen X., Ma C., Kwok W.M., Guan X., Du Y. and Phillips D.L., A Theoretical Investigation of pHydroxyphenacy Caged Phototrigger Compounds: An Examination of the Excited State Photochemistry of pHydroxyphenacyl Acetate , Journal of Physical Chemistry A. 2006, 110: 12406-12413.

Chu L.M., Guan X. and Phillips D.L., Time-resolved Resonance Raman Spectroscopy And Density Functional Theory Investigation Of The Photochemistry Of 4-chloroaniline In The Solution Phase , Asian Journal of Spectroscopy . 2006, 10: 71-81.

Guan X., The Photochemistry of Polyhalomethanes in Water and Water-catalyzed Dehalogenation Reactions of Selected Isopolyhalomethanes, Halogenated Methanols and Halogenated Formaldehydes (PhD Thesis) . 2007.

Guan X. and Phillips D.L., a density functional theory study of the cyclization and ring opening reactions of selected 2,2-diphenyl-cyclopropyl radicals , Journal of Molecular Structure: Theochem . 2007, 811: 135-140.

Sze K.H., Guan X. and Wong K.B., Backbone Dynamics and Solution Structure of a Thermophilic Acylphosphatase From Pyrococcus Horikoshii by NMR Spectroscopy , XXII International Conference on Magentic Resonance in Biological System, Gottingen, Germany, August 20-25, 2006. p.437.

Researcher : Guan X

List of Research Outputs

Researcher : Guo Z

List of Research Outputs

Xue J., Guo Z., Chan P.Y., Chu L.M., But Y.S. and Phillips D.L., Time-resolved Resonance Raman Study Of The Reaction Of The 2-fluorebylnitrenium Ion With 2-fluroenylazide , Journal of Physical Chemistry A. 2007, 111: 1441-1451.

Researcher : Han J

List of Research Outputs

Han J., Chui S.Y. and Che C.M., Thermotropic liquid crystals based on extended 2,5-disubstituted-1,3,4-oxadiazoles: Structure-property relationships, variable-temperature powder X-ray diffraction, and small-angle X-ray scattering studies, In: Han J, Chui SSY, Che CM, Chemistry-an Asian Journal. 2006, 1: 814-825.

Researcher : He Q

Project Title:	Molecular dynamics of iron transport
Investigator(s):	He Q, Sun H
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	12/2002
Completion Date:	11/2006

Abstract:

(1) How the chemical properties of the critical metal-binding ligands affect iron binding and release from transferrin in vitro. (2) How a depleted level of transferrin (and iron) in living cells affects the expression of related proteins in the iron-transport pathway. (3) Study the cellular trafficking of transferrin as a possible pathway for delivering drugs and nano-particles besides iron.

Project Title:	Proteomic approach to study metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Investigator(s):	He Q
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	06/2006

Abstract:

Background: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the fourth most common malignancy and still represents a great health concern in China. Most of the patients cannot survive more than one year after presenting at healthcare centers and the 5-year survival rate for ESCC remains as low as 10 percent or even less. One of the main reasons for the ominous phenomena is that neoplasms in esophagus are not detected until they have invaded the surrounding tissues or spread throughout the body (metastasis) at advanced stages. The early detection and diagnosis of esophageal malignancy is critical for its therapy and management. Tumor metastasis is the spread of cancer cells from the original site to other parts of the body. It is a very complex and multi-step process and often referred to as a cascade. The process of metastasis formation begins with some tumor cells breaking adhesions with neighboring cells and detaching from the primary tumor. Those cells then dissolve the extracellular matrix, migrate and invade surrounding tissues, and/or travel via the circulatory system, invade, survive and proliferate at distant new sites. Metastasis is by far the leading cause of death in cancer patients including ESCC, responsible for more than 90% of all cancer mortality. Lymph node metastasis is a strong and dominant prognostic aspect for ESCC. Lymphatic invasion represents a physiological predictor of lymph node metastasis in patients with ESCC and is a factor significantly influencing overall survival rate. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the lymphatic invasion of cancer cells in ESCC is still unclear. Several proteins such as HIF-1α and VEGF family have been individually studied and their expression was reported to correlate with the depth of tumor invasion, tumor stage, venous invasion, lymphatic invasion, and lymph node metastasis. However, there is still lacking systematic data showing the molecular factors and their interactions in the process of lymphatic metastasis of ESCC. Proteomics is a systematic research approach aiming to provide the global characterization of protein expression and function under given conditions. Proteomics provides an effective methodology to globally examine the different protein expressions and protein interactions in disease. Proteomic technology has been widely used in biomarker discovery, target identification and pathogenetic studies including tumor metastasis. We have used 2D-gel based proteomics to compare the protein profiles between ESCC tumor and matched surrounding tissues and to identify differently expressed proteins in the esophageal cancer. A number of tumor-associated proteins including SCCA1, transgelin, TPM, prohibitin, PRX, aB-Cryst and MnSOD was detected with altered expressions, corresponding to a complicated multi-step process involved in the initiation, formation and progression of esophageal carcinoma (Proteomics, 2005, 5:2960-2971). However, ESCC metastasis has not been investigated by proteomic approach up today. Objectives: The main objective of this proposal is to study ESCC metastasis by proteomic technology. Using our established 2DE-based proteomics, we plan to profile and compare the proteomes and sub-fractions extracted from cultured esophageal cancer cells with one bearing proved metastatic potential. We will systematically characterize the differently expressed proteins in metastatic cells and identify the molecular factors correlated to the tumor invasion and metastasis.

List of Research Outputs

Ge R., Sun X., Gu Q., Watt R.M., Tanner J.A., Wong B.C.Y., Xia H.H., Huang J., He Q. and Sun H., A Proteomic Approach for Identification of Bismuth-binding Proteins in Helicobacter pylori., Journal of Biological Inorganic Chemistry. 2007, 12: 831-842.

Ge R., Zhang Y., Sun X., Watt R.M., He Q., Huang J., Wilcox D.E. and Sun H., Thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of metal binding to the histidine-rich protein, Hpn, Journal of the American Chemical Society. 2006, 128: 11330-11331.

Lo A.C.Y., Hung K.L., Cheung K.H.A., He Q., Chiu J., Chung S.S.M. and Chung S.K., Aldose reductase-deficient mice are protected from iron- and transferrin-related oxidative stress and cerebral ischemic injury, 36th Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience 2006.

Lok C.N., Ho C.M., Chen R., He Q., Yu W.Y., Sun H., Tam P.K.H. and Chiu J., Proteomic analysis of the mode of antibacterial action of silver nanoparticles, Gordon Research Conference, Metal in Medicine, Oxford, United Kingdom, July 9-14, 2006.

Lok C.N., Ho C.M., Chen R., He Q., Yu W.Y., Sun H., Tam P.K.H., Chiu J. and Che C.M., Silver nanoparticles: partial oxidation and antibacterial activities, Journal of Biological Inorganic Chemistry. 2007, 12(4): 527-534.

Wang Y., Chiu J. and He Q., Bioinformatic application in proteomic research on biomarker discovery and drug target validation, Current Bioinformatics. 2007, 2: 11-20.

Wang Y., He Q., Sun R.W.Y., Che C.M. and Chiu J., Cellular pharmacological properties of gold(III) porphyrin 1a, a potential anticancer drug lead, Eurpean Journal of Pharmacology. 2006, 554: 113-122.

Wang Y., He Q., Chen H. and Chiu J., Synergistic effects of retinoic acid and tamoxifen on human breast cancer cells: Proteomic characterization, Experimental Cell Research. 2006, 313: 357-368.

Researcher : He S

List of Research Outputs

He S., Synthesis and Applications of Polystyrene-supported Phosphine and Arsine Reagents (PhD Thesis). 2007.

Researcher : Ho CM

List of Research Outputs

Chan W.K., Ho C.M., Wong M.K. and Che C.M., Oxidative amide synthesis and N-terminal alpha-amino group ligation of peptides in aqueous medium, Journal of the American Chemical Society. USA, AMER CHEMICAL SOC, 2006, 128: 14796.

Che C.M., Ho C.M. and Huang J.S., Metal-carbon multiple bonded complexes. Carbene, vinylidene and allenylidene complexes of ruthenium and osmium supported by macrocyclic ligands, Coordination Chemistry Reviews. Elsevier, 2007, 251: 2145-2166.

Lok C.N., Ho C.M., Chen R., He Q., Yu W.Y., Sun H., Tam P.K.H. and Chiu J., Proteomic analysis of the mode of antibacterial action of silver nanoparticles, Gordon Research Conference, Metal in Medicine, Oxford, United Kingdom, July 9-14, 2006.

Lok C.N., Ho C.M., Chen R., He Q., Yu W.Y., Sun H., Tam P.K.H., Chiu J. and Che C.M., Silver nanoparticles: partial oxidation and antibacterial activities, Journal of Biological Inorganic Chemistry. 2007, 12(4): 527-534.

Tian J., Wong K.K.Y., Ho C.M., Lok C.N., Yu W.Y., Che C.M., Chiu J. and Tam P.K.H., Topical delivery of silver nanoparticles promotes wound healing, ChemMedChem. 2007, 2: 129-136.

Wong K.K.Y., Tian J., Ho C.M., Lok C.N., Che C.M., Chiu J. and Tam P.K.H., Topical delivery of silver nanoparticles reduces systemic inflammation of burn and promotes wound healing, Nanomedicine : nanotechnology, biology, and medicine. 2006, 2(4): 306.

Yiu S.M., Lam W.W.Y., Ho C.M. and Lau T.C., Facile N.N Coupling of Manganese(V) Imido Species, Journal of the American Chemical Society. 2007, 129: 803.

Researcher : Hu L

List of Research Outputs

Li H., Shi L.L., Zhang M., Su Z.M., Wang X., Hu L. and Chen G., Improving the accuracy of density-function theory calculation: The genetic algorithm and neural network approach, Journal Chemical Physics. 2007, 26: 144101.

Xu Y.C., Leung S.W.S., Yeung K.Y., Hu L., Chen G., Che C.M. and Man R.Y.K., Structure-activity Relationships of Flavonoids for Vascular Relaxation in Porcine Coronary Artery, Phytochemistry. 2007, 68: 1179-1188.

Researcher : Huang JS

Project Title:	Iron, Ruthenium, and Osmium Phosphinidene and Sulfido Complexes: Phosphorus or Sulfur Atom Transfer Reactions and Models for Native Iron-Sulfur Clusters
Investigator(s):	Huang JS
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	09/2004

Abstract:

To develop the chemistry of (1) metal-phosphorus multiple bonds in metallomacrocycles or metallosalens, (2) metal-sulfur multiple bonds in iron, ruthenium, or osmium complexes, (3) ruthenium or osmium analogues of biologically important iron-sulfur clusters. The ultimate goals are to realize metal catalyzed C P bond formation reactions such as phosphirane formation alkenes, to develop new metal cat alysts for the C-S bond formation reactions such as alkene episulfidation, and to synthesize new structural or functional models for the active sites of iron-sulfur proteins or nitrogenase.

Project Title:	Metalloporphyrin- and metallosalen-mediated imine functionalizations
Investigator(s):	Huang JS
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	01/2005

Abstract:

The main objectives of this project are: 1) To synthesize various imine or iminato complexes of metalloporphyrins or metallosalens. 2) To study the spectral and structural properties of the imine or iminato complexes of metalloporphyrins or metallosalens. 3) To explore the reactivity of the coordinated imine or iminato ligands toward a variety of reagents such as diazo compounds, imido sources, and aryl halides. 4) To develop metalloporphyrin- or metallosalen-catalyzed aziridination, diaziridination, and N-arylation of imines.

Project Title:	Functionalization of Iron-, Ruthenium-, and Osmium-Sulfur Clusters with Terminal Metal-Carbene, -Imido, or -Nitrido Bonds
Investigator(s):	Huang JS
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	01/2006

Abstract:

The main objectives of this project are: (1) To develop the chemistry of iron-, ruthenium-, and osmium-sulfur clusters bearing terminal metal-ligand multiple bonds. (2) To explore the possibility of using such types of metal-sulfur clusters as multicenter group transfer agents or catalysts for organic transformations such as cyclopropanation, aziridination, and alkene formation reactions, along with using metal-sulfur clusters bearing terminal carbene or imido groups as building blocks for larger metal-sulfur clusters or nanosized metal sulfides exhibiting unique structures and/or catalytic properties.

Project Title:	Activation of P-H Bonds by Metalloporphyrins or Metallosalens
Investigator(s):	Huang JS
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	01/2006

Abstract:

(i) To explore the reactivity of primary/secondary phosphine complexes of metalloporphyrins and metallosalens. (ii) To explore the chemistry of oxidized metalloporphyrin/metallosalen complexes of primary/secondary phosphines and examine the P-H bond activation upon oxidation. (iii) To explore the reactivity of primary/secondary phosphines with oxo, imido, and carbene complexes of metalloporphyrins. (iv) To examine the possibility of using metalloporphyrins or metallosalens as efficient catalysts for C-P bond formation reactions such as hydrophosphination.

Project Title:	Metal-Sulfur Bonds Supported by Phthalocyanines
Investigator(s):	Huang JS
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	01/2007

Abstract:

(a) To explore synthetic methods for metallophthalocyanines bearing various metal-sulfur (M-S) bonds such as M-SHR, M-SRR', M-SR, M-S-M, and M=S. (b) To investigate the spectral and structural features of M-S bonded metallophthalocyanines. (c) To explore the reactivity of M-S bonds supported by phthalocyanines. (d) To explore the application of phthalocyanine-supported M-S bonds in C-S bond formation reactions.

List of Research Outputs

Che C.M., Ho C.M. and Huang J.S., Metal-carbon multiple bonded complexes. Carbene, vinylidene and allenylidene complexes of ruthenium and osmium supported by macrocyclic ligands, Coordination Chemistry Reviews. Elsevier, 2007, 251: 2145-2166.

Huang J.S., Yu G., Xie J., Zhu N. and Che C.M., One-Pot Synthesis of Metal Primary Phosphine Complexes from O=PCl₂R. Isolation and Characterization of Primary Alkyphosphine Complexes of a Metalloporphyrin , Inorganic Chemistry. 2006, 45: 5724-5726.

Kui C.F., Huang J.S., Sun R.W.Y., Zhu N. and Che C.M., Self-assembly of a highly stable, topologically interesting metallamacrocycle by birdging gold(I) ions wiht pyridyl-2, 6-diphenyl^2-and diphosphanes , Angewandte Chemie International Edition. 2006, 45: 4663-4666.

Liu X., Ding P., Huang J.S. and Che C.M., Synthesis of Substituted 1,2-Dihydroquinolines and Quinolines from Aromatic Amines and Alkynes by Gold(I)-Catalyzed Tandem Hydroamination-Hydroarylation under Microwave-Assisted Conditions , In: Amos B. Smith, III , Organic Letters. ACS, 2007, 9: 2645-2648.

Researcher : Hui SK

List of Research Outputs

Hui S.K., Chow H.F. and Sze K.H., Study of Bis (L-Phenylalanine)-based Pyridine-2,6-Dicarboxyamide Organogel by NMR Spectroscopy , The 14th Symposium on Chemistry Postgraduate Research in Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, April 22, 2007.

Researcher : Hung LL

List of Research Outputs

Wong M.C., Hung L.L., Lam S.W.H., Zhu N. and Yam V.W.W., A Class of Luminescent Cyclometalated Alkynylgold(III) Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization, and Electrochemical, Photophysical, and Computational Studies of [Au(C^N^C)CºC-R] (C^N^C = k³C,N,C Bis-cyclometalated 2,6-Diphenylpyridyl) , Journal of the American Chemical Society. 2007, 129: 4350-4365.

Researcher : Huo L

List of Research Outputs

Wang X., Huo L., Yao H., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., Inhibition of Melanoma Development by Single Dose Administration of hTERTC27 Viral Cocktail in C57BL/6 Mice, 10th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Gene Therapy, May 30-June 3, 2007, at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle, WA. . 2007, 234.

Researcher : Kan TW

List of Research Outputs

Kan T.W., Development of New Polymer-supported Reagents for Organic Synthesis, Solvent Effects in Samarium Promoted Allylic Alcohol Cyclopropanation Reactions and Time Resolved Resonance Studies of the Photodeprotection of *P*-Hydroxyphencyl Caged Phototirigger Compounds (PhD Thesis). 2007.

Researcher : Ko CB

Project Title:	Mechanism of nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of OREBP/TonEBP
Investigator(s):	Ko CB, Chung SSM
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	09/2003
Completion Date:	01/2007

Abstract:

To elucidate the role of Crm-1 in hypotonicity-induced nuclear export of OREBP; to define the minimal domain in OREBP required for the nuclear import and export functions; to examine the role of histone deacetylases in regulation of hypotonicity-induced OREBP nuclear export.

Project Title:	The mechanism of OREBP/TonEBP/NFAT5-dependent transcription - role of signaling pathway and chromatin remodeling
Investigator(s):	Ko CB, Chung SSM
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	01/2005

Abstract:

To examine the correlation between OREBP-recruitment to different promoters and the kinetics of OREBP-dependent gene expressions; to evaluate the role of histone modification in OREBP-dependent gene transcription and the role of IKK and p38 in histone phosphorylation at OREBP-dependent promoters; to investigate the role of p300/CBP in histone modification and OREBP transcription activation.

Project Title:	The Role of OREBP in Cell Growth
Investigator(s):	Ko CB
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	01/2006
Completion Date:	10/2006

Abstract:

Cell growth, together with cell division and cell death is one of the most fundamental aspects of cell behavior. Proliferating cells often double in mass by increased marcomolecular biosynthesis before division to ensure cell size is maintained. Although the term cell growth (increase in mass and size) and cell division (progression through the cell cycle and the increase in number) are often being used synonymously, they are indeed separable process (1). In mammalian cells, blocking cell cycle progression did not prevent cells from increase in size (2). On the other hand, it is conceivable that cells must attain a threshold of size before committed to cell division to achieve cell-size homeostasis. Cell growth and division are therefore tightly coordinated in most dividing cells during animal development. Yet how cell growth is linked to cell cycle progression is still poorly understood. Prevailing hypothesis suggested that cell growth (mass or size) is rate-limiting for cell cycle progression. This is supported by the fact that blocking cell growth by nutrient or growth factor deprivation results in cell cycle arrest at G1 phase (3). Molecularly, it has been suggested that cell cycle progression is triggered by the increase in translation rate, particularly that of cell cycle regulators (4,5). Furthermore, p53, Retinoblastoma, and p16ARF are implicated as signaling molecules to coordinate cell growth and division by virtue of their roles in regulating both synthesis of ribosome and cell cycle progression (6). The Osmotic Response Element Binding Protein (OREBP), also known as NFAT5 or TonEBP, was originally identified as a transcription factor that orchestrates the hypertonicity-induced expression of a battery of genes crucial for the adaptation of mammalian cells to extracellular hypertonic stress (7). The known OREBP-regulated gene, such as aldose reductase, myo-inotistol transporter, betaine transporter, etc, are responsible for the intracellular accumulation of organic osmolytes (such as polyols and amino acid derivatives) that are important for cells to withstand extracellular hypertonic stress. In the course of elucidating the role of OREBP in lens development, we revealed that inhibition of OREBP activity leads to incomplete elongation of lens fiber cells (8). Since the lens fiber cells are terminally differentiated, yet are directed to elongate significantly to complete the growth process, our data implicated a role of OREBP in cell growth of lens fiber cells. Recent data from us demonstrated that OREBP silencing in HeLa cells also decreases cell size (data not shown). Taken together, these data suggested that OREBP may also play a role in cell growth. How OREBP activity is required for cell growth is unknown at present. We suggested the following possibilities: 1) OREBP silencing may lead to overall reduced level of intracellular osmolytes, resulting in cell shrinkage and growth deficit. 2) OREBP silencing may reduce the expression level of sodium-coupled neutral amino acid transporter subtype SNAT2, which may play a dominant role in the cell growth. SNAT2 is a member of the SLC38 gene family. Together with other transporter subtypes including SNAT1 and SNAT4, it accounts for the classical System A transport activity and is responsible for the cellular transport of small, zwitterionic amino acids. Hypertonic induction of SNAT2 is OREBP-dependent (9), and is thought to be important for the maintenance of cell volume, as SNAT2 gene silencing hinders cell recovery from hypertonic stress (10). Furthermore, SNAT2 is also subjected to tight regulatory control by amino acid deprivation and cell cycle progression. In myotubes, adipocyctes, fibroblasts and HepG2 cells, amino acid deprivation leads to rapid redistribution to the SNAT2 protein from an intracellular compartment to the plasma membrane, as well as an increase in gene transcription (11-14). Besides serving as organic osmolytes, the level of intracellular amino acids also acts as the activator for the mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) pathway (15). The mTOR pathway has emerged as one of the key regulators of cell growth in mammals (16). It couples the input of growth factor, nutrients (amino acids and glucose), and energy status to S6 Kinase 1 (S6K1) activation, translational initiation and cell growth. Although the mTOR pathway is most sensitive to change in leucine levels, a decrement in level of various other amino acids also inhibits the pathway (17), suggesting that the level of total amino acid pool is important for the pathway and cell growth. Inhibition of the pathway by rapamycin (a specific inhibitor of mTOR) resulting in reduced protein synthesis, leading to reduced cell size (18). 3) OREBP silencing may lead to DNA damage, resulting in stalled cell growth. Expression of dominant-negative OREBP leads to DNA damage, p53 overexpression and Chk2 activation in growing lens fiber cells with the cause that is not yet evident (8). However, it is still unknown if OREBP silencing leads to similar defects in HeLa cells. In proliferating cells, DNA damage activates Chk1 or Chk2, which plays an important role in organizing DNA damage response including stabilization of p53 and phosphorylation of Cdc25A and Cdc25C proteins, resulting in cell cycle arrest at G1/S or G2/M or apoptosis (19,20). In this proposal, we propose to discern the molecuclar mechanism leading to the observed defect in OREBP knockdown cells. There are two major objectives for the study: 1. To fully characterize the cell size phenotype in OREBP knockdown cells. 2. To examine the mechanism(s) responsible for the cell growth deficit in OREBP knockdown cells. The findings from this study will provide us more information regarding the function of OREBP in relation to cell growth, and will enable us to perfect our grant proposal in the coming CERG application. Reference 1.Jorgensen, P., and Tyers, M. (2004) Curr Biol 14, R1014-1027 2.Conlon, I. J., Dunn, G. A., Mudge, A. W., and Raff, M. C. (2001) Nat Cell Biol 3, 918-921 3.Pardee, A. B. (1974) Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 71, 1286-1290 4.Daga, R. R., and Jimenez, J. (1999) J Cell Sci 112 Pt 18, 3137-3146 5.Polymenis, M., and Schmidt, E. V. (1997) Genes Dev 11, 2522-2531 6.Ruggero, D., and Pandolfi, P. P. (2003) Nat Rev Cancer 3, 179-192 7.Handler, J. S., and Kwon, H. M. (2001) Kidney Int 60, 408-411 8.Wang, Y., Ko, B. C., Yang, J. Y., Lam, T. T., Jiang, Z., Zhang, J., Chung, S. K., and Chung, S. S. (2005) J Biol Chem 280, 19986-19991 9.Trama, J., Go, W. Y., and Ho, S. N. (2002) J.Immunol. 169, 5477-5488 10.Bevilacqua, E., Bussolati, O., Dall'Asta, V., Gaccioli, F., Sala, R., Gazzola, G. C., and Franchi-Gazzola, R. (2005) FEBS Lett 579, 3376-3380 11.Bain, P. J., LeBlanc-Chaffin, R., Chen, H., Palii, S. S., Leach, K. M., and Kilberg, M. S. (2002) J Nutr 132, 3023-3029 12.Gazzola, R. F., Sala, R., Bussolati, O., Visigalli, R., Dall'Asta, V., Ganapathy, V., and Gazzola, G. C. (2001) FEBS Lett 490, 11-14 13.Hyde, R., Christie, G. R., Litherland, G. J., Hajduch, E., Taylor, P. M., and Hundal, H. S. (2001) Biochem J 355, 563-568 14.Ling, R., Bridges, C. C., Sugawara, M., Fujita, T., Leibach, F. H., Prasad, P. D., and Ganapathy, V. (2001) Biochim Biophys Acta 151, 15-21 15.Kim, D. H., Sarbassov, D. D., Ali, S. M., King, J. E., Latek, R. R., Erdjument-Bromage, H., Tempst, P., and Sabatini, D. M. (2002) Cell 110, 163-175 16.Sarbassov, D. D., Ali, S. M., and Sabatini, D. M. (2005) Curr Opin Cell Biol 17, 1-8 17.Hara, K., Yonezawa, K., Weng, Q. P., Kozlowski, M. T., Belham, C., and Avruch, J. (1998) J Biol Chem 273, 14484-14494 18.Fingar, D. C., Salama, S., Tsou, C., Harlow, E., and Blenis, J. (2002) Genes Dev 16, 1472-1487 19.Ahn, J., Urist, M., and Prives, C. (2004) DNA Repair (Amst) 3, 1039-1047 20.Agarwal, M. L., Taylor, W. R., Chernov, M. V., Chernova, O. B., and Stark, G. R. (1998) J Biol Chem 273, 1-4

List of Research Outputs

Ho H.T.B., Ko C.B., Cheung A.K.H., Lam A.K.M., Tam S., Chung S.K. and Chung S.S.M., Generation and characterization of sodium-dicarboxylate cotransporter-deficient mice, Kidney International. 2007, 72: 63-71.

Li H., Fung K.L., Jin D., Chung S.S.M., Ching Y.P., Ng I.O.L., Sze K.H., Ko C.B. and Sun H., Solution Structures, Dynamics, and Lipid-binding of the Sterile a-Motif Domain of the Deleted in Liver Cancer 2, PROTEINS: Structure, Function, and Bioinformatics. 2007, 67: 1154-1166.

Tong E.H.Y., Guo J.J., Huang A.L., Liu H., Hu C.D., Chung S.S.M. and Ko C.B., Regulation of nucleocytoplasmic trafficking of transcription factor OREBP/TonEBP/NFAT5, Journal of Biological Chemistry. 2006, 281: 23870-23879.

Zhang L., Mulrooney S.B., Fung K.L., Zeng Y., Ko C.B., Hausinger P. and Sun H., Inhibition of urease by bismuth (III): Implications for the mechanism of action of bismuth drugs, BioMetals. 2006, 19: 503-511.

Researcher : Ko CC

List of Research Outputs

Ko C.C., Kwok W.M., Yam V.W.W. and Phillips D.L., Triplet MLCT Photosensitization of the Ring-Closing Reaction of Diarylethenes by Design and Synthesis of a Photochromic Rhenium(I) Complex of a Diarylethene-Containing 1,10-Phenanthroline Ligand , Chemistry - A European Journal. 2006, 12: 5840-5848.

Lee H.M., Ko C.C., Zhu N. and Yam V.W.W., Metal Coordination-Assisted Near-Infrared Photochromic Behavior: A Large Perturbation on Absorption Wavelength of N,N-Donor Ligands Containing Diarylethene Derivatives by Coordination to the Rhenium(I) Metal Center , Journal of the American Chemical Society. 2007, 129: 6058-6059.

Lee K.W., Ko C.C., Wong M.C., Zhu N. and Yam V.W.W., A Photochromic Platinum(II) Bis(alkynyl) Complex Containing a Versatile 5,6-Dithienyl-1,10-phenanthroline , Organometallics. 2007, 26: 12-15.

Ngan T.W., Ko C.C., Zhu N. and Yam V.W.W., Syntheses, Luminescence Switching, and Electrochemical Studies of Photochromic Dithienyl-1,10-phenanthroline Zinc(II) Bis(thiolate) Complexes , Inorganic Chemistry. 2007, 46: 1144-1152.

Researcher : Kui CF

List of Research Outputs

Kui C.F., Sham I.H.T., Cheung C.C., Ma C.W., Yan B., Zhu N., Che C.M. and Fu W.F., Patinum(II) Complexes with p-Conjugated, Naphtyl-Substituted, Cyelometalated Lignds (RC^N^N): Strutctures and Photo- and Electronluminescence, Chemistry - A European Journal. 2007, 13: 417-435.

Kui C.F., Huang J.S., Sun R.W.Y., Zhu N. and Che C.M., Self-assembly of a highly stable, topologically interesting metallamacrocycle by birdging gold(I) ions wiht pyridyl-2, 6-diphenyl^2-and diphosphanes , Angewandte Chemie International Edition. 2006, 45: 4663-4666.

Researcher : Kwok WM

Project Title:	Ultrafast time-resolved investigation on the structure and dynamics of photo-excited DNA bases, base derivatives and oligonucleotides.
Investigator(s):	Kwok WM, Phillips DL
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	02/2006
Completion Date:	01/2007

Abstract:

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation absorbed by DNA initiates photochemical events leading to base damage and genetic modification. Exposure of DNA to UV light excites nucleobases (the building block of DNA as well as the predominant DNA chromophores for UV irradiation). The subsequent photochemical reactions of the excited nucleobases in DNA are responsible for some of the most serious DNA photo-induced damage. While the major products of these photoreactions have now been characterized, little is known about the excited state responsible for their formation. Understanding the dynamics and properties of the photo-excited nucleobases and oligonucleotides is prerequisite for evaluating the factors involved in the following formation of photolesions. The major goal of this proposal is to utilize combined ultrafast time-resolved techniques to provide direct experimental evidence for characterization of the excited state properties including both the structural and electronic nature and lifetime information for the UV-excited nucleobases and selected oligonucleotides in solution phase. It is well known that the DNA bases are remarkably photostable due to their ultrashort excited state lifetimes. While extensive works have been done aiming to explore the excited states of the photo-excited nucleobases and valuable information has been obtained, there have been much uncertainties about the precise property of the excited state, especially structural information on the nucleobase excited states has been in lack in literature; it is also unclear about the mechanism responsible for the ultrafast deactivation of the nucleobase singlet-excited states. To help resolve this issue, we propose to use our newly developed femtosecond Kerr-gated time-resolved fluorescence (KTRF), transient absorption (TA) and picosecond time-resolved resonance Raman (ps-TR3) apparatus to perform a systematic study on natural nucleobases and selected base derivatives in solvents of different properties. (i) For the proposed KTRF and TA experiments, the novel broadband feature of our KTRF and TA spectroscopic techniques combined with the high sensitivity and broad time and spectral windows enable the first broadband and time-resolved fluorescence and absorption spectral characterization for the ultrashort-lived excited state of nucleobases. Since the spectral character and dynamics of the nucleobase excited states can be modulated by changing of solvent property as well as by specific covalent modification of the nucleobases, examine of the spectral dependence on the solvents and covalent modifications by the KTRF and TA spectroscopy can generate important insights and enable a clear and detailed description of the nonradiative pathway. (ii) We propose to use the ps-TR3 spectroscopy to directly probe the excited state structure of selected base derivatives and nucleobases and acquire the missing structural information. This result, in conjunction with the electronic property provided by the preceding KTRF and TA measurement, should enable a comprehensive description of the nucleobase excited state and help to resolve a continuing debate on the nature of the deactivation pathway. With knowledge of the excited state nature for the DNA base units, we propose to perform preliminary combined KTRF and TA experiments to monitor directly the spectral evolution of photo-excited oligonucleotide model compounds. Previous studies find that the singlet excited states of many base multimers have much longer lifetime (in nanosecond time scale) than that of the single bases (in sub-picosecond time scale). There has been expectation that these long-lived singlet excited states could possibly act as the direct precursors to some of the most important DNA photolesions. However, the important issues of the origin and nature of the long-lived excited states remain poorly understood. By performing the proposed ultrafast experiments and making comparisons with the results obtained for the relevant nucleobases, we intend to provide the first broadband fluorescence and absorption data for the excited states of the selected oligonucleotide model compounds. These results enable us to explore and elucidate the electronic energy relaxation dynamics and excited state assignments in the oligonucleotides. If time permits, we also plan to use TR3 spectroscopy to directly probe the structure of the excited states for the selected oligonucleotides. This provides the essential structural information to allow an explicit identification and more fully characterization of the long-lived excited state(s) in the nucleobases. The work supported by this project will result in publication(s) in the open refereed scientific literature and at least one in a top SCI peer-reviewed journal. The planed work will also lead to strengthen a RGC proposal that we will submit in this highly interested area related to the DNA damage caused by UV irradiation.

Project Title:	Ultrafast time-resolved study on energy relaxation dynamics and structural properties of UV-light excited DNA bases, base derivatives and oligonucleotides
Investigator(s):	Kwok WM, Phillips DL, Ma C
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	07/2006

Abstract:

(1) We propose to use our newly developed femtosecond time-resolved fluorescence (TRF) and absorption (TA) spectroscopy apparatus to perform a systematic study of natural nucleobases and selected base derivatives in solvents of different properties: Nucleic acid bases are remarkably photostable due to their ultrashort excited state lifetimes. An ultrafast nonradiative path of the singlet-excited states appears to be responsible, but the precise mechanism is unclear. The novel broadband feature of our spectroscopic techniques combined with the high sensitivity and broad time and spectral windows enable the direct spectral characterization of electronic properties of the ultrashort-lived excited states. Since the spectral character and dynamics of the relevant excited states can be modulated differently by the solvent and by specific covalent modifications, this work should generate important insights and enable us to provide a more clear and detailed description of the nonradiative pathway. (2) We propose to use ultrafast time-resolved resonance Raman (TR3) spectroscopy to directly probe the excited state structure of selected base derivatives and nucleobases and obtain this vital structural information: Besides their electronic properties, knowledge of the structural properties for excited state nucleobases is also essential for a better understanding of excited state deactivation dynamics. Previous studies have added little to our knowledge in this respect. Our results, in conjunction with the results of objective 1, should enable us to elucidate the mechanism for the ultrafast deactivation of photoexcited nucleobases, and help to resolve a continuing debate on the nature of the deactivation pathway. A further purpose of performing the fs-KTF, TA and TR3 experiments is to establish the electronic and vibrational spectral characterization for individual nucleobases. This will lay the foundations for more fruitful study of the dynamics and properties of photoexcited oligonucleotides and DNA. (3) We propose to use combined fs-TRF and TA spectroscopies to directly monitor the spectral evolution of photoexcited di- oligo- and poly- nucleotide model compounds: Previous time-resolved studies on base multimers have revealed the existence of long-lived excited states, indicating that relaxation of the electronic energy occurs on a much slower time scale than that of single bases. However, the key issues of the origin and nature of these long-lived excited states remain poorly understood. By making comparisons with the results of the relevant nucleobases, we intend to provide valuable new evidence for the elucidation of the electronic energy relaxation dynamics and excited state assignments in oligonucleotides. For explicit identification and characterization of the long-lived excited state(s) in base mulitimers, we also propose to use TR3 spectroscopy to directly probe the structure of these states in selected oligonucleotide compounds. (4) We propose to perform combined fs-TRF and TA experiments on a series of selected dinucleotides, single- and double- stranded oligo- and poly-nucleotides to explore the influence of the local environment on the excited state energy migration and relaxation dynamics: Double stranded DNAs are flexible multichromophoric systems with bases organized horizontally in base pairs and vertically in base stacks. Since the slow electronic energy relaxation occurs exclusively in base multimers where base units are stacked and/or paired, it is very important to understand how the duplex conformation mediates the energy migration and how the conformational flexibility affects the energy relaxation dynamics. These questions remain unresolved because of the lack of systematic experimental studies on the base multimer systems. We intend to identify the major factors controlling the energy relaxation process and also identify a possible spectroscopic probe to detect the unique structure of DNA. (5) Time-resolved techniques with ultrafast time-resolution are required to study the nature and dynamics of single nucleobases, oligonucleotides and DNAs because of the (ultra)short lifetime of their excited states. By performing the research necessary to achieve objectives 1-4 above, we hope to demonstrate that our newly developed ultrafast time-resolved techniques are a powerful tool for the direct detection and characterization of the rapid dynamics, electronic and structural properties and reactivity of the DNA bases and oligonucleotides following UV excitation in the solution phase. We expect that our results will greatly improve our understanding of DNA photophysics and photochemistry, and will contribute to the development of an improved molecular level mechanistic explanation for the DNA damage caused by solar UV irradiation.

List of Research Outputs

Chen X., Ma C., Kwok W.M., Guan X., Du Y. and Phillips D.L., A Theoretical Investigation of pHydroxyphenacy Caged Phototrigger Compounds: An Examination of the Excited State Photochemistry of pHydroxyphenacyl Acetate , Journal of Physical Chemistry A. 2006, 110: 12406-12413.

Djurisic A., Leung Y.H., Tam K.H., Hsu Y.F., Ding L., Ge W.K., Zhong Y.C., Wong K.S., Chan W.K., Tam H.L., Cheah K.W., Kwok W.M. and Phillips D.L., Defect emissions in ZnO nanostructures, Nanotechnology. Bristol, IOP Publishing Limited, 2007, 18: 095702: 1-8.

Ko C.C., Kwok W.M., Yam V.W.W. and Phillips D.L., Triplet MLCT Photosensitization of the Ring-Closing Reaction of Diarylethenes by Design and Synthesis of a Photochromic Rhenium(I) Complex of a Diarylethene-Containing 1,10-Phenanthroline Ligand , Chemistry - A European Journal. 2006, 12: 5840-5848.

Kwok W.M., Ma C. and Phillips D.L., Femtosecond Time- and Wavelength-Resolved Fluorescence and Absorption Spectroscopic Study of the Excited States of Adenosine and an Adenine Oligomer , Journal of the American Chemical Society. 2006, 128: 11894-11905.

Kwok W.M., Djurisic A., Leung Y.H., Li D., Tam K.H., Phillips D.L. and Chan W.K., Influence of annealing on stimulated emission in ZnO nanorods, Applied Physics Letters. New York, American Institute of Physics, 2006, 89: 183112: 1-3.

Ma C., Du Y., Kwok W.M. and Phillips D.L., Femtosecond Transient Absorption and Nanosecond Time-Resolved Resonance Raman Study of the Solvet-Dependent Photo-Deprotection Reaction of Benzoin Diethyl Phosphate , Chemistry - A European Journal. 2007, 13: 2290-2305.

Phillips D.L., Kwok W.M. and Ma C., An Introdction to Time-Resolved Resonance Raman Spectroscopy and its Application to Reactive Intermediates , In: Matthew S. Platz, Robert A. Moss, & Maitland Jones, Jr. , Reviews of Reactive Intermediate Chemistry . New Jersey, USA, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2007, 123-182.

Tam K.H., Cheung C.K., Leung Y.H., Djurisic A., Ling F.C.C., Beling C.D., Fung S.H.Y., Kwok W.M., Chan W.K., Phillips D.L., Ding L. and Ge W.K., Defects in ZnO nanorods prepared by a hydrothermal method, Journal of Physical Chemistry B. American Chemical Society, 2006, 110: 20865-20871.

Researcher : Kwong KW

List of Research Outputs

Kwong K.W., Huang R., Zhang M., Shi M. and Toy P.H., Bifunctional Polymeric Organocatlysts and Their Application in the Cooperative Catalysis of Morita-Baylis-Hillman Reactions, Chemistry-A European Journal. 2007, 13: 2369-2376.

Researcher : Lai SW

Project Title:	Solvatochromic Studies and Biomedical Applications of Dicyano Osmium(II) Complexes
Investigator(s):	Lai SW
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	03/2006

Abstract:

This proposal aims to synthesize a series of cis-dicyano osmium(II) diimine complexes bearing triphenylphosphine and dimethyl sulfoxide ligands, undertake the photophysical studies and investigate their solvatochromic properties. The purpose of the proposed project is to explore the potential applications of this class of complexes as luminescent biomolecule-tagging materials. The key issues of this project are to design and synthesize luminescent osmium(II) complexes, the photophysical properties of which are effectively affected by subtle changes in the surrounding micro-environment. The solvatochromism of luminescent complexes can be thoroughly studied to enable the judicious design of luminescent osmium(II) complexes, with the aim of inducing the profound impacts upon the photoluminescent properties with changing solvent environment. The purpose of the proposed project is to integrate biomolecular binding chemistry with phosphorescence. The susceptibility of the absorption and emission energies of these luminescent dicyano osmium(II) systems to subtle changes in their micro-environments will be utilized as sensory operating principles. The metal-sensing capabilities will be explored via spectrophotometric responses. The sensitivity and selectivity towards different metal analytes will be investigated and the binding stability will also be determined. Upon derivatizing the diimine ligands with moieties bearing biomolecule-binding abilities, we intend to further utilize the sensitivity of spectrophotometric responses towards guest molecules in the applications as biomolecule-tagging materials.

Project Title:	Phosphorescent supramolecular metal-organic receptors for chemical recognition and biomolecular binding applications
Investigator(s):	Lai SW
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	01/2007

Abstract:

(1) This proposal aims to develop supramolecular sensory materials comprising of cyclometalated platinum(II) luminophores as reporting units and functionalized calixarene or cyclodextrin structures as host receptors. The binding motifs will be judiciously designed and incorporated to target different analytes using electrostatic, cation-pi, hydrogen bonding, or hydrophobic pi-pi interactions, and the susceptibility of the absorption and emission energies of these cyclometalated platinum(II) systems to subtle changes in their micro-environments will be utilized as sensory operating principles. The purpose of this proposal is to integrate inclusion chemistry with phosphorescence. The first objective is: To develop new classes of luminescent probes based on cyclometalated platinum(II) moieties for sensory applications. (2) The second objective is: To explore the sensing capabilities towards specific analytes by incorporating appropriate binding motifs into the luminescent receptor. Focus will be given to the conformational changes in the host structures upon inclusion of guest species. This would result in modification of the environment at the cyclometalated Pt(II) luminophoric center, which can subsequently alter the photophysical characteristics. (3) We will utilize the spectrophotometric responses of Pt(II) metallomacrocycles to develop luminescent sensory devices. The binding abilities of the receptor with guest species will be examined structurally using X-ray crystallography. The selectivity towards various analytes will be investigated, and the binding capacities will be estimated by computational calculations. The third objective is: To determine the sensitivity and selectivity of metal-functionalized host structures towards various substrates based on their spectrophotometric responses. (4) The fourth objective is: To develop self-assembly processes as efficient methodologies for the construction of metallomacrocycles. An overall aim is to probe the binding mechanisms of luminophoric macrocycles and to develop novel applications as sensory devices, especially for biological systems. In particular, the development of water-soluble luminescent derivatives which can function as robust sensory materials for molecular recognition and identification of biologically important molecules will be targeted. The significance of this research proposal stems from the implementation of collaborative and interdisciplinary research in the area of photoluminescent biomoleculer sensory technology.

Project Title:	Photoluminescence Studies of Silver(I) Complexes and Applications as Chemosensors
Investigator(s):	Lai SW
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	03/2007

Abstract:

This proposal aims to synthesize closed-shell silver(I) complexes with different coordination geometry, undertake the photophysical studies, and manifest the susceptibility of photoluminescence changes towards coordination environment at the metal center. The purpose of the proposed project is to explore the potential applications of this class of complexes as chemosensors based on our understandings in their fundamental photoluminescence studies. The key issues of this project are to design and synthesize organic ligand systems with structurally rigid framework, which upon complexation with silver ions, the metal centers will be effectively encased or sandwiched by chelates to result in metal-organic species with improved rigidity, thermal stability and robustness. The photophysical properties of the closed-shell metal complexes are effectively affected by ligand systems and coordination environment of the metal center. The susceptibility of photoluminescent properties of these closed-shell metal complexes towards coordination environment will provide optical signal “read-out” units in the development of sensory applications. The purpose of the proposed project is to build up our understandings in the fundamental photoluminescence studies of closed-shell d10 metal complexes, which will in future facilitate the elaboration of these optical responses into systems with chemosensory applications. The binding capabilities of proposed luminescent sensors will be explored via spectrophotometric responses. The sensitivity and selectivity towards different analytes will be investigated and the binding stability will also be determined.

List of Research Outputs

Lai S.W., Chan K.W.Q., Zhu N. and Che C.M., cis-Dicyano Osmium(II) Diimine Complexes: Solvatochromic And Luminescent Signaling Studies, XXII International Conference on Organometallic Chemistry, Zaragoza, Spain, 23-28 July. 2006.

Sun Y., Ye K., Zhang H., Zhang J., Zhao L., Li B., Yang G., Yang B., Wang Y., Lai S.W. and Che C.M., Luminescent One-Dimensional Nanoscale Materials with Pt^II. Pt^II Interactions, Angewandte Chemie International Edition . Wiley-VCH, 2006, 45: 5610-5613.

Zhi Y.G., Lai S.W., Chan Q.K.W., Law Y.C., Tong S.M. and Che C.M., Systematic Studies on Photoluminescence of Oligo(arylene-ethynylene)s: Tunability of Excited States, and Derivatization as Luminescent Labeling Probes for Proteins , In: Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, 2-Goukan, Lecture Room 130, Second Asian Symposium on Advanced Organic Synthesis, Kyoto, Japan, 9 November. 2006.

Zhi Y.G., Lai S.W., Chan K.W.Q., Law Y.C., Tong S.M. and Che C.M., Systematic Studies on Photoluminescence of Oligo(arylene-ethynylene)s: Tunability of Excited States, and Derivatization as Luminescent Labeling Probes for Proteins, European Journal of Organic Chemistry. Wiley-VCH, 2006, 3125-3139.

Researcher : Lam NW

List of Research Outputs

Lam N.W. and Chu I.K., Formation of anionic peptide radicals in vacuo, Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry. 2006, 17: 1249-1257.

Lam N.W., Generation and Characterization of Cationic and Anionic Radical Peptides (PhD Thesis) . 2006.

Lam N.W., Ruan D., Ma C.Y. and Chu I.K., Non-zwitterionic structures of aliphatic-only peptides mediated the formation and dissociation of gas phase radical cations , Journal of Mass Spectrometry. 2006, 41: 931-938.

Laskin J., Yang Z., Lam N.W. and Chu I.K., Formation and Dissociation of Odd-Electron Peptide Ions, 4th Uppsala International Conference on Electron Capture and Transfer Dissociation Mass Spectrometry – Fundamental and Application. 2006.

Yu K.Y., Lam N.W., Springob K., Schmidt J., Chu I.K. and Lo C.S.C., Constitutive accumulation of cis-piceid in transgenic arabidopsis overexpressing a sorghum stilbene synthase gene , Plant & Cell Physiology . 2006, 47: 1017-1021.

Yu K.Y., Lam N.W., Shiu H.Y.F., Yves Le Blanc J.C., Chu I.K. and Lo C.S.C., Identification and characterization of SbSTS1-derived secondary metabolites in transgenic arabidopsis, Plant Biology 2006, Boston, MA, USA. August 5-9, 2006.

Researcher : Lam NW

List of Research Outputs

Lam N.W. and Chu I.K., Formation of anionic peptide radicals in vacuo, Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry. 2006, 17: 1249-1257.

Lam N.W., Generation and Characterization of Cationic and Anionic Radical Peptides (PhD Thesis) . 2006.

Researcher : Lam SK

List of Research Outputs

Chiu P., Lam S.K. and Leung L.T., Total synthesis of (-) - Indicol and related marine natural products , The 1st International Conference on Cutting-edge Organic Chemistry in Asia-Post Conference, Hsinchu, Taiwan. 2006.

Researcher : Lam SWH

Project Title:	Electronic Structures, Photophysical Properties and Reactivities of Photochromic Transition Metal Complexes With Coordination of Ligand(s) Containing the Diarylethene Unit(s). A Computational Study
Investigator(s):	Lam SWH, Yam VWW
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	12/2006

Abstract:

The aims of this research are 1) to investigate electronic structures as well as spectroscopic origins of the absorption and emission properties of the photochromic complexes and find out the factors influence the stability of the open and closed forms by density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations. The calculated results are then used to rationalize experiemental observations, which provide a better understanding on their structural and photophysical properties; 2) to study mechanisms for the photochromic reactions by using DFT and high-lvele ab initio calculations, that provide a better understanding on the quantum yields of the reactions.

List of Research Outputs

Lam S.W.H., Cheng C.C. and Yam V.W.W., Computational Studies on the Photophysical Properties and NMR Fluxionality of the Tetranuclear Copper(I) Complexes [Cu₄(m-dppm)₄(m₄-E)]²⁺ (E = PPh and S), Inorganic Chemistry. 2006, 45: 9434-9441.

Wong M.C., Hung L.L., Lam S.W.H., Zhu N. and Yam V.W.W., A Class of Luminescent Cyclometalated Alkynylgold(III) Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization, and Electrochemical, Photophysical, and Computational Studies of [Au(C^N^C)CºC-R] (C^N^C = k³C,N,C Bis-cyclometalated 2,6-Diphenylpyridyl) , Journal of the American Chemical Society. 2007, 129: 4350-4365.

Yip S.K., Lam S.W.H., Zhu N. and Yam V.W.W., Synthesis, Characterization, Structure and Luminescence Studies of Dinuclear Gold(I) Alkynyls of Bis(diphenylphosphino) Alkyl- and Aryl-amines , Inorganica Chimica Acta. 2006, 359: 3639-3648.

Yip S.K., Chan C.L., Lam S.W.H., Cheung K.K. and Yam V.W.W., Synthesis, Structure and Iuminescence Studies of Heterometallic Gold(I)-Copper(I) and -Silver(I) Alkynyl Clusters/ Aggregates , Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences . 2007, 6: 365-371.

Researcher : Lau CY

List of Research Outputs

Lau C.Y. and Chiu P., The Application of Non-cross-linked Polystyrene-supported Triphenylarsine in Stille Coupling Reactions , Tetrahedron Letters . 2007, 48: 1813-1816.

Researcher : Lau KK

List of Research Outputs

Lau K.K., The Chemistry of Lanthanide Complexes with Amide and Carboxylate Ligands (PhD Thesis). 2006.

Researcher : Lau PKJ

List of Research Outputs

Lau P.K.J. and Wong W.T., Synthesis of [{Os₃(CO)₁₀(m₂-H)}₂{m₂,m₂-NC₆H₄C₆H₄N}]and [{Os₃(CO)₉(m₂-H)PPh₃}₂(m₂, m₂-NC₆H₄N}]: Carbon-Carbon Bond Formation Promoted by Organorhodium Species , Inorganica Chimica Acta. 2006, 359: 3632-3638.

Researcher : Law YC

List of Research Outputs

Law Y.C., Paltinum-ligand PI Bonding Interactions: The Ligands-to-Ligand Charge Transfer Transitions and Suppramolecular Chemistry of Platinm(II) Acetylide and Thiolate Complexes (PhD Thesis). 2007.

Zhi Y.G., Lai S.W., Chan Q.K.W., Law Y.C., Tong S.M. and Che C.M., Systematic Studies on Photoluminescence of Oligo(arylene-ethynylene)s: Tunability of Excited States, and Derivatization as Luminescent Labeling Probes for Proteins , In: Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, 2-Goukan, Lecture Room 130, Second Asian Symposium on Advanced Organic Synthesis, Kyoto, Japan, 9 November. 2006.

Zhi Y.G., Lai S.W., Chan K.W.Q., Law Y.C., Tong S.M. and Che C.M., Systematic Studies on Photoluminescence of Oligo(arylene-ethynylene)s: Tunability of Excited States, and Derivatization as Luminescent Labeling Probes for Proteins, European Journal of Organic Chemistry. Wiley-VCH, 2006, 3125-3139.

Researcher : Law YC

List of Research Outputs

Researcher : Lee HM

List of Research Outputs

Lee H.M., Ko C.C., Zhu N. and Yam V.W.W., Metal Coordination-Assisted Near-Infrared Photochromic Behavior: A Large Perturbation on Absorption Wavelength of N,N-Donor Ligands Containing Diarylethene Derivatives by Coordination to the Rhenium(I) Metal Center , Journal of the American Chemical Society. 2007, 129: 6058-6059.

Researcher : Lee KW

List of Research Outputs

Lee K.W., Ko C.C., Wong M.C., Zhu N. and Yam V.W.W., A Photochromic Platinum(II) Bis(alkynyl) Complex Containing a Versatile 5,6-Dithienyl-1,10-phenanthroline , Organometallics. 2007, 26: 12-15.

Researcher : Leung KH

List of Research Outputs

Howell S.L., Gordon K.C., Waterland M.R., Leung K.H. and Phillips D.L., resonance raman excitation profile of a ruthenium(II) complex of dipyrido [2,3-a:3', 2'-c] phenazine , Journal of Physical Chemistry A. 2006, 110: 11194-11199.

Researcher : Leung LT

List of Research Outputs

Chiu P., Lam S.K. and Leung L.T., Total synthesis of (-) - Indicol and related marine natural products , The 1st International Conference on Cutting-edge Organic Chemistry in Asia-Post Conference, Hsinchu, Taiwan. 2006.

Leung L.T., Miao R. and Chiu P., Hydrostannation of Alkynes Catalyed by Styker's Reagent, The 1^stEuropean Chemistry Congress, Budapest, Hungary, August 27-31, . 2006.

Researcher : Leung QY

List of Research Outputs

Mak S.K., Leung Q.Y. and Chan W.K., Synthesis and Characterization of One-Dimensional Ruthenium Based Self-Assembly Polymer, American Chemical Society 232nd National Meeting, San Francisco, U.S.A., September 10-14, 2006 . 2006.

Wong H.L., Mak S.K., Leung Q.Y., Chan W.K. and Djurisic A., Use of Sublimable Rhenium Diimine Complexes as Photosensitizers in Bulk Heterojunction Photovoltaic Devices, The 7th International Symposium on Advanced Organic Photonics, Angers, France, June 13-15, 2007.

Researcher : Leung WH

List of Research Outputs

Leung W.H., Ye J., Cheung A.S.C., Gibbs K.D., Palmer D.L., O'Brein L.C.O. and O'Brein J.J., Spectroscopy of nickel chloride: Identification of the [15.0]²P_3/2and [15.0]²D_5/2states, Journal of Molecular Spectroscopy. 2006, 238: 42-48.

Lin B., Leung W.H., Li L., Cheung A.S.C. and Au C.T., Investigation on Methane Aromatization over 3% Mo/ZSM-5 Catalyst under Supersonic Jet Expansion Condition. , 4th Asia Pacific Congress on Catalysis, Nauyang Technological University, Singapore, December 6-8, 2006.

Liu B., Leung W.H., Li L., Cheung A.S.C. and Au C.T., Reforming Over La₂NiO₄and 10% NiO / C_eO₂-La₂O₃ Catalysts Under Condition of Supersonic Jet Expension via Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopic Analysis, International Symposium on Molecular Spectroscopy, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A., June 18-22, 2007.

Liu B., Leung W.H., Li L., Au C.T. and Cheung A.S.C., TOF-MS Investigation on Methane Aromatization over 3%Mo/HZSM-5 Catalyst Under Supersonic Jet Expansion Condition , Chemical Physics Letters. 2006, 430: 210-214.

Ye J., Pang H.F., Wong M.Y., Leung W.H. and Cheung A.S.C., Laser Spectroscopy of Iridium Mouoboride, International Symposium on Molecular Spectroscopy, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A., June 18-22, 2007.

Ye J., Leung W.H. and Cheung A.S.C., Laser Spectroscopy of NiBr: New Electronic States and Hyperfine Structure , The Journal of Chemical Phyics. 2006, 125: 214308-1 - 214308-8.

Researcher : Leung YH

List of Research Outputs

Cheung K.Y., Yip C.T., Djurisic A., Leung Y.H. and Chan W.K., Long K-doped titania and titanate nanowires on Ti foil and fluorine-doped tin oxide/quartz substrates for solar-cell applications, Advanced Functional Materials. Weinheim, WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co., 2007, 17: 555-562.

Djurisic A., Leung Y.H., Tam K.H., Hsu Y.F., Ding L., Ge W.K., Zhong Y.C., Wong K.S., Chan W.K., Tam H.L., Cheah K.W., Kwok W.M. and Phillips D.L., Defect emissions in ZnO nanostructures, Nanotechnology. Bristol, IOP Publishing Limited, 2007, 18: 095702: 1-8.

Kwok W.M., Djurisic A., Leung Y.H., Li D., Tam K.H., Phillips D.L. and Chan W.K., Influence of annealing on stimulated emission in ZnO nanorods, Applied Physics Letters. New York, American Institute of Physics, 2006, 89: 183112: 1-3.

Tam K.H., Cheung C.K., Leung Y.H., Djurisic A., Ling F.C.C., Beling C.D., Fung S.H.Y., Kwok W.M., Chan W.K., Phillips D.L., Ding L. and Ge W.K., Defects in ZnO nanorods prepared by a hydrothermal method, Journal of Physical Chemistry B. American Chemical Society, 2006, 110: 20865-20871.

Tong W.Y., Djurisic A., Xie M.H., Ng M.C.A., Cheung K.Y., Chan W.K., Leung Y.H., Lin H.W. and Gwo S., Metal phthalocyanine nanoribbons and nanowires, Journal of Physical Chemistry B. American Chemical Society, 2006, 110: 17406-17413.

Wang H., Yip C.T., Cheung K.Y., Djurisic A., Xie M.H., Leung Y.H. and Chan W.K., Titania-nanotube-array-based photovoltaic cells, Applied Physics Letters. New York, American Institute of Physics, 2006, 89: 023508: 1-3.

Researcher : Li H

List of Research Outputs

Cai K., Tse L.Y., Li H., Xu R. and Sham M.H., Vasostatin gene therapy suppressed lung tumor growth and metastasis using adeno-associated virus pseudotype 5 vector, MGH-HKU-Nature China Forum, Hong Kong. March 2007.

Li H., Fung K.L., Jin D., Chung S.S.M., Ching Y.P., Ng I.O.L., Sze K.H., Ko C.B. and Sun H., Solution Structures, Dynamics, and Lipid-binding of the Sterile a-Motif Domain of the Deleted in Liver Cancer 2, PROTEINS: Structure, Function, and Bioinformatics. 2007, 67: 1154-1166.

Researcher : Li HY

List of Research Outputs

Li H.Y., Lum C.T., Sun R.W.Y., Ng S.M., Smith D.K., Yiu S.M., Che C.M. and Lin M.C., Genome-Wide Study Reveals the Signaling Pathways Modulated by Gold-1a Treatment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma, The Fifth Asia-Pacific Bioinformatics Conference, APBC2007; 14-17 Jan, 2007; Hong Kong. 2007, apbc084.

Li H.Y., Signaling Pathways Modulated by Gold-1A in its Anti-tumour Effects Against Hepatocellular Carcinoma (MPhil Thesis) . 2007.

Ng S.M., Gao Y., Chau D.H.W., Li H.Y., Lai L., Huang P.T., Huang C., Huang J.J., Chen Y., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., A Novel Glioblastoma Cancer Gene Therapy Using AAV-mediated Long-term Expression of Human TERT C-terminal Polypeptide via Multiple Mechanisms, 2006 ISCGT Japan Conference, Chiba, Japan, October 13-15, 2006.

Ng S.M., Gao Y., Chau D.H.W., Li H.Y., Lai L.H., Huang P.T., Huang C.F., Huang J.J., Chen Y.C., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., A Novel Glioblastoma Cancer Gene Therapy Using AAV-mediated Long-term Expression of Human TERT C-terminal Polypeptide, Cancer Gene Therapy. 2007, 14(6): 561-72.

Ng S.M., Cheung Y.T., An X.M., Chen Y.C., Li M., Li H.Y., Cheung K.C., Sze J., Lai L., Peng Y., Xia H.H.X., Wong B.C.Y., Leung S.Y., Xie D., He M.L., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., Cell Cycle-related Kianse: A Novel Candidate Oncogene in Human Glioblastoma, Journal of the National Cancer Institute. 2007, 99(12): 936-948.

Researcher : Li L

List of Research Outputs

Lin B., Leung W.H., Li L., Cheung A.S.C. and Au C.T., Investigation on Methane Aromatization over 3% Mo/ZSM-5 Catalyst under Supersonic Jet Expansion Condition. , 4th Asia Pacific Congress on Catalysis, Nauyang Technological University, Singapore, December 6-8, 2006.

Liu B., Leung W.H., Li L., Cheung A.S.C. and Au C.T., Reforming Over La₂NiO₄and 10% NiO / C_eO₂-La₂O₃ Catalysts Under Condition of Supersonic Jet Expension via Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopic Analysis, International Symposium on Molecular Spectroscopy, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A., June 18-22, 2007.

Liu B., Leung W.H., Li L., Au C.T. and Cheung A.S.C., TOF-MS Investigation on Methane Aromatization over 3%Mo/HZSM-5 Catalyst Under Supersonic Jet Expansion Condition , Chemical Physics Letters. 2006, 430: 210-214.

Researcher : Li M

List of Research Outputs

Li M., EFA6A /ARF6 Signaling and Functions in Glioblastoma Carcinogensis (PhD Thesis). 2006.

Li M., Chu B.W.K., Zhu N. and Yam V.W.W., Synthesis, Structure, Photophysics, Electrochemistry, and Ion-Binding Studies of Ruthenium(II) 1,10-Phenanthroline Complexes Containing Thia-, Selena-, and Aza-Crown Pendants , Inorganic Chemistry. 2007, 46: 720-733.

Ng S.M., Cheung Y.T., An X.M., Chen Y.C., Li M., Li H.Y., Cheung K.C., Sze J., Lai L., Peng Y., Xia H.H.X., Wong B.C.Y., Leung S.Y., Xie D., He M.L., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., Cell Cycle-related Kianse: A Novel Candidate Oncogene in Human Glioblastoma, Journal of the National Cancer Institute. 2007, 99(12): 936-948.

Researcher : Li M

List of Research Outputs

Li M., EFA6A /ARF6 Signaling and Functions in Glioblastoma Carcinogensis (PhD Thesis). 2006.

Researcher : Li Q

List of Research Outputs

Li Q. and Yam V.W.W., Redox Luminescence Switch Based on Energy Transfer in CePO₄: Tb³⁺Nanowires , Angewandte Chemie International Edition. 2007, 46: 3486-3489.

Researcher : Li S

List of Research Outputs

Li S., Application of the Nazarov Cyclization Reaction to the Synthesis of Guanacastepenes and Taiwaniaquinoids (PhD Thesis) . 2007.

Miao R., Li S. and Chiu P., Regioselective Hydrostannation of Activated Alkynes Catalyzed by in Situ Generated Copper Hydride , Tetrahedron . 2007, 63: 6737-6740.

Researcher : Li X

List of Research Outputs

Li X., Shen B., Yao X.Q. and Yang D., A Small Synthetic Molecule Forms Chloride Channels to Mediate Chloride Transport across Cell Membranes , Journal of the American Chemical Society . 2007, 129: 7264-7265.

Li X., Shen B., Yao X.Q., Zhu N. and Yang D., A Small Synthetic Molecule Self-Assembles to form Chlordie Channels in Cell Membranes , The 14th Symposium on Chemistry Postgradate Research in Hong Kong, Hong Kong, April 28, 2007.

Li X., Shen B., Yao X.Q., Zhu N. and Yang D., A Small Synthetic Molecule Self-Assembles to form Chloride Channels in Cell Membranes , Nature China Forum, Hong Kong, March 5-6, 2007.

Li X. and Yang D., Anion Recognition and Transport by a Peptide of a-Aminoxy Acid, The 233rd American Chemical Society National Meeting, Chicago, U.S.A., March 25-29, 2007.

Li X. and Yang D., Peptides of aminoxy acids as foldamers , Chemical Communications. 2006, 3367-3379.

Researcher : Li YS

List of Research Outputs

Li X., Liu X., Li Y.S., Ding Y., Chau D.H.W., Li G., Kung H.F., Lin M.C. and Peng Y., Recombinant Adeno-associated Virus Mediated RNA Interference Inhibits Metastasis of Nasopharyngeal Cancer Cells in vivo and in vitro by Suppression of Epstein-Barr Virus Encoded LMP-1, International Journal of Oncology. 2006, 29(3): 595-603.

Researcher : Lin B

List of Research Outputs

Lin B., Leung W.H., Li L., Cheung A.S.C. and Au C.T., Investigation on Methane Aromatization over 3% Mo/ZSM-5 Catalyst under Supersonic Jet Expansion Condition. , 4th Asia Pacific Congress on Catalysis, Nauyang Technological University, Singapore, December 6-8, 2006.

Mao X., Chu I.K. and Lin B., A sheath-flow nanoelectrospray interface of microchip electrophoresis MS for glycoprotein and glycopeptide analysis, Electrophoresis. 2006, 27: 5059-5067.

Researcher : Lin MC

Project Title:	Basic research on systemic damage in early stage and wound-healing after severe trauma
Investigator(s):	Lin MC
Department:	Institute of Molecular Biology
Source(s) of Funding:	Matching Fund for National Key Basic Research Development Scheme (973 Projects)
Start Date:	04/2001

Abstract:

To study basic research on systemic damage in early stage and wound-healing after severe trauma.

Project Title:	Basic research on the mechanism of aging and the prevention of geriatric disease
Investigator(s):	Lin MC
Department:	Institute of Molecular Biology
Source(s) of Funding:	Matching Fund for National Key Basic Research Development Scheme (973 Projects)
Start Date:	12/2001

Abstract:

To study the mechanism of aging and the prevention of geriatric disease.

Project Title:	Characterization of a novel cell cycle related kinase in glioblastoma
Investigator(s):	Lin MC, Leung SY, Ching YP
Department:	Institute of Molecular Biology
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	12/2002

Abstract:

The project aims at characterizing the role of cell cycle related kinase (CCRK) in cell cycle control, apoptosis, cell division and cell proliferation. Potential tumorigenic function of CCRK in human glioblastoma, fibroblast cell lines, and nude mice xenograft will also be investigated.

Project Title:	Cancer gene therapy using a novel anti-cancer polypeptide hTERTC27 delivered by a novel AAV and Adenovirus Cocktail vector system
Investigator(s):	Lin MC, Wong BCY, Kung H, Peng Y
Department:	Institute of Molecular Biology
Source(s) of Funding:	Innovation and Technology Support Programme
Start Date:	06/2003
Completion Date:	08/2006

Abstract:

To optimize our innovative, novel and patented hTERTC27 cancer gene therapy and the AAV/Adv cocktail vector technologies developed in our laboratory; to establish patented stable cell line and platforms for the large scale production of AAV-hTERTC27 and Adv-hTERTC27; to carry out, using the above, in pre-clinical study for treating solid tumors.

Project Title:	Molecular basis of alcohol-induced birth defects, the critical role of Pax 6
Investigator(s):	Lin MC, Wong BCY, Yang JY, Peng Y
Department:	Institute of Molecular Biology
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	09/2003

Abstract:

To elucidate the signaling pathways leading to alcohol-mediated inhibition of Pax6 expression and to identify the targets downstream of Pax6 responsible for microcephaly. We are particularly interested in the involvements of the PI3 kinase pathways and the reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species; to investigate the molecular mechanisms for alcohol-induced growth retardation, in particular its relationship with gut development; to study alcohol induced eye deformation; to screen for agents that protect against alcohol induced birth defects.

Project Title:	Characterization of HNF-1 Cis-element as a novel insulin negative responsive element and identification of a new anti-diabetic drug targeting this element
Investigator(s):	Lin MC, Lu L, Tam S
Department:	Institute of Molecular Biology
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	01/2006

Abstract:

To determine if the consensus HNF-1 element also displays negative insulin responsiveness; to determine the role of HNF1α versus HNF1β and mutant HNF-1α in this transcription regulation; to evaluate the therapeutic effects / molecular mechanisms of a new anti-diabetic drug targeting this INRE.

Project Title:	System biology study of a novel anti-angiogenesis polypeptide kringle 1 domain of hepatocyte growth factor
Investigator(s):	Lin MC, Yiu SM
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	03/2006

Abstract:

Kringle domain, a protein module consists of 80 amino acids, function as recognition units for binding of other proteins in solution and on cells. Several of the kringle domain peptide including Angiostatin has been shown to exhibit anti-angiogenesis effect. Recently, my laboratory studied the cancer therapeutic effect of a novel anti-angiogenesis polypeptide, kringle 1 domain of human hepatocyte growth factor (HGFK1). We demonstrated that using a recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) carrying the HGFK1 gene (rAAV-HGFK1), we can significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and vessel tube formation of mice microvascular endothelial cells in vitro. More importantly, in an in vivo preclinical study conducted in rat orthotropic model of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we showed that rAAV-HGFK1 is more potent than rAAV-Endostatin, the leading anti-angiogenesis gene, in prolonging the survival rate of the tumor bearing rats. Furthermore, rAAV-HGFK1 effectively inhibits tumor growth and metastasis. The objectives of the research proposal is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlie the anti-angiogenesis effect of HGFK1 polypeptide using System Biology approach, which will use bioinformatics to integrate data obtained from cDNA microarray experiments, Yeast two hybrid and Proteomic study. Multiple anti-angiogenesis molecules with different efficacies have been identified, however their underlying molecular mechansims remain elusive. These molecules potentially exert their effects through different signal pathways, with different interacting proteins and downstream targets. Information gained from this study will allow us to compare the molecular mechanisms of HGFK1 to that of the current leading anti-angiogenesis polypeptide Endostatin which has recently been reported using similar approaches (Abdollahi, A et al. Molecular Cell 13: 649-663, 2004).

Project Title:	Integrative Cancer Biology: Study the Novel Function of Makorin-2 in Colon Cancer Carcinogenesis
Investigator(s):	Lin MC
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	03/2007

Abstract:

Many of the developmental genes also play important roles in carcinogenesis. Makorin-2 (HSPC070), originally isolated from hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, belongs to the makorin family of genes that encode putative ribonucleoproteins. The function of makorin-2 is not known. We have recently shown that Xenopus Makorin-2 (Xmakorin-2) is expressed throughout embryonic development. Embryos over-expressing Xmakorin-2 mRNA exhibited enhanced ventralization and knockdown of Xmakorin-2 caused embryonic death. We further showed that expression of Xmakorin-2 induced hematopoietic markers α-globin and GATA-1. As such, knockdown of Xmakorin-2 suppressed the expressions of α-globin and GATA-2. Furthermore, knockdown of Xmakorin-2 completely blocked BMP-4 induced α-globin expression. These results suggest for the first time that Xmakorin-2 plays an important role in BMP-4 signaling during Xenopus embryonic development (manuscript in preparation). Makorin-2 is characterized by a variety of zinc-finger motifs. To date, nine makorin family loci have been identified and located throughout the human genome [1]. Makorin-2, located on chromosome 3p25, contains 8 exons and its nucleotide sequence shares a sequence of 105bp in 3' UTR with the oncogene c-RAF gene in reversed transcription orientation [2], suggesting that these two proteins may regulate each other. Northern blot analysis showed that makorin-2 was expressed in a variety of tissues, as well as in many of the cancer cell lines examined [2]. These raised the possibility that makorin-2 may have important roles in carcinogenesis. The objective is to use integrative cancer biology approaches to explore the potential role of makorin-2 in carcinogenesis. To achieve this aim, we conducted bioinformatics analysis. From the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/), a public repository for microarray gene expression data, we found that makorin-2 was significantly upregulated by > 4-fold in metastatic colon cancer cell line SW620, as compared to primary tumor colon cancer cell line SW480 (Fig. 1). This finding suggests that makorin-2 may involve in colon cancer progression (GEO accession number GDS756). References: 1. Gray TA, Hernandez L, Carey AH, Schaldach MA, Smithwick MJ, Rus K, Marshall Graves, JA, Stewart CL, Nicholls RD. The ancient source of a distinct gene family encoding proteins featuring RING and C(3)H zinc-finger motifs with abundant expression in developing brain and nervous system. Genomics 2000;66:76-86. 2. Gray TA, Azama K, Whitmore K, Min A, Abe S, Nicholls RD. Phylogenetic conservation of the makorin-2 gene, encoding a multiple zinc-finger protein, antisense to the RAF1 proto-oncogene. Genomics 2001;77:119-26.

List of Research Outputs

Cheung K.C., He M.L., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., Genomic Analysis of Early Response Induced by Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Human Hepatoma HepAD38 Cells, The Fifth Asia-Pacific Bioinformatics Conference, APBC2007; 14-17 Jan, 2007; Hong Kong. 2007, apbc105.

Lee T.O., Siu K.Y., Tam K.V., Lau I.T.Y., Wong A.O.L., Lin M.C., Vaudry H. and Chow B.K.C., Discovery of Growth Hormone-releasing Hormones and Receptors in Nonmammalian Vertebrates, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 2007, 104(7): 2133-2138.

Leung W.S., Shen Z., Yiu S.M., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., The Anti-Angiogenic Signaling Network of rAAV-HGFK1, The Fifth Asia-Pacific Bioinformatics Conference, APBC2007; 14-17 Jan, 2007; Hong Kong. 2007, apbc104.

Li G., Li X.P., Liu X., Peng Y. and Lin M.C., Inhibition of EBV-encoded LMP-1 by DNA-based RNA Interference Affects Metastatic Ability of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells, DNA载体介导RNA干扰抑制LMP-1基因对鼻咽癌细胞转移能力的影响, Zhonghua Zhong Liu Za Zhi (Chinese Journal of Oncology). 中华肿瘤杂志, 2006, 28(10): 724-727.

Li H.Y., Lum C.T., Sun R.W.Y., Ng S.M., Smith D.K., Yiu S.M., Che C.M. and Lin M.C., Genome-Wide Study Reveals the Signaling Pathways Modulated by Gold-1a Treatment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma, The Fifth Asia-Pacific Bioinformatics Conference, APBC2007; 14-17 Jan, 2007; Hong Kong. 2007, apbc084.

Li X., Liu X., Li Y.S., Ding Y., Chau D.H.W., Li G., Kung H.F., Lin M.C. and Peng Y., Recombinant Adeno-associated Virus Mediated RNA Interference Inhibits Metastasis of Nasopharyngeal Cancer Cells in vivo and in vitro by Suppression of Epstein-Barr Virus Encoded LMP-1, International Journal of Oncology. 2006, 29(3): 595-603.

Lin M.C., Tang G. and Kung H.F., Development of Novel Nanopolymers for Gene Therapy and Stem Cell Research, MGH-HKU-Nature Forum, The University of Hong Kong on March 5-6, 2007.

Lin M.C., Shen Z., Yang Z., Fan S.T. and Kung H.F., Kringle 1 Domain of Human Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGFK1) Inhibits The Growth and Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Rats, MGH-HKU-Nature Forum, The University of Hong Kong on March 5-6, 2007. 2007.

Liu C.C., Shen Z., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., Cancer Gene Therapy Targeting Angiogenesis: An Updated Review, World Journal Of Gastroenterology . 2006, 12(43): 6941-6948.

Liu J., Yang G.Z., Zhou J.L., Cao S.P., Chau D.H.W., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., Prevalence of Neural Tube Defects in Economically and Socially Deprived Area of China , Child's Nervous System . 2007, 23(10): 1119-24.

Ng S.M., Gao Y., Chau D.H.W., Li H.Y., Lai L., Huang P.T., Huang C., Huang J.J., Chen Y., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., A Novel Glioblastoma Cancer Gene Therapy Using AAV-mediated Long-term Expression of Human TERT C-terminal Polypeptide via Multiple Mechanisms, 2006 ISCGT Japan Conference, Chiba, Japan, October 13-15, 2006.

Ng S.M., Gao Y., Chau D.H.W., Li H.Y., Lai L.H., Huang P.T., Huang C.F., Huang J.J., Chen Y.C., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., A Novel Glioblastoma Cancer Gene Therapy Using AAV-mediated Long-term Expression of Human TERT C-terminal Polypeptide, Cancer Gene Therapy. 2007, 14(6): 561-72.

Ng S.M., Cheung Y.T., An X.M., Chen Y.C., Li M., Li H.Y., Cheung K.C., Sze J., Lai L., Peng Y., Xia H.H.X., Wong B.C.Y., Leung S.Y., Xie D., He M.L., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., Cell Cycle-related Kianse: A Novel Candidate Oncogene in Human Glioblastoma, Journal of the National Cancer Institute. 2007, 99(12): 936-948.

Ng S.M., Yang P., Peng Y., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., Molecular Basis for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Prevention and Treatment, Sixth International Symposium on Frontiers in Life Sciences - Molecular basis of disease, prevention and treatment organized by Qingdao University and Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Sept. 20-23, 2006; Qingdao, China. 2006.

Shen Z., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., Cancer Gene Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using a Adenoassociate Virus Carrying a Novel Anti-Angiogenesis Gene HGFK1, 2006 Annual Meeting of Chinese Society of Biotechnology; 10-13 August, 2006; Changchun, China. 中国生物工程学会2006年学术年会暨全国生物反应器学术研讨会, 2006.

Shen Z., Yang Z., Gao Y., Poon R.T.P., Fan S.T., He M.L., Li T.P., Gan R.B., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., Kringle 1 Domain of Human Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGFK1) Inhibits the Growth and Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Rats, 10th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Gene Therapy, May 30-June 3, 2007, at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle, WA. 2007.

Shen Z., Yang Z., Gao Y., Liu C.C., Ng S.M., Fan S.T., Li T.P., Gan R.B., He M.L., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., Sustained Expression of Kringle 1 Domain of HGF (HGFK1) Effectively Inhibits Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tumor Growth and Metastasis by a Novel Mechanism, 2006 ISCGT Japan Conference, Chiba, Japan, October 13-15, 2006.

Wang J., Yang Y., Xia H.H.X., Gu Q., Lin M.C., Jiang B., Peng Y., Li G., An X.M., Zhang Y., Zhuang Z., Zhang Z., Kung H.F. and Wong B.C.Y., Suppression of FHL2 Expression Induces Cell Differentiation and Inhibits Gastric and Colon Carcinogenesis, Gastroenterology. 2007, 132(3): 1066-1076.

Wang X., Huo L., Yao H., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., Inhibition of Melanoma Development by Single Dose Administration of hTERTC27 Viral Cocktail in C57BL/6 Mice, 10th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Gene Therapy, May 30-June 3, 2007, at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle, WA. . 2007, 234.

Yiu S.M., Wong P., Lam T.W., Mui Y.C., Kung H.F., Lin M.C. and Cheung Y.T., Research Output Prize, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Hong Kong. 2006.

Yu L., Wang J., Zou B., Lin M.C., Wu Y.L., Xia H.H.X., Sun Y., Gu Q., He H., Lam S.K., Kung H.F. and Wong B.C.Y., XAF1 Mediates Apoptosis Through an Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase Pathway in Colon Cancer, Cancer. 2007, 109(10): 1996-2003.

Zou B., Chim J.C.S., Zeng H., Leung S.Y., Yang Y., Tu S., Lin M.C., Wang J., He H., Jiang S.H., Sun Y., Yu L., Yuen S.T., Kung H.F. and Wong B.C.Y., Correlation Between the Single-site CpG Methylation and Expression Silencing of the XAF1 Gene in Human Gastric and Colon Cancers, Gastroenterology. 2006, 131(6): 1835-1843.

Researcher : Liu B

List of Research Outputs

Liu B., Leung W.H., Li L., Cheung A.S.C. and Au C.T., Reforming Over La₂NiO₄and 10% NiO / C_eO₂-La₂O₃ Catalysts Under Condition of Supersonic Jet Expension via Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopic Analysis, International Symposium on Molecular Spectroscopy, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A., June 18-22, 2007.

Liu B., Leung W.H., Li L., Au C.T. and Cheung A.S.C., TOF-MS Investigation on Methane Aromatization over 3%Mo/HZSM-5 Catalyst Under Supersonic Jet Expansion Condition , Chemical Physics Letters. 2006, 430: 210-214.

Researcher : Liu CC

List of Research Outputs

Liu C.C., Shen Z., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., Cancer Gene Therapy Targeting Angiogenesis: An Updated Review, World Journal Of Gastroenterology . 2006, 12(43): 6941-6948.

Shen Z., Yang Z., Gao Y., Liu C.C., Ng S.M., Fan S.T., Li T.P., Gan R.B., He M.L., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., Sustained Expression of Kringle 1 Domain of HGF (HGFK1) Effectively Inhibits Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tumor Growth and Metastasis by a Novel Mechanism, 2006 ISCGT Japan Conference, Chiba, Japan, October 13-15, 2006.

Researcher : Liu J

List of Research Outputs

Liu J., Yang G.Z., Zhou J.L., Cao S.P., Chau D.H.W., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., Prevalence of Neural Tube Defects in Economically and Socially Deprived Area of China , Child's Nervous System . 2007, 23(10): 1119-24.

Researcher : Liu X

List of Research Outputs

Li X., Liu X., Li Y.S., Ding Y., Chau D.H.W., Li G., Kung H.F., Lin M.C. and Peng Y., Recombinant Adeno-associated Virus Mediated RNA Interference Inhibits Metastasis of Nasopharyngeal Cancer Cells in vivo and in vitro by Suppression of Epstein-Barr Virus Encoded LMP-1, International Journal of Oncology. 2006, 29(3): 595-603.

Liu X., Ding P., Huang J.S. and Che C.M., Synthesis of Substituted 1,2-Dihydroquinolines and Quinolines from Aromatic Amines and Alkynes by Gold(I)-Catalyzed Tandem Hydroamination-Hydroarylation under Microwave-Assisted Conditions , In: Amos B. Smith, III , Organic Letters. ACS, 2007, 9: 2645-2648.

Researcher : Liu X

List of Research Outputs

Researcher : Liu Y

List of Research Outputs

Wang M., Xu H., Liu Y., Wong M.K. and Che C.M., Stereoselective Synthesis of Multifunctionalized 1,2,4-Triazolidines by a Ruthenium Porphyrin-Catalyzed Three-Component Coupling Reaction, Advanced Synthesis & Catalysis. GERMANY, WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH, 2006, 16-17: 2391.

Researcher : Lo BTK

List of Research Outputs

Chung W.K., Lo B.T.K. and Chiu P., Synthesis of Oxapolycyclic Frameworks Via [4+3] Cycloadditions of Epoxy Enol Silanes , The 9^thInternational Symposium for Chinese Organic Chemists (ISCOC-9): Invited Speaker, Singapore, December 17-21, . 2006.

Researcher : Lo HS

List of Research Outputs

Lo H.S., Yip S.K., Wong M.C., Zhu N. and Yam V.W.W., Selective Luminescence Chemosensing of Potassium Ions Based on a Novel Platinum(II) Alkynylcalix[4]crown-5 Complex , Organometallics. 2006, 25: 3537-3540.

Researcher : Lok CN

List of Research Outputs

Lok C.N., Ho C.M., Chen R., He Q., Yu W.Y., Sun H., Tam P.K.H., Chiu J. and Che C.M., Silver nanoparticles: partial oxidation and antibacterial activities, Journal of Biological Inorganic Chemistry. 2007, 12(4): 527-534.

Researcher : Lu C

List of Research Outputs

Lu C., Zu Y. and Yam V.W.W., Specific Postcolumn Detection Method for HPLC Assay of Homocysteine Based on Aggregation of Fluorosurfactant-Capped Gold Nanoparticles, Analytical Chemistry. 2007, 79: 666-672.

Researcher : Lu W

Project Title:	Self-Assembled Nano- and Submicron-Structures from Hybrid Platinum(II) Complexes
Investigator(s):	Lu W, Che CM
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	09/2006

Abstract:

The objective of the present project is to develop nano- and submicron-structures and materials from square-planar platinum(II) complexes with cyclometalated and/or terpyridyl ligands. While nano- and submicron-structures based on inorganic metals and semiconductors have been rich in the literature and stepped into large-scale production and found numerous applications in high-tech industries, the nanostructures based on organic and organometallic compounds are in their infancy. The salient advantage of organic or organometallic nano-materials over their more classical inorganic counterparts is that their constituents, the building blocks, are molecular or clusters that can be designed and rationally synthesized, that is, we can produce nano-materials, from organic or organometallic molecular compounds, with predetermined physical properties and these properties can be systematically tuned by harnessing the power of chemical modifications at the molecular level. However, low-dimensional organic nano-materials, usually in their amorphous form (soft matter), has a drawback if we want to apply them in the optoelectronic devices where strictly regular alignment at the nanoscale are requested for facilitate the charge immigration and coupling. One of the solution to this problem is to introduce transition metal ions into the organic molecules, resulting in organometallic compounds. The heavy atoms can help these organic nano-materials to crystallize and facilitate their image process under transmission electron microscope (TEM). In this meaning, organometallic nano-materials are inorganic-organic composites or hybrids at the molecular level. The current project aims to establish a method to introduce metal-metal interactions, here specified as Pt···Pt interactions, into organometallic nano-materials. The role of Pt···Pt interactions is three manifolds here. First, the directionality of the Pt···Pt interactions will facilitate the anisotropic growth of nanocrystals, thus one-dimensional nanostructures, for examples, nanorods, nanowires or nanotubes, are anticipated from these organometallic materials. Second, the backbone based on infinite Pt···Pt metal chain can play as a channel for charge transfer through the one-dimensional nanostructures, thus optoelectronic device with high charge-mobility can be envisaged. Third, the color of the backbone based on infinite Pt···Pt chain is characteristically blue which can be switched to yellow or orange if the weak Pt···Pt interactions are perturbed by some external stimulation, thus sensory nano-materials based on these nanostructures is highly desirable. The current project is a new direction for researches in transition metal complexes, hence the present project is to add further credits to the leading position of HKU in the field of platinum(II) chemistry. Specifically, it is the goal of the project to develop: 1) Synthetic methodology and diverse morphology of nano- and submicron-scale aggregates from square-planar platinum(II) complexes The project aims to explore the synthetic methods, to optimize and pin-down the reaction conditions for the nano- and submicron-scale structures from hybrid square-planar platinum(II) complexes and to identify the electronic and structural factors governing the molecular aggregation. The project aims to develop, from above-mentioned platinum(II) complexes, self-assembled morphology (one-dimensional wire or three dimensional superstructures with possible tube- or sheet-like shapes) in the nanometer or submicron (

List of Research Outputs

Lu W., Vellaisamy A.L.R. and Che C.M., Self-assembled Nanostructures With Tridentate Cyclometalated Platinum(ii) Complexes, Chemical Communications. 2006, 2006: 3972–3974.

Ng K.M., Liang Z.T., Lu W., Tang H.W., Zhao Z.Z., Che C.M. and Cheng Y.C., In Vivo Analysis And Spatial Profiling Of Phytochemicals In Herbal Tissue By Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/ionization Mass Spectrometry, Analytical Chemistry. 2007, 79: 2745 - 2755.

Researcher : Lui KO

List of Research Outputs

Chan W.T., Yau M.H.P. and Lui K.O., Time-resolved ICP-MS measurement of part-per-trillion level of analyte ions adsorbed onto carbon nanotubes, FACSS 2006, September 24-28, 2006, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA. 2006.

Researcher : Lum CT

List of Research Outputs

Li H.Y., Lum C.T., Sun R.W.Y., Ng S.M., Smith D.K., Yiu S.M., Che C.M. and Lin M.C., Genome-Wide Study Reveals the Signaling Pathways Modulated by Gold-1a Treatment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma, The Fifth Asia-Pacific Bioinformatics Conference, APBC2007; 14-17 Jan, 2007; Hong Kong. 2007, apbc084.

Researcher : Ma C

List of Research Outputs

Chen X., Ma C., Kwok W.M., Guan X., Du Y. and Phillips D.L., A Theoretical Investigation of pHydroxyphenacy Caged Phototrigger Compounds: An Examination of the Excited State Photochemistry of pHydroxyphenacyl Acetate , Journal of Physical Chemistry A. 2006, 110: 12406-12413.

Kwok W.M., Ma C. and Phillips D.L., Femtosecond Time- and Wavelength-Resolved Fluorescence and Absorption Spectroscopic Study of the Excited States of Adenosine and an Adenine Oligomer , Journal of the American Chemical Society. 2006, 128: 11894-11905.

Ma C., Du Y., Kwok W.M. and Phillips D.L., Femtosecond Transient Absorption and Nanosecond Time-Resolved Resonance Raman Study of the Solvet-Dependent Photo-Deprotection Reaction of Benzoin Diethyl Phosphate , Chemistry - A European Journal. 2007, 13: 2290-2305.

Phillips D.L., Kwok W.M. and Ma C., An Introdction to Time-Resolved Resonance Raman Spectroscopy and its Application to Reactive Intermediates , In: Matthew S. Platz, Robert A. Moss, & Maitland Jones, Jr. , Reviews of Reactive Intermediate Chemistry . New Jersey, USA, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2007, 123-182.

Researcher : Ma CC

List of Research Outputs

Zhao Y., Ma C.C., Wong L.H., Chen G., Xu Z.P., Zheng Q.S. and Chwang A.T.Y., Quasi-Reversible Energy Flows in Carbon-Nanotube-Based Oscillation, Journal Computational Theoretical Nanoscience. 2006, 3, 852: 852.

Researcher : Ma CW

List of Research Outputs

Kui C.F., Sham I.H.T., Cheung C.C., Ma C.W., Yan B., Zhu N., Che C.M. and Fu W.F., Patinum(II) Complexes with p-Conjugated, Naphtyl-Substituted, Cyelometalated Lignds (RC^N^N): Strutctures and Photo- and Electronluminescence, Chemistry - A European Journal. 2007, 13: 417-435.

Researcher : Ma DL

List of Research Outputs

Ma D.L., Che C.M., Siu A.F.M., Yang M. and Wong K.Y., DNA Binding and Cytotoxicity of Ruthenium(II) and Rhenium(I) Complexes of 2-Amino-4-Phenylamino-6-(2-Pyridyl)-1,3,5-Triazine, Inorganic Chemistry. 2007, 46: 740-749.

Researcher : Mak SK

Project Title:	Design and Synthesis of Narrow Band Gap Materials for Photovoltaic Applications
Investigator(s):	Mak SK, Chan WK
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	01/2006

Abstract:

The objectives of the proposed research are to: i) extend the absorption region of the conjugated polymers by chemical synthetic tailoring the structure of the monomers and different chromophores and ii) increase the extent of interpenetration by either conjugatively linking or tethering the photosensitising dye (including metal complexes) and charge transporting material onto conjugated polymers/oligomers.

List of Research Outputs

Mak S.K., Leung Q.Y. and Chan W.K., Synthesis and Characterization of One-Dimensional Ruthenium Based Self-Assembly Polymer, American Chemical Society 232nd National Meeting, San Francisco, U.S.A., September 10-14, 2006 . 2006.

Tse C.W., Man K.K.Y., Cheng K.W., Mak S.K., Chan W.K., Yip C.T., Liu Z. and Djurisic A., Layer-by-layer deposition of rhenium-containing hyperbranched polymers and fabrication of photovoltaic cells, Chemistry-A European Journal. Weinheim, WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co., 2007, 13: 328-335.

Wong H.L., Mak S.K., Chan W.K. and Djurisic A., Efficient photovoltaic cells with wide photosensitization range fabricated from rhenium benzathiazole complexes, Applied Physics Letters. New York, American Institute of Physics, 2007, 90: 081107: 1-3.

Wong H.L., Mak S.K., Leung Q.Y., Chan W.K. and Djurisic A., Use of Sublimable Rhenium Diimine Complexes as Photosensitizers in Bulk Heterojunction Photovoltaic Devices, The 7th International Symposium on Advanced Organic Photonics, Angers, France, June 13-15, 2007.

Researcher : Man KKY

List of Research Outputs

Man K.K.Y., Tse C.W., Cheng K.W., Djurisic A. and Chan W.K., Fabrication of photovoltaic cells using rhenium diimine complex containing polyelectrolytes by the layer-by-layer electrostatic self-assembly method, Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials. Springer Science, 2007, 17: 223-233.

Tse C.W., Man K.K.Y., Cheng K.W., Mak S.K., Chan W.K., Yip C.T., Liu Z. and Djurisic A., Layer-by-layer deposition of rhenium-containing hyperbranched polymers and fabrication of photovoltaic cells, Chemistry-A European Journal. Weinheim, WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co., 2007, 13: 328-335.

Researcher : Mao X

List of Research Outputs

Mao X., Chu I.K. and Lin B., A sheath-flow nanoelectrospray interface of microchip electrophoresis MS for glycoprotein and glycopeptide analysis, Electrophoresis. 2006, 27: 5059-5067.

Researcher : Miao R

List of Research Outputs

Leung L.T., Miao R. and Chiu P., Hydrostannation of Alkynes Catalyed by Styker's Reagent, The 1^stEuropean Chemistry Congress, Budapest, Hungary, August 27-31, . 2006.

Miao R., Li S. and Chiu P., Regioselective Hydrostannation of Activated Alkynes Catalyzed by in Situ Generated Copper Hydride , Tetrahedron . 2007, 63: 6737-6740.

Researcher : Mo Y

List of Research Outputs

Zheng X., Wang F., Yam C.Y., Mo Y. and Chen G., Time-Dependent Density-functional Theory for Open Systems, Physical Review B. 2007, 75: 195217-1 - 195217-16.

Researcher : Mo Z

List of Research Outputs

Sun H., Mo Z., Zhu D. and Fung Y.S., Development of Piezoelectric Quartz Crystal Sensor Array for Sensing Taste-Causing Compounds in Food , Proceedings of International Symposium on Olfactory and Electronic Noses (ISOEN 2007), St Petersburg, Russia, May 3-5, 2007. pp39-40.

Researcher : Ng FY

List of Research Outputs

Ng F.Y., Structure and Properties of Self-assembled Coordination Compounds: Homoleptic d^{10 –}Metal Aryl / Alkylacetylides, Ruthenium N-Heterocycles and Picolinates (PhD Thesis) . 2006.

Researcher : Ng KM

Project Title:	Development of Chemical Imaging/Profiling Mass Spectrometric (CIMS) Technique for Chemical Analysis and Authentication of Chinese Materia Medica (CMM)
Investigator(s):	Ng KM, Lau ASY, Che CM, Tam PKH
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2005

Abstract:

Chinese Materia Medica (CMM) has been using for thousand of years to cure and prevent diseases. However, their efficacy has not received international recognition. The fundamental problem is the complex nature of chemicals in herbal medicines. This forms a huge challenge to many research institutions and pharmaceutical companies to produce consistent and efficacious products.Authentication of CMM is one of the most important steps in the quality control of botanical medicines [1,2]. It provides the correct identification of herbal materials, and differentiates different herbal materials with similar morphology. For instance, the roots of Gentiana scabra Bge and Sinopodophyllum hexandrum have very similar morphology. However, Sinopodophyllum hexandrum is toxic and need to have special preparation and instructions from practitioners, while Gentiana scabra Bge is not. Different techniques for the authentication include (i) morphological identification based on shape, color, texture and smell of the herbs [3], (ii) anatomical analysis based on microscopic examination of cell, tissues and internal pattern/structure [4], (iii) DNA-based markers method for identification of different species [1,2] and (iv) chemical pattern analysis based on thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with different detection systems, like photo-diode array (PDA) and mass spectrometer (MS) [5,6]. All these methods have their own limitations. For instances, morphological identification is highly dependent on the experience of the examiners. DNA-based markers method cannot provide any chemical composition information. The chemical compositions in herbal materials can be greatly affected by the variation of agricultural conditions, geographical locations, harvest time, different parts and species of herbal plants [7-9]. One of the major reasons is due to the variation of enzymatic activities being responsible for the formation/conversion of primary/secondary metabolites under different growing conditions [7-9]. The presence, absence and different distribution of phytochemicals in herbal plants can potentially form a unique characteristic for differentiating different species, parts and growing conditions of herbal plants. However, chemical analysis of CMM in a bulk form of extract by using TLC, or HPLC/PDA/MS method will loss the unique chemical distribution profile in the herbal materials. Moreover, the methods usually require sample treatment under different extraction conditions, such as high temperature conditions. This may destroy/change the chemical compounds, and thus being unable to measure the original chemical compositions. Development of a chemical imaging analytical method for measuring the spatial distribution of chemicals/phytochemicals in herbal tissues will be a breakthrough in the chemical analysis of CMM. The methodology can construct chemical imaging/profiling for herbal plant, which is specific for different parts and species of herbal plants grown under different agricultural conditions. It is a potential methodology for the authentication of CMM. The schematic diagram showing the working principle of measuring a chemical imaging/profiling of CMM is depicted in Figure 1 (as shown in Research Plan and Methodology). In the process, a laser beam hit on the cross-section of a plant tissue will cause phytochemicals desorbed from different positions. The desorbed ions are then pushed from an electrical conductive slide, on which the plant tissue is placed. The desorbed chemical ions in the gas phase will be detected by a mass spectrometer. Those ion peaks recorded in mass spectra represent the chemicals at different positions of the cross-section. The ion peaks in the mass spectra can then be reconstructed by using an imaging software to generate a chemical image, which can show the spatial distribution of phytochemicals in the plant tissue. In fact, chemical imaging/profiling mass spectrometry using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) method has been being developed as a valuable and important analytical tool in many areas of biomedical science [10,11]. This technique was firstly introduced in 1999 [12] for the analysis of peptides/proteins desorbed directly from intact biological tissues without any sample treatment. With the advancement of the technique, it is further extended to analyze the spatial distribution of drugs and their metabolites in different biological tissues, like rat liver and human ovarian tumor xenograft tissue [13]. However, the application of this technology in measuring the chemical profile distribution of phytochemicals/secondary metabolites in plant tissue has not been explored yet. In this project, our ultimate objective is to develop a molecularly and spatially resolved chemical imaging methodology for measuring the distribution of phytochemicals in the cross-section of herbal tissue. Specifically, we are trying to develop a methodology for differentiating different species of herbal plants grown under different agricultural conditions based on the presence, absence and different distribution of chemicals in herbal tissues. Panax ginseng C.A. Mey (Asian Ginseng) and Panax quinquefolium L. (American Ginseng) with huge markets in both eastern countries and western countries will be taken as the examples for the method development. 1. Liang Y.Z., Xie P. and Chan K. "Quality Control of Herbal Medicines", Journal of Chromatography B, 812, 53 - 70 (2004)2. Shaw P.C., Wang J. and But P.P.H. "Authentication of Chinese Medicinal Materials by DNA Technology", The Chinese University of Hong Kong, World Scientific, Singapore (2002)3. Zhao Z.Z. An Illustrated Chinese Materia Medica In Hong Kong, Chung Hwa Book Co., (H.K.) LTD. (Chinese and English Version) (2004)4. Zhao Z.Z. An Illustrated Microscopic Identification of Chinese Materia Medica. Chung Hwa Book Co., (H.K.) LTD.(Chinese and English Version) (2005)5. Niessen W.M.A., "Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry", Second Edition, Dekker, New York (1999)6. Bringmann G., Messer K., Wohlarth M., Kraus J., Dumbuya K. and Ruckert M. "HPLC-CD On-Line Coupling in Combination with HPLC-NMR and HPLC-MS/MS for the Determination of the Full Absolute Stereostructure of New Metabolites in Plant Extracts", Analytical Chemistry, 71, 2678 - 2686 (1999)7. Vickery M. L. and Vickery B. "Secondary Plant Metabolism" Macmillan Press, London (1981)8. Smirnoff N. "Environment and Plant Metabolism - flexibility and acclimation", Bios Scientific, UK (1995)9. Emes M. J. "Compartmentation of Plant Metabolism in Non-Photosynthetic Tissues", Cambridge University Press, Cambridge (1991)10. Caldwell R.L. and Caprioli R.M. "Tissue Profiling by Mass Spectrometry", Molecular and Cellular Proteomics, 4.4, 394 - 401 (2005)11. Rohner T.C., Staab D. and Stoeckli M. "MALDI Mass Spectrometric Imaging of Biological Tissue Sections", Mechanisms of Ageing and Development, 126, 177 - 185 (2005) 12. Chaurand P., Stoeckli M. and Caprioli R.M. "Direct Profiling of Proteins in Biological Tissue Sections by MALDI Mass Spectrometry" Analytical Chemistry, 71, 5263 - 5270 (1999)13. Troendle F., Reddick C.D. and Yost R.A. "Detection of Pharmaceutical Compounds in Tissue by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption / Ionization and Laser Desorption / Chemical Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry with a Quadrupole Ion Trap", Journal of American Society for Mass Spectrometry, 10, 1315 - 1321 (1999)14. Schwartz S.A., Reyzer M.L. and Caprioli R.M. "Direct Tissue Analysis Using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry: Practical Aspects of Sample Preparation", Journal of Mass Spectrometry, 38, 699 - 708 (2003)

List of Research Outputs

Liu C., Cheung K., Cheng Y.C., Tilton R., Rong J., Ng K.M., Lau A.S.Y. and Tam P.K.H., An Ontology of Minimal Information for Quality Control of Botanical Drug Product and its Knowledge Base Implemented using the Entity-Attribute-Value Model. , Fifth Meeting of Consortium for Globalization of Chinese Medicine 5th (CGCM), ZhuHai, GuangDong, PRChina, 20-23 September 2006.

Ng K.M., Direct Analysis of Phyto-Chemicals Within Herbal Plant Tissue by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry , Invited Lecture by the Faculty of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, The Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan, June 8, 2007. 2007.

Ng K.M. and Che C.M., Gas Phase Acidities of Triterpenoid Saponins and Their Applications for Isomeric Differentiation, The Fifth Meeting of Consortium for Globalization of Chinese Medicine. 2006, September 20-23.

Ng K.M., Liang Z.T., Lu W., Tang H.W., Zhao Z.Z., Che C.M. and Cheng Y.C., In Vivo Analysis And Spatial Profiling Of Phytochemicals In Herbal Tissue By Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/ionization Mass Spectrometry, Analytical Chemistry. 2007, 79: 2745 - 2755.

Ng K.M., Liang Z.T., Zhao Z.Z., Che C.M. and Cheng Y.C., Spatial Distribution of Phytochemicals in Stem Tissue of Sinomenium Acutum (Thunb.) Rehd. et Wils. , Program & Abstracts, The Fifth Meeting of Consortium for Globalization of Chinese Medicine cum International Forum (Zhuhai) on Chinese Medicine, Sun Yat Sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China, September 20-23, 2006. QC007.

Researcher : Ng SM

Project Title:	Molecular cloning and functional characterization of the human cell cycle related kinase-interacting proteins
Investigator(s):	Ng SM, Lin MC
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	12/2005

Abstract:

1. To clone the genes encoding the proteins that specifically interact with CCRK in a yeast two-hybrid screening. 2. To elucidate the functional roles of the CCRK-interacting proteins in glioblastoma carcinogenesis.

List of Research Outputs

Li H.Y., Lum C.T., Sun R.W.Y., Ng S.M., Smith D.K., Yiu S.M., Che C.M. and Lin M.C., Genome-Wide Study Reveals the Signaling Pathways Modulated by Gold-1a Treatment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma, The Fifth Asia-Pacific Bioinformatics Conference, APBC2007; 14-17 Jan, 2007; Hong Kong. 2007, apbc084.

Ng S.M., Gao Y., Chau D.H.W., Li H.Y., Lai L., Huang P.T., Huang C., Huang J.J., Chen Y., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., A Novel Glioblastoma Cancer Gene Therapy Using AAV-mediated Long-term Expression of Human TERT C-terminal Polypeptide via Multiple Mechanisms, 2006 ISCGT Japan Conference, Chiba, Japan, October 13-15, 2006.

Ng S.M., Gao Y., Chau D.H.W., Li H.Y., Lai L.H., Huang P.T., Huang C.F., Huang J.J., Chen Y.C., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., A Novel Glioblastoma Cancer Gene Therapy Using AAV-mediated Long-term Expression of Human TERT C-terminal Polypeptide, Cancer Gene Therapy. 2007, 14(6): 561-72.

Ng S.M., Cheung Y.T., An X.M., Chen Y.C., Li M., Li H.Y., Cheung K.C., Sze J., Lai L., Peng Y., Xia H.H.X., Wong B.C.Y., Leung S.Y., Xie D., He M.L., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., Cell Cycle-related Kianse: A Novel Candidate Oncogene in Human Glioblastoma, Journal of the National Cancer Institute. 2007, 99(12): 936-948.

Ng S.M., Yang P., Peng Y., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., Molecular Basis for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Prevention and Treatment, Sixth International Symposium on Frontiers in Life Sciences - Molecular basis of disease, prevention and treatment organized by Qingdao University and Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Sept. 20-23, 2006; Qingdao, China. 2006.

Shen Z., Yang Z., Gao Y., Liu C.C., Ng S.M., Fan S.T., Li T.P., Gan R.B., He M.L., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., Sustained Expression of Kringle 1 Domain of HGF (HGFK1) Effectively Inhibits Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tumor Growth and Metastasis by a Novel Mechanism, 2006 ISCGT Japan Conference, Chiba, Japan, October 13-15, 2006.

Researcher : Ngan TW

List of Research Outputs

Ngan T.W., Ko C.C., Zhu N. and Yam V.W.W., Syntheses, Luminescence Switching, and Electrochemical Studies of Photochromic Dithienyl-1,10-phenanthroline Zinc(II) Bis(thiolate) Complexes , Inorganic Chemistry. 2007, 46: 1144-1152.

Researcher : Nie Z

List of Research Outputs

Nie Z. and Fung Y.S., Determination of Free Bilirubin in Serum by Capillary Electrophoresis , Abstract of 2nd China-Japan-Korea Joint Symposium on Ion Chromatography, Hangzhou, China, November 28-30, 2006. O-4, p.5.

Researcher : Pan J

List of Research Outputs

Pan J., Transition Metal Catalyzed Cyclization and Synthesis of Triptolide Analogs . 2006.

Yang M., Yip P.K.T., Pan J., Chen Y.C., Zhu N. and Yang D., A Sterically Bulky Cyclic Thiourea as an Efficient Ligand for Palladium-Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidation of Alcohols , Synlett . 2006, 18: 3057-3060.

Researcher : Pang HF

List of Research Outputs

Ye J., Pang H.F., Wong M.Y., Leung W.H. and Cheung A.S.C., Laser Spectroscopy of Iridium Mouoboride, International Symposium on Molecular Spectroscopy, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A., June 18-22, 2007.

Ye J., Pang H.F. and Cheung A.S.C., Optical-optical double resonance spectroscopy of YBr and YCl, Chemical Physics Letters. 2007, 442: 251-258.

Researcher : Pang HF

List of Research Outputs

Ye J., Pang H.F. and Cheung A.S.C., Optical-optical double resonance spectroscopy of YBr and YCl, Chemical Physics Letters. 2007, 442: 251-258.

Researcher : Phillips DL

Project Title:	Time-resolved resonance raman and density functional theory investigation of the intermediates and mechanism of photorelease in selected benzoin and hydroxyphenacyl esters in aqueous solutions
Investigator(s):	Phillips DL
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	09/2002
Completion Date:	12/2006

Abstract:

The project uses time-resolved resonance Raman spectroscopy to obtain the structural information for selected benzoin and p-hydroxyphenacyl derivatives and their reaction intermediates. This research should provide valuable insight into the identity and structures of the reaction intermediates involved in the photorelease mechanisms in the important new phototrigger compounds.

Project Title:	Time-Resolved Resonance Raman and Density Functional Theory investigation of the structure, properties and chemical reactivity of selected weakly bound species containing S and/or halogen atoms
Investigator(s):	Phillips DL
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	09/2003

Abstract:

The proposed study will provide important characterization and insight into the structures, properties and chemical reactivity of selected radical cations, radical anions and neutral species containing weak bonds formed from a singly occupied sulfur or halogen p orbital and lone pairs of S or halogen atoms. This fundamental work will lead to an improved understanding of the likely role of these species in the biological activity of many proteins, enzymes and antibiotics as well as in protection mechanisms for biological systems attacked by ionizing radiation or other kinds of free-radical damage. The propossed work for halogen containing systems should help elucidate the likely role of these types of species in environmental and atmospheric chemistry. Comparison of the 2c-3e bonding in the radical cation and anion complexes to those of the isopolyhalomethane and halogenated solvent-halogen atom complexes that are neutral species should enable an improved understanding of how the structure, properties and chemical reactivity vary with oxidation state for these loosely bound complexes.

Project Title:	Investigation of Water Assisted Dehalogenation Reactions of Polyhalomethanes and Other Selected Halogenated Compounds
Investigator(s):	Phillips DL
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	07/2004

Abstract:

To study: (1) observe and characterize the structure, properties and chemical reactivity of the reaction intermediates involved in the dehalogenation reactions of polyhalomethanes and other selected halogenated compounds in water solution using picosecond and nanosecond time-resolved resonance Raman spectroscopy. (2) the final products from these photochemical dehalogenation reactions will be determined using a variety of spectroscopic and analytical techniques like UV/VIS, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, infrared absorption, pH measurements in combination with laser photochemistry experiments. (3) Ab initio chemical reaction calculations will be used to elucidate the reaction pathways and probable role of water solvent molecules in the dehalogenation reactions of polyhalomethanes and other selected halgoenated compounds to be studied and compared to the experimental results of parts 1 and 2. This will help to elucidate the reaction mechanism(s) of the dehalogenation reactions.

Project Title:	Development of novel formulations for coatings and paints employing nanotechnology
Investigator(s):	Phillips DL, Chan WK
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Applied Research
Start Date:	10/2004

Abstract:

To collaborate with Manfield Coatings Co. Ltd., develop new coating and paint products especially those that employ nanotechnology additives that will meet the specifications of their customers who needs it for manufacturing new advanced electronic products.

Project Title:	Time-Resolved Resonance Raman Studies of Arylnitrenium Ions and Their Reactions with Guanine Compounds
Investigator(s):	Phillips DL
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	02/2006
Completion Date:	01/2007

Abstract:

Carcinogenic aromatic amine compounds have been observed in automobile exhaust, tobacco smoke, fermented fish and as trace products in various industrial processes. When these aromatic amines are metabolised by animals and humans, they can damage guanine bases in DNA that then leads to an increase in the probability for formation of tumors and cancer. Arylnitrenium ions are the key reactive intermediates in the metabolism of several typical carcinogenic aromatic amines that selectively react with guanine in DNA. The major purpose of this proposed research is to better understand the strucure and chemical reactivity of arylnitrenium ions and their reactions with gunaine derivatives. It is therefore very important to characterise these arylnitrenium ions and their reactions with guanine derivatives in detail. To date, there have not been that many vibrational spectroscopic level structural information available for many arylnitrenium ions and their reactions with guanine derivatives. A general objective of the proposed research is to use time-resolved resonance Raman spectroscopy to acquire this missing structural information for selected arylnitrenium ions and their reactions with guanine derivatives. We want to continue some preliminary experiments in this area to strengthen a RGC proposal that we will submit in this important fundamental area related to chemical damage of DNA by carcinogenic aromatic amines. Our preliminary work supported by this project will also result in at least one publication in a top SCI peer-reviewed journal. Our work on this project will focus on trying to understand why several para-phenyl substituted phenylnitrenium ions like the 2-fluorenylnitrenium and 4biphenylnitrenium ions predominantly form C8 adduct species after reaction with guanine derivatives or DNA. Metabolism of 2-aminofluorene and 4-aminobiphenyl produce C8 adducts after in vivo and in vitro reaction with DNA. The reaction mechanism for how these C8 adducts are made is not yet known and is relatively poorly understood in part because it is difficult to directly observe the intermediates leading to formation of the stable C8 adducts. Three different reaction mechanisms have been proposed for the formation of the C8 adducts and only recently has a C8 intermediate been observed. We propose to explore the reaction of the 2-fluorenylnitrenium ion with different guanine derivatives to increase our understanding for how the C8 intermediate and C8 adduct species are formed as well as to better characterise the chemical reactivity of the 2-fluorenylnitrenium ion. Further experiments may be done to explore how the amount of quinoidal character of the arylnitrenium ions influences the chemcial reactivity of these important intermediates. In particular, the 4-biphenylnitrenium ion is known to have noticeably less quinoidal character than the 2-fluorenylnitrenium ion. Comparison of similar results for both species reactions with guanine derivatives should reveal how the quinoidal character of the arylnitrenium ion affects the chemical reactivity of arylntirenium ions with guanine.

Project Title:	Time-resolved resonance raman spectroscopic investigation of selected reactions of arylnitrenium ions with guanine derivatives
Investigator(s):	Phillips DL
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	08/2006

Abstract:

(1) Carcinogenic aromatic amines are found in automobile exhaust, tobacco smoke, broiled meat and trace produces from some industrial processes. When metabolized, these types of aromatic amines cause damage to guanine bases in DNA and increase the probability for tumors or cancers. Arylnitrenium ions are the key intermediates in the metabolism of aromatic amines that selectively react with guanine in DNA. It is important to characterize these arylnitrenium ions and their reactions with guanine derivatives in as much detail as possible. There is not much vibrational spectropscopic level structural informationavailable for many arylnitrenium ions and their reactions. The broad objective of this proposal is to use time-resolved resonance Raman spectroscopy to obtain this missing structural information for selected arylnitrenium ions and thier reactions with guanine derivatives. The more specific objectives and issues are detailed in objectives 2-6.(2) Reactions of several para-phenyl subtituted phenylnitrenium ions like 2-fluorenylnitrenium and 4-biphenylnitrenium ions predominantly form C8 adduct species after reaction with guanaine derivatives. Metabolism of 2-aminofluorene and 4-aminobiphenyl also form these same C8-adducts after in vivo and in vitro reaction with DNA. The reaction mechanism for how these C8 adducts are formed is not clear and three different mechanisms have been proposed. We propose to use time-resolved resonance Raman spectroscopy to directly observe the formation of the reaction of the arylnitrenium ions with different guanine derivatives in order to better understand the reaction mechanism for formation of the C8 adducts. This work should elucidate what mechanism(s) are responsible for C8 adduct formation.(3) The degree of quinoidal character of some arylnitrenium ions has been found to vary significantly and it is not clear how this influences their chemical reactivity towards guanine derivatives. It is now known that the 4-biphenylnitrenium ion has noticeably less quinoidal character than the 2-fluorenylnitrenium ion. We propose to use time-resolved resonance Raman spectroscopy to for both the 2-fluorenylnitrenium and 4-biphenylnitrenium ions reactions with guanine derivatives to form intermediate species. This work should elucidate how the degree of quinoidal character affects the chemical reactivity of these arylnitrenium ions. (4) In vitro reaction of the carcinogen, N-hydroxy-2-aminonaphthalene with DNA forms adducts attached to the C8 and N2 positions of guanine while the reaction of N-hydroxy-1-aminonathylene with DNA in vivo and in vitro forms adducts attached to the O6 position of guanine. The reason for this substantial difference in the adducts formed from the reaction with DNA of these two closely related carcinogenic aminonapthalene derivatives is not known. We propose to use time-resolved resonance Raman spectroscopy to directly examine the structure and properties of the highly reactive 1-naphthylnitenium and 2-naphthylnitrenium ions and their reactions with selected guanine derivatives. This research will provide an improved understanding of the structure and chemical reactivity of naphthylnitrenium ions. (5) Nitroimidazoles are a kind of antibiotics that are effective against anaerobic bacterial and protozoal infections. The imidazolylnitrenium ion intermediates are thought to play an important role in the reductive metabolism of nitroimidazoles. We propose to use time-resolved resonance Raman spectroscopy to directly investigate the structure, properties and chemical reactivity of this interesting class of imidazolylnitrenium ions. Experiments will be done for the 1-methyl-2-imidazolylnitrenium ion and its reactions with GSH, phosphate and some guanine derivatives. This proposed research will help explain why imidazolylnitrenium ions are very selective towards GSH. This work may also help elucidate why nitroimidazoles are effective antibiotics while some para-phenyl substituted phenylnitrenium ions and naphthylnitrenium ions appear to be associated with the metabolism of potent carcinogens. (6) The proposed research associated with the objectives 1-5 above is for arylnitrenium ions and their reactions with mainly free nucleosides and substrate molecules. At present it is not understood how similar or different the chemical reactivity of arylnitrenium ion reactions with free nucleosides are from the corresponding reactions with larger systems like oligomers of guanine or genomic DNA. We would like to begin preliminary research to start to examine this issue. We propose to use time-resolved resonance Raman spectroscopy to study the reactions of the 2-fluorenylnitrenium ion with some oligomers containing guanine and perhaps calf thymus DNA. These results will be directly compared to those obtained for reactions with the free nucleosides and their reaction products so as to explore the influence of the oligomer or DNA environments on these arylnitrenium ion reactions.

Project Title:	Time Resolved Spectroscopy and Density Functional Theory Studies of Selected Ultrafast Phototrigger Compounds
Investigator(s):	Phillips DL, Ma C
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	02/2007

Abstract:

Compounds based on benzoin and coumarin chromophores are being developed for new generations of innovative and improved phototriggers being developed for a range of applications in physiology, medicine and cell biology as well as photochemical synthesis.[1-20] So as to best design and develop these new classes of phototrigger compounds for particular applications, it is very important to better understand how they occur and what kinds of intermediates are involved in these novel photodeprotection reactions. Currently, the properties and identities of the reaction intermediates and the reaction mechanisms for deprotection (or release of the desired leaving group) and the formation of the side products are not well known or characterized for many of the compounds of interest. [1-20] The project we propose to develop for a RGC grant application will use several kinds of time-resolved spectroscopy techniques to obtain this missing information and to elucidate the reaction mechanisms for the deprotection reactions and formation of side product reactions. Kerr-gated time-resolved fluorescence (KTRF) , time-resolved transient absorption (TA) and time-resolved resonance Raman (TR3) spectroscopies will be employed to directly examine and characterize the reaction intermediates and reaction mechanisms of the deprotection reactions and formation reactions of the side products for the phototrigger compounds of interest. The proposed project experiments will help to clearly identify the reaction intermediates involved in the deprotection from the nascent photophysics to the final products for the benzoin and coumarin based phototrigger compounds selected for investigation. This new information and improved understanding of the reaction intermediates and mechanisms should prove helpful to direct further developments of these and related classes of phototrigger compounds. This seed proposal will be used to investigate the feasibility of synthesizing suitable amounts of precursor compounds for the proposed time resolved spectroscopy experiments and to do preliminary time-resolved spectroscopy experiments of selected benzoin and coumarin based phototrigger compounds to demonstrate the utility of the proposed time-resolved spectroscopy techniques to study the reaction intermediates and mechanisms. This work will enable us to show the feasibility of our proposed RGC project and to strengthen the proposal to be submitted to RGC. First, we will try to synthesize and purify gram quantities of a couple of meta methoxy substituted benzoin phototrigger compounds for use as a precursor in some time resolved spectroscopy experiments.[2,17] Second we will try some preliminary time-resolved spectroscopy experiments (like KTRF, TA and TR3) to see if we can observe the reaction intermediates and acquire good quality spectra of these intermediates. We will also perform a preliminary interpretation of the data and write up the preliminary results and submit them for publication in a top refereed international journal. Similarly, we will attempt to synthesize and purify gram quantities of a couple of selected coumarin based phototrigger compounds [13,14] that can be utilized as a precursor in time-resolved experiments (such as KTRF, TA and TR3) to determine if we will be able to observe the reaction intermediates and obtain good spectra of them. An initial interpretation of the time-resolved data will be done and these results will also be submitted for publication in a top refereed journal. The details of the proposed preliminary work to achieve the objectives and address the problems being addressed in this project will be presented in the research plan and methodology section. For references, please see reference section attached to this proposal.

List of Research Outputs

Chen X., Ma C., Kwok W.M., Guan X., Du Y. and Phillips D.L., A Theoretical Investigation of pHydroxyphenacy Caged Phototrigger Compounds: An Examination of the Excited State Photochemistry of pHydroxyphenacyl Acetate , Journal of Physical Chemistry A. 2006, 110: 12406-12413.

Chu L.M., Guan X. and Phillips D.L., Time-resolved Resonance Raman Spectroscopy And Density Functional Theory Investigation Of The Photochemistry Of 4-chloroaniline In The Solution Phase , Asian Journal of Spectroscopy . 2006, 10: 71-81.

Djurisic A., Leung Y.H., Tam K.H., Hsu Y.F., Ding L., Ge W.K., Zhong Y.C., Wong K.S., Chan W.K., Tam H.L., Cheah K.W., Kwok W.M. and Phillips D.L., Defect emissions in ZnO nanostructures, Nanotechnology. Bristol, IOP Publishing Limited, 2007, 18: 095702: 1-8.

Guan X. and Phillips D.L., a density functional theory study of the cyclization and ring opening reactions of selected 2,2-diphenyl-cyclopropyl radicals , Journal of Molecular Structure: Theochem . 2007, 811: 135-140.

Howell S.L., Gordon K.C., Waterland M.R., Leung K.H. and Phillips D.L., resonance raman excitation profile of a ruthenium(II) complex of dipyrido [2,3-a:3', 2'-c] phenazine , Journal of Physical Chemistry A. 2006, 110: 11194-11199.

Ke Z.F., Zhao C. and Phillips D.L., Methylene Transfer or Carbometalation? A Theoretical Study to Determine the Mechanism of Lithium Carbenoid-Promoted Cyclopropanation Reactions in Aggregation and Solvation States, Journal of Organic Chemistry. 2007, 72: 848-860.

Ko C.C., Kwok W.M., Yam V.W.W. and Phillips D.L., Triplet MLCT Photosensitization of the Ring-Closing Reaction of Diarylethenes by Design and Synthesis of a Photochromic Rhenium(I) Complex of a Diarylethene-Containing 1,10-Phenanthroline Ligand , Chemistry - A European Journal. 2006, 12: 5840-5848.

Kwok W.M., Ma C. and Phillips D.L., Femtosecond Time- and Wavelength-Resolved Fluorescence and Absorption Spectroscopic Study of the Excited States of Adenosine and an Adenine Oligomer , Journal of the American Chemical Society. 2006, 128: 11894-11905.

Kwok W.M., Djurisic A., Leung Y.H., Li D., Tam K.H., Phillips D.L. and Chan W.K., Influence of annealing on stimulated emission in ZnO nanorods, Applied Physics Letters. New York, American Institute of Physics, 2006, 89: 183112: 1-3.

LI Z., Ke Z., Zhao C., Guan Z., Wang Y. and Phillips D.L., A Density Functional Theory Study of Aluminum Carbenoid (CH₃)₂AlCH₂X (X = Cl, Br, I) Promoted Cyclopropanation Reactions Comparecd to IMCH₂I (M = Li, Sm, Zn) Carbenoids, Organometallics. 2006, 25: 3735-3742.

Ma C., Du Y., Kwok W.M. and Phillips D.L., Femtosecond Transient Absorption and Nanosecond Time-Resolved Resonance Raman Study of the Solvet-Dependent Photo-Deprotection Reaction of Benzoin Diethyl Phosphate , Chemistry - A European Journal. 2007, 13: 2290-2305.

Phillips D.L., Kwok W.M. and Ma C., An Introdction to Time-Resolved Resonance Raman Spectroscopy and its Application to Reactive Intermediates , In: Matthew S. Platz, Robert A. Moss, & Maitland Jones, Jr. , Reviews of Reactive Intermediate Chemistry . New Jersey, USA, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2007, 123-182.

Phillips D.L., HKU Outstadning Researcher Award 2006, 2006.

Tam K.H., Cheung C.K., Leung Y.H., Djurisic A., Ling F.C.C., Beling C.D., Fung S.H.Y., Kwok W.M., Chan W.K., Phillips D.L., Ding L. and Ge W.K., Defects in ZnO nanorods prepared by a hydrothermal method, Journal of Physical Chemistry B. American Chemical Society, 2006, 110: 20865-20871.

Wang Y.Q., Wang H.G., Zhang S.Q., Pei K.M., Zheng X.M. and Phillips D.L., Resonance Raman Intesity Analysis of the Excited State Proton Transfer Dynamics of 2-Nitrophenol in the Charge-transfer Band Absorption , Journal of Chemical Physics. 2006, 125: 214506-1 - 214506-12.

Xue J., Guo Z., Chan P.Y., Chu L.M., But Y.S. and Phillips D.L., Time-resolved Resonance Raman Study Of The Reaction Of The 2-fluorebylnitrenium Ion With 2-fluroenylazide , Journal of Physical Chemistry A. 2007, 111: 1441-1451.

Zhu H.L., Liu J., Zheng X.M. and Phillips D.L., Resonance Raman Study Of The a-band Short-time Photodissociation Dynamics Of 2-iodothiophene , Journal of Chemical Physics. 2006, 125: 054510-1 - 054510-9.

Researcher : Ren J

List of Research Outputs

Ren J., Ding J., Chan G.K.Y. and Wang H., Dual-Porosity Carbon Templated from Monosize Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles , Chemistry of Materials . 2007, 19: 2786-2795.

Researcher : Ruan D

List of Research Outputs

Lam N.W., Ruan D., Ma C.Y. and Chu I.K., Non-zwitterionic structures of aliphatic-only peptides mediated the formation and dissociation of gas phase radical cations , Journal of Mass Spectrometry. 2006, 41: 931-938.

Researcher : Sham IHT

Project Title:	Magnitized dendrimers and hyperbranched polymers for controlled delivery of targeted drugs
Investigator(s):	Sham IHT, Che CM, Kung H
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2004

Abstract:

To achieve controlled delivery of drugs to target sites using magnetized dendrimers and hyperbranched polymers as vehicles.

List of Research Outputs

Kui C.F., Sham I.H.T., Cheung C.C., Ma C.W., Yan B., Zhu N., Che C.M. and Fu W.F., Patinum(II) Complexes with p-Conjugated, Naphtyl-Substituted, Cyelometalated Lignds (RC^N^N): Strutctures and Photo- and Electronluminescence, Chemistry - A European Journal. 2007, 13: 417-435.

Researcher : Shang Y

List of Research Outputs

Shang Y., But Y.S., Togo H. and Toy P.H., Macroporous Polystyrene-Supported (Diacetoxyiodo)benzene, Synlett. 2007, 67-70.

Researcher : Shen Z

List of Research Outputs

Leung W.S., Shen Z., Yiu S.M., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., The Anti-Angiogenic Signaling Network of rAAV-HGFK1, The Fifth Asia-Pacific Bioinformatics Conference, APBC2007; 14-17 Jan, 2007; Hong Kong. 2007, apbc104.

Lin M.C., Shen Z., Yang Z., Fan S.T. and Kung H.F., Kringle 1 Domain of Human Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGFK1) Inhibits The Growth and Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Rats, MGH-HKU-Nature Forum, The University of Hong Kong on March 5-6, 2007. 2007.

Liu C.C., Shen Z., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., Cancer Gene Therapy Targeting Angiogenesis: An Updated Review, World Journal Of Gastroenterology . 2006, 12(43): 6941-6948.

Shen Z., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., Cancer Gene Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using a Adenoassociate Virus Carrying a Novel Anti-Angiogenesis Gene HGFK1, 2006 Annual Meeting of Chinese Society of Biotechnology; 10-13 August, 2006; Changchun, China. 中国生物工程学会2006年学术年会暨全国生物反应器学术研讨会, 2006.

Shen Z., Yang Z., Gao Y., Poon R.T.P., Fan S.T., He M.L., Li T.P., Gan R.B., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., Kringle 1 Domain of Human Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGFK1) Inhibits the Growth and Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Rats, 10th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Gene Therapy, May 30-June 3, 2007, at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle, WA. 2007.

Shen Z., Yang Z., Gao Y., Liu C.C., Ng S.M., Fan S.T., Li T.P., Gan R.B., He M.L., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., Sustained Expression of Kringle 1 Domain of HGF (HGFK1) Effectively Inhibits Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tumor Growth and Metastasis by a Novel Mechanism, 2006 ISCGT Japan Conference, Chiba, Japan, October 13-15, 2006.

Researcher : Shen Z

List of Research Outputs

Liu C.C., Shen Z., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., Cancer Gene Therapy Targeting Angiogenesis: An Updated Review, World Journal Of Gastroenterology . 2006, 12(43): 6941-6948.

Researcher : Shiu HYF

List of Research Outputs

Yu K.Y., Lam N.W., Shiu H.Y.F., Yves Le Blanc J.C., Chu I.K. and Lo C.S.C., Identification and characterization of SbSTS1-derived secondary metabolites in transgenic arabidopsis, Plant Biology 2006, Boston, MA, USA. August 5-9, 2006.

Researcher : Shum YT

List of Research Outputs

Shum Y.T., Functionalized Platinum(II) and Gold(I) Acetylide Complexes. Structural and Spectroscopic Properties and Anticancer Activities (PhD Thesis) . 2007.

Researcher : Si S

List of Research Outputs

Yang Z.P., Si S. and Fung Y.S., Bilirubin Adsorption on Nanocrystalline Titania Films , Thin Solid Films . 2007, 515: 3344-3351.

Researcher : Siu AFM

Project Title:	Characterisation of neurotransmitters
Investigator(s):	Siu AFM, Che CM
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2004

Abstract:

To study neurotransmitter on the following two aspects: (1) characterisation of the molecular interactions between neurotransmitters (dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine etc) and ions (Na⁺, etc); (2) characterisation of the conformational change of neurotransmitters at the model protein receptor binding sites.

List of Research Outputs

Kwok S.Y., Siu A.F.M., Ngai S.M., Che C.M. and Tsang J.S.H., Proteomic analysis of Burkholderia cepacia MBA4 in the degradation of monochloroacetate, Proteomics. 2007, 7: 1107-1116.

Luk J.M.C., Lee P.Y., Shum K.Y., Siu A.F.M., Che C.M., Tam P.C., Cheung A.N.Y., Yang Z.M., Lin Y.N., Matzuk M.M., Lee C.K.F. and Yeung W.S.B., Acrosome-Specific Gene AEP1: Identification, Characterization and Roles in Spermatogenesis , Journal of Cellular Physiology . 2006, 209: 755-766.

Ma D.L., Che C.M., Siu A.F.M., Yang M. and Wong K.Y., DNA Binding and Cytotoxicity of Ruthenium(II) and Rhenium(I) Complexes of 2-Amino-4-Phenylamino-6-(2-Pyridyl)-1,3,5-Triazine, Inorganic Chemistry. 2007, 46: 740-749.

Siu A.F.M. and Che C.M., Quantitative Structure -- Activity (Affinity) Relationship (QSAR) Study on Protonation and Cationization of a-Amino Acids , Journal of Physical Chemistry A. 2006, 110: 12348-12354.

Researcher : Siu SO

List of Research Outputs

Shih C.H., Siu S.O., Wong E., Chiu L.C.M., Ng D.C.M., Chu I.K. and Lo C.S.C., Quantitative analysis of anticancer 3-deoxyanthocyanidins in infected sorghum seedlings, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2007, 55: 254-259.

Researcher : Sun H

Project Title:	Characterization of a nickel-storage protein Hpn: its relation with bismuth antiulcer drugs
Investigator(s):	Sun H, Huang J
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	09/2004

Abstract:

To evaluate the nickel binding properties of the protein. Hpn will be overexpressed in E. coli using recombinant DNA technology; to evaluate the effects that nickel (and zinc) have upon Hpn secondary structure and stability; to get preliminary data on the three-dimensional structure of the protein. The protein structure will be investigated by NMR spectroscopy and other spectroscopic techniques.; to investigate the competitive binding of bismuth and Ni² to Hpn and the structural differences between the Ni²⁺ and Bi³⁺ loaded forms.

Project Title:	Functional and structural characterization of lipoprotein MtsA in MtsABC responsible for transport of iron and other metal ions in Streptococcus pyogenes
Investigator(s):	Sun H, He Q
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	08/2005

Abstract:

To comprehensively investigate the metal binding properties of MtsA; to study the function-structure relationship of MtsA.

Project Title:	Metal-based Drug Design: Bismuth Complex as an Antiviral Agent
Investigator(s):	Sun H, Zheng B
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	09/2005

Abstract:

(1) To design and synthesize novel bismuth containing complexes for antiviral tests. Our preliminary data showed that both ranitidine bismuth and Bi(NTA) can effectively inhibit SARS-CoV helicase (IC50 < 1 μM), indicating that the Bi3+ plays the crucial role in the inhibitory effects. (2) To characterize their structures and stabilities under biological conditions. In order to determine the potential structure-activity relationship of these complexes, their structures will be investigated by various chemical and biochemical techniques (e.g., X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy). (3) To test antiviral activities of these complexes in different systems. An efficiency cell culture system for SARS, HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been established in the Co-I’s laboratory.

Project Title:	Identification of Metal-binding Proteins in Microorganisms by Metalloproteome
Investigator(s):	Sun H
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	02/2006

Abstract:

There is an increasing interest in the analysis of proteins carrying out all functional work in cells in the post-genome era [1,2]. The term “proteomics” refers to the global analysis of the gene and cellular function at the protein level in a complex biological system at a given time. Proteomics has mainly been used to determine protein express levels, post-translational modification, localizations and protein-protein interactions as well as protein structures, the so-called “structural genomics” using biological mass spectrometry and X-ray crystallography/NMR spectroscopy with the aid of various data base. “Metalloproteome” is a special proteomics strategy for the analysis of metal transporting or metal-binding proteins, and has the potential to uncover how a large number of metallo-proteins function in normal or metal-associated diseased /metallodrug treated states [3,4]. Immobilized-metal-affinity chromatography (IMAC) has been widely used to pre-fractionalize proteins previously and recently to selectively identify/enrich metal-“associated” proteins. Metal ions such as iron, copper and zinc are essential for lives; metal-related diseases have been well known. The use of Cu- and other IMAC technology and mass spectrometry allows copper and zinc “metallproteome” to be analyzed in several cell lines [5]. The success of cisplatin [cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II)] as an anticancer drug has stimulated the use of metal-containing compounds for therapy and medical diagnosis [6,7]. Both bismuth (e.g. colloidal bismuth subcitrate (CBS) and ranitidine bismuth citrate (RBC)) and antimony (e.g. stibogluconate) have also been widely used for the treatment of gastrointestinal distress such as peptic ulcer and H. pylori infection and parasitic infection (Sb for Leishmania) for decades [8]. Proteins and enzymes have long been regarded as the targets of the metallodrugs although little is known about the detail targets. Using our initial work as a foundation, we will design and prepare immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) in combination with mass spectrometry to identify metal-binding proteins in microorganisms (e.g. Helicobacter pylori). This study will not only allow us to discover novel metal-binding proteins or metallodrug target(s), but also offer a general approach for the investigation of metabolism of metallodrugs, which eventually improve our understanding of mechanism of action of the metal-containing agents. We intend to achieve three separate but closely related objectives: (A) To design and prepare a series of metal-containing IMAC column (e.g., Bi3+, Sb5+, Cd2+ and Fe3+) for metalloproteome; (B) To identify metal-binding proteins and peptides by IMAC and mass spectrometry; (C) To discover metal-binding motifs/sites. (D) To further confirm these proteins by overexpression of selected proteins and examine their binding properties

Project Title:	The role of metal ions on protein structural and conformational changes and folding - potential relevance to diseases
Investigator(s):	Sun H
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Matching Fund for NSFC Young Researcher Award
Start Date:	02/2006

Abstract:

To investigate the role of metal ions on protein structural and conformational changes and folding - potential relevance to diseases.

Project Title:	Biocoordination chemistry of bismuth and antimony: a metalloproteomic study
Investigator(s):	Sun H, He Q
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	10/2006

Abstract:

1. To investigate the transient effect of metallodrugs on microorganisms (e.g. Helicobacter pylori and Leishmaniasis) by comparative proteomics using 2D-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2-DE). 2. To identify the metal-binding proteins and peptides by the combination of IMAC and biological mass spectrometry. 3. To determine the metal-binding motifs by IMAC and other biophysical techniques. 4. To summarize the biocoordination chemistry of antimony and bismuth in microorganisms and study the mechanism of action of metallodrugs.

Project Title:	Copper Transport Protein, hCtr1 and its Role for Cellular Uptake of Platinum Anticancer Drugs
Investigator(s):	Sun H
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	03/2007

Abstract:

Copper is an essential element for all living cells, serving as cofactors for numerous proteins with diverse functions including electron transfer, dioxygen binding (O2) and catalysis (e.g. Cu, Zn-SOD) [1,2]. It has two oxidation states in biological system, i.e. mono- and di-valent (Cu+, Cu2+). Similar to other essential metals, it is also toxic at the elevated concentration and various diseases have been found to directly or indirectly relate to copper. Therefore uptake and trafficking must be strictly regulated. Copper homeostasis is companied by the action of copper transporter (hCtr1) and copper chaperones. The high affinity copper (Cu(I)) uptake at the plasma membrane in humans is mediated by the hCtr1 protein, a three-putative transmembrane protein (Fig. 1) [3-5]. Recent study showed that the protein is a compact trimer with a novel channel-like architecture [6]. Unexpectedly, the widely used anticancer drug, cisplatin [cis-diammedichloroplatinum(II)], was recently found to be transported by this protein both in yeast and mammalian [7,8]. Deletion of yCtr1 in yeast or mCtr1 in mouse embryonic fibroblasts leads to the anticancer resistance due to the reduced uptake of the drug [8]. Mutagenesis experiments have demonstrated that the methionine- and histidine-rich region in the N-terminus of hCtr1 was required and stabilized the formation of a multimer of the protein induced by cisplatin [9]. The objective of this project is to establish a platform for the study of metallodrugs and metalloproteins. In the next 12 months, I will focus on four parts to build a strong foundation for further development and the results will be used as initial data for seeking external funding: Firstly, the Met- and His-rich domain in the N-terminus of hCtr1 will be expressed by recombinant DNA technology (due to limited budget and difficulty for the expression of the transmembrane part) and the experimental condition will be optimized in order to get high yield. Our extensive experience on metalloprotein expression (e.g. human metallothionein-III and histidine-rich protein Hpn) demonstrates that we can do this readily [10,11]. Secondly, the stability of the protein under a variety of conditions will be examined and its potential ability to bind to Cu(I) and cisplatin will be investigated. The metal binding site(s)/residues will be initially identified based on the changes of chemical shifts or coupling between the metal (e.g. Pt(II) and Ag(I) (NMR nucleus-active substitute for Cu(I)) and the binding residues (e.g. 1J(Pt, N) and 2J(Pt, C)). We have previously characterized the cysteine-rich protein, metallothionein, the histidine-rich protein Hpn and the iron transport protein, transferrin and DMT1 by NMR and other biophysical techniques [10-15]. Thirdly, kinetics of metal binding and storage will be illustrated. The potential effect of the protein on the hydrolysis of cisplatin and related platinum anticancer drugs will also be followed by the 15N-labeled cisplatin (cis-[Pt(NH3)2Cl2]. The installation of a CyroProbe in the PI's laboratory will allow the study at lower concentration of cisplatin and the protein, which is more physiologically relevant. The PI has extensive experience in chemistry/biochemistry of metallodrugs and expects to complete this objective successfully. Finally, the migration of the platinum anticancer drugs, e.g. cisplatin from its hCtr1-bound to other nitrogen-containing bio-molecules such as 5'-GMP, dGpG and DNA fragments will be investigated by 2D [1H, 15N] HSQC NMR with the aid of 15N-labeled cisplatin and doubly labeled protein. The PI has extensive experience on antimony- and bismuth-containing drugs and their interactions with proteins and nucleic acids, and it is a natural extension of his previous work and shall provide important information on the cellular uptake of the anticancer drug. The relevant experimental procedures and techniques have been established in the PI's laboratory, including protein expression and characterization, structural determination and models for kinetic analysis. Under this internal research program, enough initial results will be obtained which will significantly help to apply for external support (e.g. CERG or NSFC/RGC). It is reasonable to expect that the project will be completed in 12 months.

List of Research Outputs

An Y., Lin Y.Y., Wang H., Sun H., Tong M.L., Ji L.N. and Mao Z.W., Cleavage of Double-strand DNA by Zinc Complexes of Dicationic 2,2'-Dipyridyl Derivatives, Journal of Chemical Society, Dalton Transactions. 2007, 1250-1254.

Cai B., Zheng Q., Teng X.C., Chen D., Wang Y., Wang K.Q., Zhou G.M., Xie Y., Zhang M.J., Sun H. and Huang Z.X., The role of Thr5 in human neuron growth inhibitory factor, Journal of Biological Inorganic Chemistry. 2006, 11: 476-482.

Ding Z.C., Teng X.C., Cai B., Wang H., Zheng Q., Wang Y., Zhou G.M., Zhang M.J., Wu H.M., Sun H. and Huang Z.X., Mutation at Glu23 eliminates the neuron growth inhibitory activity of human metallothionein-3, Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 2006, 349: 674–682.

Fung Y.S. and Sun H., Coupling MIP-SPE with MEKC for Determination of Carbonyl Compounds in Air , Abstract of 6th Asia-Pacific International Symposium on Microscale Separaions and Analysis (APCE 2006), Kyoto, Japan, November 12-14, 2006. AP-K7, p1.

Ge R., Sun X., Gu Q., Watt R.M., Tanner J.A., Wong B.C.Y., Xia H.H., Huang J., He Q. and Sun H., A Proteomic Approach for Identification of Bismuth-binding Proteins in Helicobacter pylori., Journal of Biological Inorganic Chemistry. 2007, 12: 831-842.

Ge R. and Sun H., Bioinorganic Chemistry of Bismuth and Antimony: Target Sites for Metallodrugs, Accounts of Chemical Research. 2007, 40: 267-274.

Ge R., Zhang Y., Sun X., Watt R.M., He Q., Huang J., Wilcox D.E. and Sun H., Thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of metal binding to the histidine-rich protein, Hpn, Journal of the American Chemical Society. 2006, 128: 11330-11331.

Li H., Fung K.L., Jin D., Chung S.S.M., Ching Y.P., Ng I.O.L., Sze K.H., Ko C.B. and Sun H., Solution Structures, Dynamics, and Lipid-binding of the Sterile a-Motif Domain of the Deleted in Liver Cancer 2, PROTEINS: Structure, Function, and Bioinformatics. 2007, 67: 1154-1166.

Lok C.N., Ho C.M., Chen R., He Q., Yu W.Y., Sun H., Tam P.K.H. and Chiu J., Proteomic analysis of the mode of antibacterial action of silver nanoparticles, Gordon Research Conference, Metal in Medicine, Oxford, United Kingdom, July 9-14, 2006.

Lok C.N., Ho C.M., Chen R., He Q., Yu W.Y., Sun H., Tam P.K.H., Chiu J. and Che C.M., Silver nanoparticles: partial oxidation and antibacterial activities, Journal of Biological Inorganic Chemistry. 2007, 12(4): 527-534.

Ni F.Y., Cai B., Ding Z.C., Zheng F., Zhang M.J., Wu H.M., Sun H. and Huang Z.X., Structural Prediction of the a-Domain of Metallothionein-3 by Molecular Dynamics Simulation, PROTEINS: Structure, Function, and Bioinformatics. 2007, 68: 255-266.

Sun H., 7^th International Conference on Environmental and Biological Aspects of Main-Group Organometallics (7^th ICEBAMO), Heraklion, Crete, Greece, October 10- 12. 2006.

Sun H. and Fung Y.S., DNA Biosensor Based on Quartz Crystal Microbalance and Polymerase Chain Reaction for Detecting E. Coli in Environmental Water, Proceedings of 11th International Meeting on Chemical Sensor (IMCS 11), Brescia, italy, July 16-19, 2006. 2pp.

Sun H., Mo Z., Zhu D. and Fung Y.S., Development of Piezoelectric Quartz Crystal Sensor Array for Sensing Taste-Causing Compounds in Food , Proceedings of International Symposium on Olfactory and Electronic Noses (ISOEN 2007), St Petersburg, Russia, May 3-5, 2007. pp39-40.

Sun H., Enhancing Analytical Capability of Piezoelectric Quartz Crystal and Capillary Electrophoresis in Environmental Analysis Using Polymerase Chain Reaction, Molecularly Imprinted Polymers and Nanotechnology (PhD Thesis). 2007.

Sun H., Zhang Y. and Fung Y.S., Flow Analysis Coupled with PQC / DNA Biosensor for Assay of E. coliBased on Detecting DNA Products PCR Amplification , Biosensors & Bioelectronics . 2006, 22: 506-512.

Sun H., Guest Professorship, Sun Yat-Sen University, China. 2006.

Sun H. and Fung Y.S., Hourly Determination of Carbonyl Compounds in Ambient Air by Coupling Capillary Electrophoresis with Molecular Imprinted Polymer Based Solid Phase Extraction, Abstract of 10th International Conference on Atmospheric Sciences and Applications to Air Quality (ASAAQ 2007). 2007, pp64.

Sun H., Ge R., Sun X., Xia H.H.X. and Huang J., Identification of Metal-binding Proteins/Motifs in Microorganisms by Metalloproteome: an Example for Bismuth, Gordon Research Conference, Metal in Medicine, Oxford, United Kingdom, July 9-14, 2006.

Sun H., Yang N., Ge R. and Huang J., Interactions of Bismuth with Proteins And Enzymes: Insight into its Mechanism of Action, 37^th International Conference on Coordination Chemistry (ICCC-37, Keynote Speaker), South Africa, August 13-18. 2006.

Sun H., Yang N., Ge R. and Zheng B., Interactions of antimony and bismuth with biomolecules: implications for the mechanism of action, 7th International Conference on Environmental and Biological Aspects of Main-Group Organometallics (7th ICEBAMO), Heraklion, Crete, Greece, October 10- 12. 2006.

Sun H., Yang N., Ge R. and Huang J., Interactions of bismuth with proteins and enzymes: insight into its mechanism of action., 37thInternational Conference on Coordination Chemistry (ICCCV-37) August 13-18, 2006, Cape Town, South Africa. 2006.

Sun H., Invited lecture, 1^st Georgian Bay Biological Inorganic Chemistry Conference, Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada, May 22-26. 2007.

Sun H., Invited lecture, 3^rd Asian Biological Inorganic Chemistry (AsBIC-II), Nanjing, P.R. China, Oct. 31-Nov. 3, 2006. 2006.

Sun H., Keynote Speaker, 37^th International Conference on Coordination Chemistry (ICCC-37, Keynote Speaker), South Africa, August 13-18. 2006.

Sun H., Member of Editorial Advisory Board (from 2007-), Journal of Biological Inorganic Chemistry. Springer, 2007.

Sun H. and Fung Y.S., Piezoelectric quartz crystal sensor for rapid analysis of pirimicarb residues using molecularly imprinted polymers as recognition elements , Analytica Chimica Acta. 2006, 576: 67-76.

Sun H., Ge R., Zeng Y. and Huang J., The Role of Hpn and its Related Histidine-rich Proteins in Helicobacter pylori , 3^rd Asian Biological Inorganic Chemistry Conference, Nanjing, P.R. China, October 30- November 3. 2006.

Wong I.L.K., Chan K.F., Burkett B.A., Zhao Y., Chai Y., Sun H., Chan T.H. and Chow L.M.C., Flavonoid Dimers as Bivalent Modulators for Pentamidine and Sodium Stiboglucanate Resistance in Leishmania, Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. 2007, 51: 930-940.

Yang N., Tanner J.A., Huang J., Zheng B. and Sun H., Inhibition of SARS Coronavirus by Bismuth Compounds, 3^rd Asian Biological Inorganic Chemistry Conference, Nanjing, P.R. China, October 30- November 3. 2006.

Zeng Y., Zhang D. and Sun H., Overexpression and Characterization of a Histidine- and Glutamine-rich Protein, Hpn-like, 3^rd Asian Biological Inorganic Chemistry Conference, Nanjing, P.R. China, October 30- November 3. 2006.

Zhang L., Mulrooney S.B., Fung K.L., Zeng Y., Ko C.B., Hausinger P. and Sun H., Inhibition of urease by bismuth (III): Implications for the mechanism of action of bismuth drugs, BioMetals. 2006, 19: 503-511.

Zhou Y., Fu H., Zhao W.X., Su C.Y., Sun H., Ji L.N. and Mao Z.W., An Effective Metallohydrolase Model with Supramolecular Environment: Structures, Properties and Activities, Chemistry, a European Journal. 2007, 13: 2402-2409.

Researcher : Sun H

List of Research Outputs

Ge R. and Sun H., Bioinorganic Chemistry of Bismuth and Antimony: Target Sites for Metallodrugs, Accounts of Chemical Research. 2007, 40: 267-274.

Sun H., 7^th International Conference on Environmental and Biological Aspects of Main-Group Organometallics (7^th ICEBAMO), Heraklion, Crete, Greece, October 10- 12. 2006.

Sun H., Guest Professorship, Sun Yat-Sen University, China. 2006.

Sun H., Invited lecture, 1^st Georgian Bay Biological Inorganic Chemistry Conference, Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada, May 22-26. 2007.

Sun H., Invited lecture, 3^rd Asian Biological Inorganic Chemistry (AsBIC-II), Nanjing, P.R. China, Oct. 31-Nov. 3, 2006. 2006.

Sun H., Keynote Speaker, 37^th International Conference on Coordination Chemistry (ICCC-37, Keynote Speaker), South Africa, August 13-18. 2006.

Sun H., Member of Editorial Advisory Board (from 2007-), Journal of Biological Inorganic Chemistry. Springer, 2007.

Researcher : Sun H

List of Research Outputs

Ge R. and Sun H., Bioinorganic Chemistry of Bismuth and Antimony: Target Sites for Metallodrugs, Accounts of Chemical Research. 2007, 40: 267-274.

Sun H., 7^th International Conference on Environmental and Biological Aspects of Main-Group Organometallics (7^th ICEBAMO), Heraklion, Crete, Greece, October 10- 12. 2006.

Sun H., Guest Professorship, Sun Yat-Sen University, China. 2006.

Sun H., Invited lecture, 1^st Georgian Bay Biological Inorganic Chemistry Conference, Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada, May 22-26. 2007.

Sun H., Invited lecture, 3^rd Asian Biological Inorganic Chemistry (AsBIC-II), Nanjing, P.R. China, Oct. 31-Nov. 3, 2006. 2006.

Sun H., Keynote Speaker, 37^th International Conference on Coordination Chemistry (ICCC-37, Keynote Speaker), South Africa, August 13-18. 2006.

Sun H., Member of Editorial Advisory Board (from 2007-), Journal of Biological Inorganic Chemistry. Springer, 2007.

Researcher : Sun RWY

List of Research Outputs

Che C.M., Sun R.W.Y. and Wong E.L.M., Pharmaceutical Composition having a Ruthenium Oxalato Compound and Method of using the same. U.S. Patent, US11/256,175., 2007.

Kui C.F., Huang J.S., Sun R.W.Y., Zhu N. and Che C.M., Self-assembly of a highly stable, topologically interesting metallamacrocycle by birdging gold(I) ions wiht pyridyl-2, 6-diphenyl^2-and diphosphanes , Angewandte Chemie International Edition. 2006, 45: 4663-4666.

Li H.Y., Lum C.T., Sun R.W.Y., Ng S.M., Smith D.K., Yiu S.M., Che C.M. and Lin M.C., Genome-Wide Study Reveals the Signaling Pathways Modulated by Gold-1a Treatment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma, The Fifth Asia-Pacific Bioinformatics Conference, APBC2007; 14-17 Jan, 2007; Hong Kong. 2007, apbc084.

Lu L., Sun R.W.Y., Hui C.K., Chen R., Luk J.M.C., Che C.M. and Lau K.K., In Vitro Anti-hepatitis B Virus Activities and Mechanism of Metal-based Nanoparticles , Hepatology . 2006, 44 (Suppl.1): 553A.

Lu L., Sun R.W.Y., Hui C.K., Chen R., Luk J.M.C., Che C.M. and Lau G., Size-dependent anti-hepatic B virus activities and mechanism of silver nanoparticles, The 17th Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver Conference, Kyoto, Japan, 27 - 30 March 2007.

Lu L., Sun R.W.Y., Hui C.K., Chen R., Luk J.M.C., Che C.M. and Lau G., Size-dependent anti-hepatitis B virus activities and mechanism of silver nanoparticles (Abstract), Hepatology International. 2007, 1(1): 14.

Wang Y., He Q., Sun R.W.Y., Che C.M. and Chiu J., Cellular pharmacological properties of gold(III) porphyrin 1a, a potential anticancer drug lead, Eurpean Journal of Pharmacology. 2006, 554: 113-122.

Researcher : Sun X

List of Research Outputs

Ge R., Sun X., Gu Q., Watt R.M., Tanner J.A., Wong B.C.Y., Xia H.H., Huang J., He Q. and Sun H., A Proteomic Approach for Identification of Bismuth-binding Proteins in Helicobacter pylori., Journal of Biological Inorganic Chemistry. 2007, 12: 831-842.

Ge R., Zhang Y., Sun X., Watt R.M., He Q., Huang J., Wilcox D.E. and Sun H., Thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of metal binding to the histidine-rich protein, Hpn, Journal of the American Chemical Society. 2006, 128: 11330-11331.

Sun H., Ge R., Sun X., Xia H.H.X. and Huang J., Identification of Metal-binding Proteins/Motifs in Microorganisms by Metalloproteome: an Example for Bismuth, Gordon Research Conference, Metal in Medicine, Oxford, United Kingdom, July 9-14, 2006.

Sun X., Iron Metabolism Mediated by MTSA, Transferrin and Desferrioxamine (PhD Thesis) . 2007.

Researcher : Sun X

List of Research Outputs

Sun X., Iron Metabolism Mediated by MTSA, Transferrin and Desferrioxamine (PhD Thesis) . 2007.

Researcher : Sun Z

List of Research Outputs

Sun Z., Wang H., Chung N.W. and Yang D., Highly Selective Fluorescent Probe for Detection of Peroxynitrite , Nature China Forum, Hong Kong, March 5-6, 2007.

Sun Z., Shen B., Yao X.Q., Zhu N. and Yang D., Highly Selective Fluorescent Probe for Detection of Peroxynitrite , The 14th Symposium on Chemistry Postgradate Research in Hong Kong, Hong Kong, April 28, 2007.

Sun Z., Studies on Fluorescent Probes for the Specific Detection of Reactive Oxygen Species and Reactive Oxygen species and Repactive Nitrongen Species in Living Cells (PhD Thesis) . 2007.

Researcher : Sun Z

List of Research Outputs

Sun Z., Wang H., Chung N.W. and Yang D., Highly Selective Fluorescent Probe for Detection of Peroxynitrite , Nature China Forum, Hong Kong, March 5-6, 2007.

Sun Z., Studies on Fluorescent Probes for the Specific Detection of Reactive Oxygen Species and Reactive Oxygen species and Repactive Nitrongen Species in Living Cells (PhD Thesis) . 2007.

Researcher : Sy LK

Project Title:	Structural elucidation and biological study of polysaccharides isolated from traditional Chinese medicines
Investigator(s):	Sy LK, Che CM, Man RYK
Department:	Pharmacology
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2004

Abstract:

To study the sequence, branching and conformational structures of the polysaccharides isolated from Traditional Chinese Medicines.

List of Research Outputs

Researcher : Sze J

List of Research Outputs

Ng S.M., Cheung Y.T., An X.M., Chen Y.C., Li M., Li H.Y., Cheung K.C., Sze J., Lai L., Peng Y., Xia H.H.X., Wong B.C.Y., Leung S.Y., Xie D., He M.L., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., Cell Cycle-related Kianse: A Novel Candidate Oncogene in Human Glioblastoma, Journal of the National Cancer Institute. 2007, 99(12): 936-948.

Researcher : Sze KH

Project Title:	Development and application of NMR methods based on solvent exposed amides (SEA) experiments for proteins
Investigator(s):	Sze KH
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	11/2004

Abstract:

To resolve overlapping resonances in the NMR spectra of proteins; to map the protein-protein, protein-nucleic acid or protein-ligand interaction sites; to study unfolding/folding pathway of proteins.

Project Title:	Structural and functional studies of human XIAP-associated factor 1 (XAF1) by NMR Spectroscopy
Investigator(s):	Sze KH
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	05/2006

Abstract:

Apoptosis, referring to the biological process of programmed cell death, plays an essential role in developmental and cellular homeostasis of mammalian cells (1). Dysfunction of the process leads to a number of human pathologies, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders (2-6). The molecular pathway of apoptosis is evolutionarily conserved and the initiation, execution, and regulation of apotosis pathway are governed by hundreds of genes. The process culminates in the activation of caspases cascade to degrade the cellular machinery (e.g. Chromosome) (7,8). Research in the past two decades has led to the identification of several caspases-inhibiting proteins. Deregulation of these proteins may confer apoptosis resistance and results in low sensitivity of cancer cell to therapeutic agents (1). The X-linked Inhibitor of Apoptosis (XIAP), belonging to the family of intrinsic inhibitor apoptosis protein (IAP), is a newly discovered key caspases-inhibiting protein (9). The XIAP was demonstrated to be an endogenous repressor, which blocks the activity of the caspases in the terminal part of the cascade in vitro (9). In turns, the caspases-inhibiting activity of the XIAP is negatively controlled by two XIAP-binding proteins, namely Smac/DIABLO (10-15) and XAF1 (XIAP-associated factor 1)(16). In contrast to Smac/DIABLO, the structural and biochemical basis of XAF1 remain to be determined. It was reported that XAF1, which antagonizes recombinant XIAP in vitro, normally reside in the nucleus of the cell. Overexpression of XAF1 was shown to trigger the redistribution of cytoplamic XIAP to the nucleus, leading to XIAP-suppression, caspases activation and apoptosis (9). On the other hands, the loss of endogenous XAF1, by utilizing the adenovirus infection of antisense XAF1 mRNA, was reported to enhance cellular resistance to apoptosis (16). It is believed that XAF1 was a putative tumor suppressor gene (17). XAF1 is ubiquitously expressed in normal tissue, but present at low level or undetectable levels in nucleus and cytoplasm of different cancer cell lines (18). It was recently showed that the aberrant reduction of XAF1 transcription, but not Smac/DIABLO, in gastric adenocarcinomas might be attributed to the hypermethylation of seven CpGs in the promoter region of XAF1 gene locus (17). A low concentration of cellular XAF1 transcription was also observed in human colorectal cancer (19). In addition to the tumor suppressing behavior, XAF1 was reported to enhance neuronal susceptibility toward degeneration in reperfusion injury after ischemia (20). Nevertheless, the pathophysiological mechanism of XAF1 is still not clear. XAF1 is a 37kDa nuclear protein, comprising of 317 amino acids and having two mRNA spicing variants (16). The domain architecture and structure of XAF1 is unknown. Sequencing analysis of the nuclear protein revealed the existence of TRAF zinc finger within H23-E99. Overexpression of the Zinc-finger portion blocked INF (Interferon)-dependent sensitization of A375 melanoma cell to the pro-apoptotic effect of TRAIL, which is a tumor necrosis factor related apoptosis inducing ligand(21). The domains responsible for XIAP binding and compartmental translocation are yet to be identified. The objectives of this research are: (I) Dissecting the functional domain architecture of full-length XAF1, identifying the domain (XBD) in XAF1 responsible for XIAP binding and the corresponding XIAP domain for XAF1 binding. (II) Determining the solution structure of XIAP-binding domain in XAF1 by biomolecular NMR spectroscopy. (III) Determining the solution structure of XIAP/XAF1 domains complex. We have carried out preliminary research on the proposed project including the different truncated GST-fusion XAF1 have been identified and subcloned into the pGEX-4T-1 vector. Bacterial expressions of different fragments have been tried in BL21 (DE3) host and the expression conditions have been worked out. The expression level of the fragments was as high as 10mg/L. This is suitable for structural studies with NMR spectroscopy, which requires large quantities of isotopic labelled protein samples. Reference 1. Danial NN, Korsmeyer SJ. 2004.Cell death: critical control points. Cell 116:205 .19 2. Green DR, Evan GI. 2002. A matter of life and death. Cancer Cell 1:19 .30 3. Hanahan D, Weinberg RA. 2000.The hallmarks of cancer. Cell 100:57 .70 4. Thompson CB.1995.Apoptosis in the pathogenesis and treatment of disease. Science 267:1456 –62 5. Vaux DL,Flavell RA.2000. Apoptosis genes and autoimmunity. Curr Opin.Immunol. 12:719-24 6. Yuan J, Yankner BA.2000.Apoptosis in the nervous system. Nature 407:802 .9 7. Riedl SJ, Shi Y. 2004. Molecular mechanisms of caspase regulation during apoptosis.Nat.Rev. Mol.Cell.Biol.5: 897-907 8. Thornberry NA, Lazebnik Y.1998.Caspases: enemies within. Science 281:1312 .16 9. Holcik M, Gibson H, Korneluk RG. 2001. XIAP: apoptotic brake and promising therapeutic target. Apoptosis.6: 253-61. 10. Du C, Fang M, Li Y, Li L, Wang X. 2000. Smac, a mitochondrial protein that promotes cytochrome c-dependent caspase activation by eliminating IAP inhibition. Cell. 102:33–42. 11. Verhagen AM, et al. 2000.Identification of DIABLO, a mammalian protein that promotes apoptosis by binding to and antagonizing IAP proteins. Cell; 102:43–53. 12. Chai J, Du C, Wu JW, Kyin S, Wang X, Shi Y. 2000. Structural and biochemical basis of apoptotic activation by Smac/DIABLO. Nature. 406: 855–862. 13. Srinivasula SM, Datta P, Fan XJ, Fernandes-Alnemri T, Huang Z, Alnemri ES. 2000. Molecular determinants of the caspase-promoting activity of Smac/DIABLO and its role in the death receptor pathway. J Biol Chem. 275: 36152–36157. 14. Wu G, et al. Structural basis of IAP recognition by Smac/DIABLO. 2000. Nature. 408: 1008–1012. 15. Liu Z, et al. 2000.Structural basis for binding of Smac/DIABLO to the XIAP BIR3 domain. Nature. 408: 1004–1008. 16. Liston P, et al. 2001.Identification of XAF1 as an antagonist of XIAP anti-caspase activity. Nature Cell Biology. 3: 128–133. 17. Byun DS, Cho K, Ryu BK, Lee MG, Kang MJ, Kim HR, Chi SG. 2003. Hypermethylation of XIAP-associated factor 1, a putative tumor suppressor gene from the 17p13.2 locus, in human gastric adenocarcinomas. Cancer Res.63: 7068-75. 18. Fong WG, Liston P, Rajcan-Separovic E, St Jean M, Craig C, Korneluk RG. 2000. Expression and genetic analysis of XIAP-associated factor 1 (XAF1) in cancer cell lines. Genomics. 70: 113–122. 19. Ma TL, Ni PH, Zhong J, Tan JH, Qiao MM, Jiang SH.2005. Low expression of XIAP-associated factor 1 in human colorectal cancers. Chin J Dig Dis.6: 10-4. 20. Siegelin M, Touzani O, Toutain J, Liston P, Rami A.2005.Induction and redistribution of XAF1, a new antagonist of XIAP in the rat brain after transient focal ischemia. Neurobiol Dis.20: 509-18. 21. Leaman DW, Chawla-Sarkar M, Vyas K, Reheman M, Tamai K, Toji S, Borden EC. 2002.Identification of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis-associated factor-1 as an interferon-stimulated gene that augments TRAIL Apo2L-induced apoptosis. J Biol Chem. 277: 28504-11.

Project Title:	Structural and functional studies of the SWIRM domain in Lysine-specific Demethylase 1 (LSD1)
Investigator(s):	Sze KH
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	01/2007

Abstract:

(1) Determination of the solution structure and backbone dynamics of swirm domain in LSD1; (2) characterization of the functional role of swirm domain in LSD1.

Project Title:	Structural and Functional Studies of the Kringle 1 domain of hepatocyte growth factor (HGFK1) by NMR Spectroscopy
Investigator(s):	Sze KH, Lin MC
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	04/2007

Abstract:

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) (1-7), also known as scatter factor (SF), is a vertebrate-specific polypeptide growth factor that plays an important role in complex biological processes such as embryogenesis, tissue regeneration, cancerogenesis and angiogenesis. HGF promotes cell proliferation, survival, migration and morphogenesis of endothelial cells (EC) through binding to tyrosine kinase MET receptor. Interest in HGF/SF and its receptor MET (8) stems from their unique biological roles in embryogenesis, tissue regeneration, and cancer (9–14). These activities have led to a strong interest in the structure of the molecules as this knowledge may underpin the development of MET-based therapeutics. HGF consists of six domains: an N-terminal domain (N), four copies of the kringle domain (K1–K4), and a C-terminal domain (sp) structurally related to the catalytic domain of serine proteinases. The factor is synthesized as a precursor protein of single-chain HGF (sc-HGF) and is proteolytically processed to a two-chain form (tc-HGF) by cleavage of the linker at a trypsin-like site connecting the K4 and sp domains by hepatocyte growth factor activator (HGFA). Sc-HGF binds MET (15, 16) but is unable to induce biological responses. MET consists of an N-terminal sema domain, which is responsible for ligand binding, and four copies of Ig-like domains. The sema and Ig-like domains are joined by cystine-rich domain (cr). MET receptor is initially synthesized as a partially glycosylated single-chain intracellular precursor. The precursor is subsequently cleaved by furin, yielding an extracellular α-chain and a β-chain which spans the membrane. The structural basis of the conversion of single-chain to two-chain HGF is unknown. The whole picture of HGF-induced MET signaling is unclear until the overall architecture of HGF and MET are obtained by cryo-EM and SAXS recently (17). Interestingly, the low resolution images of structures for single-chain HGF precursor (sc-HGF) and two-chain HGF (tc-HGF) displayed by cryo-EM differ markedly, where sc-HGF appears as ring-shaped, closed structure, while tc-HGF appears as elongated, open conformation. HGF is in equilibrium between the closed and elongated conformation. In the presence of MET receptor, the equilibrium shifts toward the open form (i.e. tc-HGF). The receptor binding sites of HGF are located in K1 and sp domains. For sc-HGF, the receptor binding sites are too close to each other, thus sc-HGF is unable to effectively binding MET due to steric hindrance. In contrast, the elongated form of tc-HGF allows it to wrap around the α-chain of MET928 (full-length MET) in form of a monomeric 1:1 complex. The N and K1 domains bind the ‘a’ face of MET928. K2 and K3 domains cross the side face, leaving K4 on top of sp domain which binds on the ‘b’ face of MET928. The soluble recombinant protein kringle 1 domain of human hepatocyte growth factor (HGFK1), which includes 88 residues from 127-214 of HGF, has been reported to inhibit the proliferation of bovine aortic endothelial (BAE) cell stimulated by basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in a dose-dependent manner (18). It has been shown that the recombinant HGFK1 protein is a much more effective anti-angiogenesis molecule than angiostatin in vitro in cell culture system (18). We have recently evaluated the utility of a recombinant adeno-associated virus carrying the HGFK1 gene in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a highly metastatic cancer. Hepatocellular carcinoma is a hypervascular tumor associated with a poor prognosis and a lack of effective treatments. Consequently, identifying novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. We constructed a recombinant adeno-associated virus carrying the HGFK1 gene (rAAV-HGFK1) and administered it to a syngenic orthotopic rat model of HCC by intra-tumoral and intra-portal injections. Results showed that rAAV-HGFK1 inhibited tumor growth, decreased microvessel density in the tumor, and completely prevented intra-hepatic, lung, and peritoneal metastasis. rAAV-HGFK1 was able to mediate long-term expression of HGFK1 and markedly prolong the median survival time of HCC-bearing rats. Moreover, high doses of rAAV-HGFK1 were not toxic to the animal. In vitro experiments further demonstrated that rAAV-HGFK1 affected mice microvessel endothelial cells (EC) by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting EC proliferation and tube formation. Furthermore, rAAV-HGFK1 exerted its effect by a mechanism entirely different from that previously reported for endostatin. It induced EC apoptosis via the up-regulation of β-amyloid binding protein (BBP), as knocking down BBP gene expression prevented rAAV-HGFK1 induced EC apoptosis. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that rAAV-HGFK1 anti-angiogenic gene therapy is a novel and promising approach for the treatment of HCC, and that the anti-angiogenic effect of HGFK1 is dependent on the BBP signal apoptotic transduction pathway. We further showed that HGFK1 is essential and sufficient to induce growth signals transduced by HGF, EGF, and VEGF. Since HGFK1 is a fragment of HGF, which potentially has an oncogenic effect, the therapeutic efficacy, possible hepatic cytotoxicity, and the molecular mechanism of action requires careful evaluation. In particular, we aim to: 1. Determine the solution structure and backbone dynamics of HGFK1 2. Characterize the interaction domain of the MET receptor with HGFK1 References: 1. Gherardi, E., et al. (1989) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86, 5844–5848. 2. Nakamura, T., et al. (1989) Nature 342, 440–443. 3. Miyazawa, K., et al. (1989) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 163, 967–973. 4. Stoker, M., et al. (1987) Nature 327, 239–242. 5. Weidner, K.M., et al. (1991) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88, 7001–7005. 6. Gherardi, E. & Stoker, M. (1990) Nature 346, 228 (lett.). 7. Donate, L.E., et al. (1994) Protein Sci. 3, 2378–2394. 8. Bottaro, D. P., et al. (1991) Science 251, 802–804. 9. Schmidt, C., et al. (1995) Nature 373, 699–702. 10. Uehara, Y., et al. (1995) Nature 373, 702–705. 11. Bladt, F., et al. (1995) Nature 376, 768–771. 12. Huh, C.G, et al. (2004) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 101, 4477–4482. 13. Borowiak, M., et al. (2004) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 101, 10608–10613. 14. Birchmeier, C., et al. (2003) Nat. Rev. Mol. Cell Biol. 4, 915–925. 15. Gherardi, E., et al. (2003) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 100, 12039–12044. 16. Lokker, N.A., et al. J. B. & Godowski, P. J. (1992) EMBO J. 11, 2503–2510. 17. Gherardi E, et al. . (2006) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 103, 4046-4051. 18. Li Xin, et al. (2000) Biochemical And Biophysical Research Communications 277 (1): 186-190.

List of Research Outputs

Chan D.S.B., Chu L.O., Lee K.M., Too P.H.M., Ma K.W., Sze K.H., Zhu G., Shaw P.C. and Wong K.B., Interaction Between Trichosanthin, a Ribosome-Inactivating Protein, and the Ribosomal Stalk Protein P2 by Chemical Shift Perturbation and Mutagenesis Analyses , Nucleic Acids Research . 2007, 35: 1660-1672.

Hui S.K., Chow H.F. and Sze K.H., Study of Bis (L-Phenylalanine)-based Pyridine-2,6-Dicarboxyamide Organogel by NMR Spectroscopy , The 14th Symposium on Chemistry Postgraduate Research in Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, April 22, 2007.

Li H., Fung K.L., Jin D., Chung S.S.M., Ching Y.P., Ng I.O.L., Sze K.H., Ko C.B. and Sun H., Solution Structures, Dynamics, and Lipid-binding of the Sterile a-Motif Domain of the Deleted in Liver Cancer 2, PROTEINS: Structure, Function, and Bioinformatics. 2007, 67: 1154-1166.

Sze K.H., Guan X. and Wong K.B., Backbone Dynamics and Solution Structure of a Thermophilic Acylphosphatase From Pyrococcus Horikoshii by NMR Spectroscopy , XXII International Conference on Magentic Resonance in Biological System, Gottingen, Germany, August 20-25, 2006. p.437.

Sze K.H., Zhou H., Yang Y., He M., Jiang Y. and Wong A.O.L., Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) as a growth hormone (GH)-releasing factor in grass carp: II. Solution structure of a brain-specific PACAP by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and functional studies on GH release and gene expression, Endocrinolgy. 2007, (Epub ahead of Print).

Tse M.K., Wong B.C.Y. and Sze K.H., Structural and Functional Study of XIAP-Associated Factor 1 (XAF1) Identification and Characterization of a 13 kDa Structural Domain , The 4th Joint Conference of the Hong Kong Biophysical Society and teh Guangdong Biophysical Society, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, January 27, 2007.

Wong A.O.L., Yang Y., Zhou H. and Sze K.H., Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-activating Polypeptide (PACAP) as a Growth Hormone-relasing Factor in Grass Carp: Solution Structure of a Brain-specific PACAP by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscropy and Functional Studies on GH Secretion and GH Gene Expression in Grass Carp Pituitary Cells , 89th Annual Meeting of the Endocrine Society, Toronto, Canada, June 2-5, 2007. P2-400: pp.430.

Wong C.M.Q., Chan M.S., Ma C.Y. and Sze K.H., Determination of the Solution Structure of an Antimicrobial Peptide Derived from Human Lactoferricin by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy , The 4th Joint Conference of the Hong Kong Biophysical Society and the Guangdong Biophysical Society, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, January 27, 2007.

Yang Y., Cho C.K.L., Sze K.H. and Haynes R.K., Determination of Solution Conformations of Loloatins by NMR Spectroscopy , The 14th Symposium on Chemistry Postgraduate Research in Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, April 22, 2007. 2007.

Yang Y., Mak A.N.S., Shaw P.C. and Sze K.H., Resonance Assignments of the 27.3 kDa Active Form of Maize Ribosome-Inactivating Protein (MOD) by NMR Spectroscopy , The 14th Symposium on Chemistry Postgraduate Research in Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, April 22, 2007.

Researcher : Sze KL

List of Research Outputs

Fung Y.S. and Sze K.L., Assessing the Association of Metals with Protein Particles in Milk by Gas-Phase Electrophoretic Mobility Analyzer Coupled with Elemental Deterination, Proceedings of 4th International Symposium of Worldwide Chinese Scholars on Analytical Chemistry (ISWCSAC 2006), Dalian, China, September 22-27, 2006.

Researcher : Sze-To L

List of Research Outputs

Yeung W.F., Lau T.C., Wang X.Y., Gao S., Sze-To L. and Wong W.T., 2D Ln^IIIRu^III₂Compounds Constructed from trans-[Ru(acac)₂(CN)₂]^-. Syntheses, Structures, and Magnetic Properties, Inorganic Chemistry. 2006, 45: 6756-6760.

Researcher : Tam KH

List of Research Outputs

Tam K.H., Group 4 Complexes Bearing Tridentate Aryloxide-based Ancillary Ligands: Synthesis, Characterization and Application as Olefin Polymerization Catalysts . 2006.

Researcher : Tam YY

List of Research Outputs

Tam Y.Y., Wong M.C., Wang G. and Yam V.W.W., Luminescent Metallogels of Platinum(II) Terpyridyl Complexes: Interplay of Metal^.Metal, p-p and Hydrophobic-hydrophobic Interactions on Gel Formation , Chemical Communications. 2007, 2028-2030.

Researcher : Tang G

List of Research Outputs

Lin M.C., Tang G. and Kung H.F., Development of Novel Nanopolymers for Gene Therapy and Stem Cell Research, MGH-HKU-Nature Forum, The University of Hong Kong on March 5-6, 2007.

Researcher : Tang HS

List of Research Outputs

Tang H.S., Design and Synthesis of Metal Phosphine Complexes of Palladium(II) and Gold(I) with Various Receptor Ligandes for Ion-Controlled or Photoresponsive Host-Guest Chemistry (PhD Thesis) . 2007.

Tang H.S., Zhu N. and Yam V.W.W., Tetranuclear Macrocyclic Gold(I) Alkynyl Phosphine Complex Containing Azobenzene Functionalities: A Dual-Input Molecular Logic with Photoswitching Behavior Controllable via Silver(I) Coordination / Decoordination , Organometallics. 2007, 26: 22-25.

Researcher : Tang HW

List of Research Outputs

Ng K.M., Liang Z.T., Lu W., Tang H.W., Zhao Z.Z., Che C.M. and Cheng Y.C., In Vivo Analysis And Spatial Profiling Of Phytochemicals In Herbal Tissue By Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/ionization Mass Spectrometry, Analytical Chemistry. 2007, 79: 2745 - 2755.

Researcher : Tang WS

List of Research Outputs

Tang W.S., Design and Synthesis of Luminescent Metal Polypyridyl Complexes of Platinium(II), Ruthenium(II) and Osmium(II) for Chemosensing and Biological Studies (PhD Thesis) . 2007.

Researcher : Tao CH

Project Title:	Luminescent transition metal complexes with branched alkynyls
Investigator(s):	Tao CH, Yam VWW
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	09/2005

Abstract:

The research of organic polymeric materials is undoubtedly one of the most active areas of research in chemistry, especially during the past decade, due to their intriguing physical properties, ease of fabrication and wide range of applications. The search for new advanced and multifunctional materials has boosted the development of copolymers or block copolymers which have enhanced properties. However, the solubility and processability of linear polymers usually decrease with increasing molecular weight and this has limited their applications.Dendrimers, which constitute a novel class of highly branched three-dimensional macromolecules, and branched molecules are currently attracting widespread interest in many areas of science and technology mainly due to their relatively high solubilities and better processabilities compared to the rod-like counterparts. A considerable number of organic two-dimensional and three-dimensional architectures have also been built using the chemistry of the alkynyl units using well-established reaction protocols.Transition metal systems possess interesting properties which are inaccessible with pure organic dendrimers or branched molecules. Thus, numerous surface-modified metallodendrimers have been reported in the last decade, in which their applications as catalysts and sensors were reported. Compared with the above mentioned metallodendrimers, the research on synthesis of sigma-bonded organometallic dendrimers with metal-carbon bonds is still less explored probably due to the lack of appropriate building blocks and difficulties in product isolation. In fact, the alkynyl group is known for its ability to interact with transition metal centers through pπ-dπ overlap and appears to be a promising candidate for the construction of carbon-rich metal-containing materials while its inherent rigidity would be beneficial in the preparation of luminescent materials.In this regard, a convenient and high yield synthetic protocol is needed for coupling highly luminescent transition metal centers with rigid phenylene ethynylene backbones. The proposed project would explore the possibility of acquiring luminescent materials with relatively high solubilities and good processabilities via different synthetic routes. Various platinum and rhenium complexes of branched alkynyls would be designed which, similar to organic dendrimers, could be synthesized via a divergent or convergent approach. The divergent synthesis of the branched alkynyl complexes would involve reactions between branched phenylene ethynylene alkynyl ligands and metal halide precursors. On the other hand, the convergent approach would adopt "metalloligand" coupling reactions between terminal alkynyls and aryl halides. It is envisioned that these branched multinuclear alkynyl complexes are highly luminescent and possess better solubility and processability when compared with their rod-like counterparts.Besides, the terminal positions of the alkynyl ligands can be selectively deprotected and may serve as ideal candidate for the synthesis of mixed-metal complexes. Further research on the study of energy transfer properties in these branched mixed-metal alkynyl complexes would yield directional energy transfer materials which mimics the energy transfer processes in photosynthesis.

List of Research Outputs

Researcher : Thu HY

List of Research Outputs

Thu H.Y., Catalytic C-H Bond Functionalization Reactions Catalyzed by Rhodium(III) Porphyrin, Palladium(II) and Patinium(II) Acetate Complexes (PhD Thesis) . 2007.

Thu H.Y., Yu W.Y. and Che C.M., Intermolecular Amidation of Unactivated sp²and sp³ C-H Bonds via Palladium - Catalyzed Cascade C-H Activation / Nitrene Insertion , Journal of the American Chemical Society. 2006, 128: 9048-9049.

Researcher : Thu HY

List of Research Outputs

Thu H.Y., Catalytic C-H Bond Functionalization Reactions Catalyzed by Rhodium(III) Porphyrin, Palladium(II) and Patinium(II) Acetate Complexes (PhD Thesis) . 2007.

Researcher : Tong EHY

List of Research Outputs

Tong E.H.Y., Guo J.J., Huang A.L., Liu H., Hu C.D., Chung S.S.M. and Ko C.B., Regulation of nucleocytoplasmic trafficking of transcription factor OREBP/TonEBP/NFAT5, Journal of Biological Chemistry. 2006, 281: 23870-23879.

Researcher : Tong SM

Project Title:	High-valent iron porphyrins
Investigator(s):	Tong SM, Che CM
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2004

Abstract:

To investigate if dioxoiron (VI) porphyrin complex participates in the biological cycles of oxygen activation.

List of Research Outputs

Zhi Y.G., Lai S.W., Chan Q.K.W., Law Y.C., Tong S.M. and Che C.M., Systematic Studies on Photoluminescence of Oligo(arylene-ethynylene)s: Tunability of Excited States, and Derivatization as Luminescent Labeling Probes for Proteins , In: Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, 2-Goukan, Lecture Room 130, Second Asian Symposium on Advanced Organic Synthesis, Kyoto, Japan, 9 November. 2006.

Zhi Y.G., Lai S.W., Chan K.W.Q., Law Y.C., Tong S.M. and Che C.M., Systematic Studies on Photoluminescence of Oligo(arylene-ethynylene)s: Tunability of Excited States, and Derivatization as Luminescent Labeling Probes for Proteins, European Journal of Organic Chemistry. Wiley-VCH, 2006, 3125-3139.

Researcher : Toy PH

Project Title:	The development of tetrahydrofuran based polymers for polymer assisted organic synthesis
Investigator(s):	Toy PH
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	09/2003

Abstract:

To synthesize and characterize novel cross-linked tetrahydrofuran based polymers using cationic, anionic and ring-opening metathesis polymerization strategies; to assess the utility of the new polymers in both solid-phase and solution-phase organic synthesis in order to study the optimum polymer structure and morphology in such applications.

Project Title:	Organocatalytic Mitsunobu Reactions
Investigator(s):	Toy PH
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	03/2006

Abstract:

The objective of the proposed project is to develop catalytic versions of the Mitsunobu reaction. The Mitsunobu reaction is a powerful tool in organic synthesis that is used to make covalent bonds between carbon atoms at atoms such as oxygen, nitrogen and even other carbon atoms. Unfortunately Mitsunobu reactions currently suffer from the fact that they require the use of large amounts of 2 chemical reagents that are often difficult to remove from the reaction mixtures at the end of the process. Additionally, the by-products from these chemical reagents can also be difficult to separate from the desired reaction products. Thus, there is much room for improvement to be made in simplifying Mitsunobu reactions and reducing the reagents necessary to carry them out by developing catalytic versions.

Project Title:	Polymer-supported phosphine and arsines as reagents, ligands and organic catalysts
Investigator(s):	Toy PH
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	10/2006

Abstract:

(1) To synthesize and evaluate both soluble and insoluble polystyrene-supported phosphines and arsines for use as recyclable ligands in palladium catalyzed cross-coupling and platinum catalyzed alkyne boration reactions, and as nucleophilic reagents and catalysts. (2) To synthesize and evaluate chiral arsine oxides as catalysts for asymmetric alkene epoxidation reactions using hydrogen peroxide as the stoichiometric oxidant and then to immobilize these compounds onto water compatible matricies so that they can be recovered and reused.

Project Title:	The development of polymer-supported phoshites for use in nitrone reduction reactions
Investigator(s):	Toy PH
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	France/Hong Kong Joint Research Scheme - Travel Grants
Start Date:	01/2007

Abstract:

1. To develop novel phosphites grafted on to polymers for use in the reduction of water soluble nitrones. 2. The use of such polymer-supported phosphites has several advantages in both research and industrial applications, such as: (1) simple recovery of reactants, and (2) separation of the reactants and products at the end of the reaction via simple filtration, without the performing phase extraction. 3. Possible use in diverse solvents.

Project Title:	Polyfunctional Supported Reagents and Catalysts for Organic Synthesis Applications
Investigator(s):	Toy PH
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	03/2007

Abstract:

The objectives of this research proposal revolve around the development of new supported reagents and catalysts for organic synthesis that contain multiple functional groups that all actively participate in the reaction that the materials are designed for use in. In other words, we want to make the support a functional material, rather than a simple inert carrier.

List of Research Outputs

But Y.S. and Toy P.H., Organocatalytic Mitsunobu Reactions, Journal of the American Chemical Society. 2006, 128: 9636-9637.

Chung W.Y. and Toy P.H., Multipolymer Reaction System for Selective Aerobic Alcohol Oxidation: Simultaneous Use of Multiple Different Polymer-Supported Ligands, Journal of Combinatorial Chemistry. 2007, 9: 155-160.

Kwong K.W., Huang R., Zhang M., Shi M. and Toy P.H., Bifunctional Polymeric Organocatlysts and Their Application in the Cooperative Catalysis of Morita-Baylis-Hillman Reactions, Chemistry-A European Journal. 2007, 13: 2369-2376.

Shang Y., But Y.S., Togo H. and Toy P.H., Macroporous Polystyrene-Supported (Diacetoxyiodo)benzene, Synlett. 2007, 67-70.

Toy P.H., Nanoscale Catalysis of Organic Molecule Transformations, Journal of Experimental Nanoscience. 2006, 1: 397.

Yamamoto Y., Kawano Y., Toy P.H. and Togo H., PhI- and Polymer-Supported PhI-Catalyzed Oxidative Conversion of Ketones and Alcohols to a-Tosyloxyketones with m-Chloroperbenzoic Acid and p-Toluenesulfonic Acid, Tetrahedron. 2007, 63: 4680-4687.

Researcher : Tse CW

List of Research Outputs

Man K.K.Y., Tse C.W., Cheng K.W., Djurisic A. and Chan W.K., Fabrication of photovoltaic cells using rhenium diimine complex containing polyelectrolytes by the layer-by-layer electrostatic self-assembly method, Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials. Springer Science, 2007, 17: 223-233.

Tse C.W., Chan W.K. and Djurisic A., Hyperbranched polymer as surface modifier for nanosized zinc oxide tetrapods, American Chemical Society 232nd National Meeting, San Francisco, U.S.A., September 10-14, 2006.

Tse C.W., Man K.K.Y., Cheng K.W., Mak S.K., Chan W.K., Yip C.T., Liu Z. and Djurisic A., Layer-by-layer deposition of rhenium-containing hyperbranched polymers and fabrication of photovoltaic cells, Chemistry-A European Journal. Weinheim, WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co., 2007, 13: 328-335.

Tse C.W., Chan W.K. and Djurisic A., Modification of ZnO Tetrapod and Nanorod Surfaces by the Layer-by-Layer Deposition Process, 90th Canadian Chemistry Conference, Winnipeg, Canada, May 28-30, 2007.

Tse C.W., Ruenium Containing Hyperbranched Polymers for Photonic Application (PhD Thesis) . 2007.

Tse C.W., Leung Y.H., Tam K.H., Chan W.K. and Djurisic A., Tailoring and modifications of a ZnO nanostructure surface by the layer-by-layer deposition technique, Nanotechnology. Bristol, IOP Publishing Limited, 2006, 17: 3563-3568.

Researcher : Tse CW

List of Research Outputs

Tse C.W., Ruenium Containing Hyperbranched Polymers for Photonic Application (PhD Thesis) . 2007.

Researcher : Tse MK

List of Research Outputs

Tse M.K., Wong B.C.Y. and Sze K.H., Structural and Functional Study of XIAP-Associated Factor 1 (XAF1) Identification and Characterization of a 13 kDa Structural Domain , The 4th Joint Conference of the Hong Kong Biophysical Society and teh Guangdong Biophysical Society, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, January 27, 2007.

Researcher : Vellaisamy ALR

Project Title:	DNA based molecular transistor devices
Investigator(s):	Vellaisamy ALR
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	03/2006

Abstract:

DNA (Deoxyribo Nucleic Acid) the blueprint of life, has taken centre stage in biological research during the past few decades. DNA is the best nanowire in existence, and it self-assembles, self-replicates and can adopt various states of conformations. Of these, the most important property of DNA for a biomolecular engineer is its ability to self-assemble, which makes it possible to produce nanostructures with a precision that is not achievable with classical silicon-based technologies. Fink & Schonenberger were the first to measure current flow through DNA using a modified low-energy electron point-source microscope. Kasumov et al. reported that DNA also behaves like a proximity-induced superconductor, using λ-DNA of 16 µm to connect two rhenium carbon electrodes on a mica substrate. Aich and co-workers showed that DNA with zinc atoms incorporated between its bases also acts as a conductor. Molecular lithography has already been carried out using the RecA protein, which further increases the potential of using DNA for the chemical ‘growth’ of electronic parts. The electrical conduction through poly(dA)-poly(dT) and poly(dG)-poly(dC) DNA molecules has been reported and it was found that poly(dA)-poly(dT) behaves as an n-type semiconductor and poly(dG)-poly(dC) behaves as a p-type semiconductor. Here, for the first time we want to demonstrate a DNA ambipolar field effect transistor which can transport both electrons and holes, having genomic DNA as active material, with pronounced ambipolar current characteristics. This device gives a new insight on DNA based electronic devices for future applications.

Project Title:	Nano photonic devices based on polymer nano-rods
Investigator(s):	Vellaisamy ALR, Che CM, Chui SY
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	04/2007

Abstract:

There is a growing interest in the development of new and inexpensive materials for photonic device applications. For high-performance and low-power photonic device applications, it is important to develop more flexible materials that can be structurally modified in order to accelerate the progress of research in nano-elecronics. In this proposal, the first deliverable is to achieve high performance low voltage nano photonic (light emitting field effect transistor) devices based on homoleptic copper (I) coordination polymer nano-rods which could be engineered to achieve high charge carrier transporting and electroluminescent properties. This proposal will integrate nano-rod device physics and materials chemistry by using copper (I) coordination polymers as advanced materials to build nano photonic devices. The objectives and key deliverables are: 1) Low voltage metal-organic polymer nano-rod light emitting device with FET (Field Effect Transistor) structure. 2) To design stable and inexpensive copper (I) polymer nano-rods possessing high charge carrier [electron (n-type) / hole (p-type) / ambipolar] transporting and electroluminescent properties by structural modifications.

List of Research Outputs

Lu W., Vellaisamy A.L.R. and Che C.M., Self-assembled Nanostructures With Tridentate Cyclometalated Platinum(ii) Complexes, Chemical Communications. 2006, 2006: 3972–3974.

Vellaisamy A.L.R., Nano-Bio Electronics at ENEA, Rome Via e-fermi, 2007.

Vellaisamy A.L.R., Nano-Bio electronics, 2007, 0000: 0000.

Xiang H., Xu Z., Vellaisamy A.L.R., Che C.M. and Lai P.T., Method for Measurement of the Density of Thin Films of Small Organic Molecules , Review of Scientific Instruments . 2007, 78: 034104-1 - 034104-5.

Xu Z., Vellaisamy A.L.R., Stallinga P., Muccini M., Toffanin S., Xiang H. and Che C.M., Nanocompostie Field Effect Transistors Based on Zinc Oxide / Polymer Blends , Applied Physics Letters. 2007, 90: 223509-1 - 223509-3.

Researcher : Wang F

List of Research Outputs

Wang F., Yam C.Y., Chen G. and Fan K.N., Density matrix based time-dependent density functional theory and the solution of its linear response in real time domain, Journal Chemical Physics. 2007, 126: 134104.

Wang F., Yam C.Y. and Chen G., Time-dependent Density-functional Theory / Localized Density matrix Method for Dynamic Hyperpolarizability , Journal of Chemical Physics. 2007, 126: 244102-1 - 244102-10.

Zheng X., Wang F., Yam C.Y., Mo Y. and Chen G., Time-Dependent Density-functional Theory for Open Systems, Physical Review B. 2007, 75: 195217-1 - 195217-16.

Researcher : Wang G

List of Research Outputs

Tam Y.Y., Wong M.C., Wang G. and Yam V.W.W., Luminescent Metallogels of Platinum(II) Terpyridyl Complexes: Interplay of Metal^.Metal, p-p and Hydrophobic-hydrophobic Interactions on Gel Formation , Chemical Communications. 2007, 2028-2030.

Researcher : Wang H

List of Research Outputs

An Y., Lin Y.Y., Wang H., Sun H., Tong M.L., Ji L.N. and Mao Z.W., Cleavage of Double-strand DNA by Zinc Complexes of Dicationic 2,2'-Dipyridyl Derivatives, Journal of Chemical Society, Dalton Transactions. 2007, 1250-1254.

Ding Z.C., Teng X.C., Cai B., Wang H., Zheng Q., Wang Y., Zhou G.M., Zhang M.J., Wu H.M., Sun H. and Huang Z.X., Mutation at Glu23 eliminates the neuron growth inhibitory activity of human metallothionein-3, Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 2006, 349: 674–682.

Ren J., Ding J., Chan G.K.Y. and Wang H., Dual-Porosity Carbon Templated from Monosize Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles , Chemistry of Materials . 2007, 19: 2786-2795.

Sun Z., Wang H., Chung N.W. and Yang D., Highly Selective Fluorescent Probe for Detection of Peroxynitrite , Nature China Forum, Hong Kong, March 5-6, 2007.

Researcher : Wang H

List of Research Outputs

Ren J., Ding J., Chan G.K.Y. and Wang H., Dual-Porosity Carbon Templated from Monosize Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles , Chemistry of Materials . 2007, 19: 2786-2795.

Sun Z., Wang H., Chung N.W. and Yang D., Highly Selective Fluorescent Probe for Detection of Peroxynitrite , Nature China Forum, Hong Kong, March 5-6, 2007.

Researcher : Wang H

List of Research Outputs

Ren J., Ding J., Chan G.K.Y. and Wang H., Dual-Porosity Carbon Templated from Monosize Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles , Chemistry of Materials . 2007, 19: 2786-2795.

Sun Z., Wang H., Chung N.W. and Yang D., Highly Selective Fluorescent Probe for Detection of Peroxynitrite , Nature China Forum, Hong Kong, March 5-6, 2007.

Researcher : Wang H

List of Research Outputs

Ren J., Ding J., Chan G.K.Y. and Wang H., Dual-Porosity Carbon Templated from Monosize Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles , Chemistry of Materials . 2007, 19: 2786-2795.

Sun Z., Wang H., Chung N.W. and Yang D., Highly Selective Fluorescent Probe for Detection of Peroxynitrite , Nature China Forum, Hong Kong, March 5-6, 2007.

Researcher : Wang M

List of Research Outputs

Wang M., Xu H., Liu Y., Wong M.K. and Che C.M., Stereoselective Synthesis of Multifunctionalized 1,2,4-Triazolidines by a Ruthenium Porphyrin-Catalyzed Three-Component Coupling Reaction, Advanced Synthesis & Catalysis. GERMANY, WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH, 2006, 16-17: 2391.

Researcher : Wang X

List of Research Outputs

Li H., Shi L.L., Zhang M., Su Z.M., Wang X., Hu L. and Chen G., Improving the accuracy of density-function theory calculation: The genetic algorithm and neural network approach, Journal Chemical Physics. 2007, 26: 144101.

Wang X., Huo L., Yao H., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., Inhibition of Melanoma Development by Single Dose Administration of hTERTC27 Viral Cocktail in C57BL/6 Mice, 10th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Gene Therapy, May 30-June 3, 2007, at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle, WA. . 2007, 234.

Researcher : Wang X

List of Research Outputs

Researcher : Wang Y

List of Research Outputs

Wang Y., Chiu J. and He Q., Bioinformatic application in proteomic research on biomarker discovery and drug target validation, Current Bioinformatics. 2007, 2: 11-20.

Wang Y., He Q., Sun R.W.Y., Che C.M. and Chiu J., Cellular pharmacological properties of gold(III) porphyrin 1a, a potential anticancer drug lead, Eurpean Journal of Pharmacology. 2006, 554: 113-122.

Wang Y., Electrochemical Generation of Ozone on antimony and Nickel Doped Tin Oxide (PhD Thesis). 2006.

Wang Y., Chan G.K.Y., Li X.Y. and So S.K., Electrochemical degradation of 4-chlorophenol at nickel-antimony doped tin oxide electrode , Chemosphere . 2006, 65: 1087-1093.

Wang Y., Chiu J. and He Q.Y., Proteomics approach to illustrate drug action mechanisms, Current Drug Discovery Technologies. 2006, 3: 199-209.

Wang Y., He Q., Chen H. and Chiu J., Synergistic effects of retinoic acid and tamoxifen on human breast cancer cells: Proteomic characterization, Experimental Cell Research. 2006, 313: 357-368.

Wang Y., Young Scientist Awards in Life Science, Hong Kong Institution of Science. 2006.

Researcher : Wang Y

List of Research Outputs

Wang Y., Chiu J. and He Q., Bioinformatic application in proteomic research on biomarker discovery and drug target validation, Current Bioinformatics. 2007, 2: 11-20.

Wang Y., Electrochemical Generation of Ozone on antimony and Nickel Doped Tin Oxide (PhD Thesis). 2006.

Wang Y., Chan G.K.Y., Li X.Y. and So S.K., Electrochemical degradation of 4-chlorophenol at nickel-antimony doped tin oxide electrode , Chemosphere . 2006, 65: 1087-1093.

Wang Y., Chiu J. and He Q.Y., Proteomics approach to illustrate drug action mechanisms, Current Drug Discovery Technologies. 2006, 3: 199-209.

Wang Y., He Q., Chen H. and Chiu J., Synergistic effects of retinoic acid and tamoxifen on human breast cancer cells: Proteomic characterization, Experimental Cell Research. 2006, 313: 357-368.

Wang Y., Young Scientist Awards in Life Science, Hong Kong Institution of Science. 2006.

Researcher : Wang Y

List of Research Outputs

Wang Y., Chiu J. and He Q., Bioinformatic application in proteomic research on biomarker discovery and drug target validation, Current Bioinformatics. 2007, 2: 11-20.

Wang Y., Electrochemical Generation of Ozone on antimony and Nickel Doped Tin Oxide (PhD Thesis). 2006.

Wang Y., Chan G.K.Y., Li X.Y. and So S.K., Electrochemical degradation of 4-chlorophenol at nickel-antimony doped tin oxide electrode , Chemosphere . 2006, 65: 1087-1093.

Wang Y., Chiu J. and He Q.Y., Proteomics approach to illustrate drug action mechanisms, Current Drug Discovery Technologies. 2006, 3: 199-209.

Wang Y., He Q., Chen H. and Chiu J., Synergistic effects of retinoic acid and tamoxifen on human breast cancer cells: Proteomic characterization, Experimental Cell Research. 2006, 313: 357-368.

Wang Y., Young Scientist Awards in Life Science, Hong Kong Institution of Science. 2006.

Researcher : Wang Y

List of Research Outputs

Wang Y., Chiu J. and He Q., Bioinformatic application in proteomic research on biomarker discovery and drug target validation, Current Bioinformatics. 2007, 2: 11-20.

Wang Y., Electrochemical Generation of Ozone on antimony and Nickel Doped Tin Oxide (PhD Thesis). 2006.

Wang Y., Chan G.K.Y., Li X.Y. and So S.K., Electrochemical degradation of 4-chlorophenol at nickel-antimony doped tin oxide electrode , Chemosphere . 2006, 65: 1087-1093.

Wang Y., Chiu J. and He Q.Y., Proteomics approach to illustrate drug action mechanisms, Current Drug Discovery Technologies. 2006, 3: 199-209.

Wang Y., He Q., Chen H. and Chiu J., Synergistic effects of retinoic acid and tamoxifen on human breast cancer cells: Proteomic characterization, Experimental Cell Research. 2006, 313: 357-368.

Wang Y., Young Scientist Awards in Life Science, Hong Kong Institution of Science. 2006.

Researcher : Watt RM

Project Title:	New Chemical Proteomics Methods For Selective Protein Capture And Identification
Investigator(s):	Watt RM, Che CM
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	09/2005

Abstract:

Chemical proteomics (sometimes referred to as chemistry-based functional proteomics) is an extremely new and exciting area within the chemical biology field. It is broadly defined as being the integration of protein biochemistry and organic chemistry to study protein function on a genome wide scale. The main aims of chemical proteomics are to directly identify, quantify and characterize the ultimate products of genes, i.e. proteins: the bio-molecules that are the main effectors of activity within the cell. This is essential for a true and intimate understanding of cellular biology and function - one that cannot be gleamed solely from genetic or transcription-based analyses.Thus far, most of the research in chemical proteomics has centered on the design and synthesis of small chemical molecules that covalently label target proteins, enabling them to be subsequently identified and/or purified. These chemical probes are designed in such a way as to selectively modify certain classes of proteins, based upon mechanistic similarities (e.g. a shared active-site topography) or due to the nature or arrangement of their component amino acid residues. Aspects of this technology are related to two approaches commonly used in medicinal chemistry, for the identification of possible protein targets of drugs or other bio-molecules within the cell. In the first of these approaches, the drug (or an analogue of it) is linked to a resin or bead, which is used to capture interacting protein species from a cell-free extract. These are subsequently identified by mass spectrometry, protein sequencing or antibody-based methods. In the second approach, a radio- or fluorescently- labeled analogue of the drug or enzyme substrate is used to covalently modify the target protein, which is subsequently purified and identified.Thomas Kodadek (University of Texas Southwest Medical Center), Benjamin Cravatt (Scripps Institute, Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology) and Matthew Bogyo (Celera Genomics and Stanford University) have conducted some innovative research in this field, developing a number of small chemical affinity probes to target classes of proteins that include proteases, hydrolases and phosphatases. They have outlined two main approaches: a) activity-based probes, and b) affinity-based probes. Activity-based chemical probes may be thought of as being analogous to mechanism-based or suicide inhibitors, in that they irreversibly label proteins directly as a result of their catalytic activities. Affinity-based probes may be thought of as being more general protein labeling agents, not directly linked to protein activity. These reagents do not necessarily target active sites residues, but still bind tightly to specific families of proteins, covalently modifying them. In addition, there are non-specific protein labeling reagents that chemically modify a broad range of proteins, usually targeting specific residues e.g. cysteine thiols or lysine amines.In this proposal, I will take a slightly different approach. I will synthesize a novel set of chemical affinity probes to target families of essential and ubiquitous metabolic and biosynthetic proteins/enzymes. The chemical affinity probes will contain a 'reactive' moiety that will be the main determinant for the types of proteins targeted, as well as a component that will enable subsequent affinity-based protein purification or localization on 2D gels by fluorimetry. Two main types of affinity probes will be synthesized: Highly selective probes targeting functionally-related protein families Less functionally-selective probes, targeting a broader range of proteinsStructurally simple reactive homologues of intermediates in common biosynthetic pathways will be used as components of the probes with a more general selectivity. The rationale behind this being that many of these intermediates are shared between different pathways (which are generally highly conserved between organisms), and they form the structural basis of numerous bioactive compounds. Choosing these types of compound maximizes the likelihood of finding chemical affinity probes of broad applicability. These chemical molecules will be designed to bind irreversibly to families of proteins within cells, in a cell or tissue extract (e.g. mouse liver extract, bacterial cell lysate, etc.) or in a biological fluid sample (e.g. plasma, plant sap, etc.).I will focus on (P450-type) oxidases; intermediates of fatty-acid and polyketide biosynthesis; amino acid and small-molecule biosynthesis and metabolism. Established mechanism-based enzyme inactivators will be used along with other simple drug and biosynthetic compound analogues. Synthetic strategies will be kept deliberately straightforward, maximizing the time spent on optimizing the protein labeling chemistry and experimental conditions, etc. I will consciously use compounds that will be relatively non-specific in nature to maximize the potential for serendipitous discovery.

Project Title:	The identification and characterization of new bacterial protein targets for inhibition - determining their potential for antibiotic development
Investigator(s):	Watt RM
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	08/2006

Abstract:

As a newly appointed RAP within the chemistry department, I would like to establish a new area of research focused on the study of essential bacterial proteins, with a view to discovering new antibiotic compounds, and new targets for antibacterial chemotherapy. There are two main research objectives in this Seed Funding proposal: 1) To biochemically characterize several putatively essential bacterial proteins, and identify at least two that will be amenable to subsequent high throughput inhibitor screening 2) To purify the ‘native’ complexes formed by a number of these essential proteins within their natural host using a newly developed ‘tandem affinity’ (TAP) tag procedure, for subsequent analysis by mass spectrometry After reviewing the literature, and performing various bioinformatic analyses of sequenced bacterial genomes, a number of candidate proteins have been identified for detailed investigation (see below). These proteins are all essential or putatively essential, and fall within three specific functional categories. I have focused on proteins from a variety of bacterial species that are either model organisms, or are medically important pathogens. This will enable the functions of different family members (homologues) to be compared and contrasted, hopefully allowing some important general conclusions to be drawn after the completion of the experiments. The 3 areas I will focus on are: Polyphosphate and pyrophosphate degradation A small family of GTPases of poorly defined or unknown function The last two steps of the methylerythriyol phosphate (MEP) biosynthetic pathway All organisms have at least one inorganic pyrophosphatase, which catalyzes the breakdown of pyrophosphate (diphosphate) to two phosphate (orthophosphate) molecules. The very high free energy for this process is the driving force for many thermodynamically unfavourable biochemical reactions. Consequently, the activity of this enzyme activity is essential in all known organisms. Certain bacteria appear to have two types of pyrophosphatase: one that preferentially uses magnesium as a cofactor (type A, Ppa), and another that prefers manganese or cobalt (Family II, or type C, PpaC). Mutagenesis studies in a number of organisms have shown that both genes are essential, which suggests that the two proteins have non-overlapping or non-complementary functions. The PpaC family of pyrophosphatases may also play a role in the degradation of polyphosphate (long chain phosphate), which is an enigmatic intracellular molecule, with a poorly defined function. Polyphosphate is thought to be involved in metal transport, metal sequestration and the stress response, amongst many other processes. I have identified a putative type C pyrophosphatase in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (the causative agent of tuberculosis), as well as another gene that may encode an additional exopolyphosphatase (which degrades polyphosphate) or possibly even a guanosine tetraphosphatase (ppGpp) hydrolase (a protein that degrades an important nucleotide-phosphate signaling molecule). Consequently, I will clone, express and characterize the biochemical and biophysical properties of these two proteins, to investigate this hypothesis. Furthermore, as both genes are essential, I will determine whether it will be possible to develop biochemical assays that will be suitable for use in high throughput inhibition studies (with a commercial library of compounds, to be performed at a later date). Finding specific inhibitors for these two classes of bacterial enzymes is especially attractive, as there are no homologues in higher organisms. Within bacteria, there is a family of essential and highly conserved bacterial GTPase proteins, whose activities are currently poorly understood. The family comprises the following genes: era (bex), engA (der, yfgK), engB (yihA), engD (obg, yhcf), trmE (thdF), hflX, ftsY, obgE (ctgA, yhbZ), and ffh. However, there may be redundancy or some overlapping of activities within this family, as some bacteria do not appear to have all of them (they generally have between 5 to 8 members). I have already cloned a number of these genes from Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus (opportunistic pathogens), vibrio cholerae (the causative agent of cholera) and E. coli (a model bacterium, that is sometimes pathogenic). For this proposal, I plan to investigate their NTPase (nucleotide and deoxynucleotide triphosphatase) activities, specifically regarding its stimulation upon RNA or DNA binding. I will also try to identify interacting protein species within the cell, using a TAP tag. If the NTPase activity is high enough, then it may be possible to design assays amenable to high throughput inhibitor screening. Until recently, it was thought that all organisms synthesized isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl pyrophosphate (DMAPP), key metabolites in isoprenoid biosynthesis, via the same route: the mevalonate pathway. However, less than 10 years ago, several researchers showed that in most bacteria, some parasites, and in the chloroplasts of plants, that this was not the case. Subsequently the 7-step methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway was gradually elucidated. As the synthesis of IPP and DMAPP is essential in all organisms, this makes the MEP pathway an excellent target for the development of selective antibiotic, anti-parasitic or herbicidal agents. The first 5 steps of the MEP pathway are well understood, but the mechanisms of the last two steps, catalyzed by the GcpE and LytB proteins respectively, remain to be fully established. Both of these enzymes require auxiliary redox proteins for activity. Working in collaboration with a research team in France, I plan to identify these redox proteins in E.coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. I plan to use my recently developed TAP tag to do this. The French collaborators will work on other aspects of the chemical processes. The three areas of research described above will all utilize similar methodology, reagents and equipment, and are thus partially overlapping. I will focus most of my initial efforts on characterizing the two putative mycobacterial phosphatases, but also envisage fairly rapid progress to be made in the two other areas.

Project Title:	Isoprenoid biosynthesis via the methylerythritoal phosphate (MEP) pathway: proteomic analysis and identification of targets for inhibition
Investigator(s):	Watt RM
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	France/Hong Kong Joint Research Scheme - Travel Grants
Start Date:	01/2007

Abstract:

1. Identify the protein complexes (specifically, the accessory redox proteins) that are involved in the final two steps of the essential methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) biosynthetic pathway in a number of plant and medically-important bacterial species. 2. Compare and contrast experimental results with literature data. Thoroughly investigate any potential differences that may exist in the nature of the putative accessary protein complexes used in the various plant and bacterial species (i.e. are there different mechanisms for protein reduction/oxidation?). 3.Evaluate overall project findings, and formulate strategies for future research directions. Identify candidate proteins as possible targets for inhibition, with a view to the development of potential biocide (antibacterial, herbicide) agents.

List of Research Outputs

Ge R., Sun X., Gu Q., Watt R.M., Tanner J.A., Wong B.C.Y., Xia H.H., Huang J., He Q. and Sun H., A Proteomic Approach for Identification of Bismuth-binding Proteins in Helicobacter pylori., Journal of Biological Inorganic Chemistry. 2007, 12: 831-842.

Ge R., Zhang Y., Sun X., Watt R.M., He Q., Huang J., Wilcox D.E. and Sun H., Thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of metal binding to the histidine-rich protein, Hpn, Journal of the American Chemical Society. 2006, 128: 11330-11331.

Huen M.S.Y., Li X., Lu L., Watt R.M., Liu D. and Huang J., The involvement of replication in single stranded oligonucleotide-mediated gene repair., Nucleic Acids Research. 2006, 34(21): 6183-6194.

Watt R.M., Wang J., Leong M.K., Kung H.F., Cheah K.S.E., Liu D., Danchin A.L.M. and Huang J., Visualizing the proteome of Escherichia coli: an efficient and versatile method for labeling chromosomal coding DNA sequences (CDSs) with fluorescent protein genes., Nucleic Acids Research. 2007, 35(6): 1-11.

Researcher : Wong CW

List of Research Outputs

Fung Y.S. and Wong C.W., Determination of Sulphate in Water by Flow-injection Analysis with Electrode-separated Piezolelectric Quartz Crystal Sensor, Proceedings of 11th International Meeting on Chemical Sensor (IMCS 11), Brescia, Italy, July 16-19, 2006. 2pp.

Researcher : Wong ELM

List of Research Outputs

Che C.M., Sun R.W.Y. and Wong E.L.M., Pharmaceutical Composition having a Ruthenium Oxalato Compound and Method of using the same. U.S. Patent, US11/256,175., 2007.

Researcher : Wong HL

List of Research Outputs

Wong H.L., Mak S.K., Chan W.K. and Djurisic A., Efficient photovoltaic cells with wide photosensitization range fabricated from rhenium benzathiazole complexes, Applied Physics Letters. New York, American Institute of Physics, 2007, 90: 081107: 1-3.

Wong H.L., Synthesis and Photoconducting Properties of Sublimable Rhenium Diimine Complexes (PhD Thesis). 2007.

Wong H.L., Mak S.K., Leung Q.Y., Chan W.K. and Djurisic A., Use of Sublimable Rhenium Diimine Complexes as Photosensitizers in Bulk Heterojunction Photovoltaic Devices, The 7th International Symposium on Advanced Organic Photonics, Angers, France, June 13-15, 2007.

Researcher : Wong JKY

Project Title:	Luminescent benzylic amide macrocycle-based metal complexes with potential sensing capabilities
Investigator(s):	Wong JKY, Yam VWW
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2004

Abstract:

To synthesise macrocycle-containing metal complexes; to add guest and test the benzylic amide macrocycle-based metal complexes as luminescent sensors.

List of Research Outputs

Researcher : Wong KL

List of Research Outputs

Wong K.L., Synthesis, Characterization, and Photophysical Studies of Organic-lanthanide Complexes . 2006.

Researcher : Wong KW

List of Research Outputs

Wong K.W., The Molecular Mechanism of Mitotic Arrest Induced by a Novel Diterpenoid Pseudolaric Acid B and a Novel Gene Encoding RNA-Binding Protein 22 (PhD Thesis) . 2006.

Researcher : Wong LH

List of Research Outputs

Zhao Y., Ma C.C., Wong L.H., Chen G., Xu Z.P., Zheng Q.S. and Chwang A.T.Y., Quasi-Reversible Energy Flows in Carbon-Nanotube-Based Oscillation, Journal Computational Theoretical Nanoscience. 2006, 3, 852: 852.

Researcher : Wong MC

Project Title:	Design and Synthesis of Luminescent Organoplatinum(II) Terpyridyl Complexes with Donor and/or Acceptor Pendants
Investigator(s):	Wong MC
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	02/2006

Abstract:

The study of transition metal σ-bonded alkynyl complexes has grown rapidly due to their technological potentials that may differ from those of conventional organic counterparts. Although there are numerous reports on the synthesis, structure and bonding, and studies of electronic communication between metal centres through the π-conjugated oligo-alkynyl bridges by electrochemical techniques, relatively less attention was focused on the exploration and exploitation of their spectroscopic properties, such as their electronic absorption and luminescence behaviours. By introduction of the linear alkynyl group with the unique properties of having good σ-donor, π-acceptor and π-donor abilities into luminescent transition metal complexes, fine-tuning and perturbation of emission behaviours, in the sense of energy, emission intensity and lifetime could be envisaged. There has been a growing interest in the study of photoinduced charge separation and photoinduced electron and/or energy transfer processes in a multicomponent system, [A]-[C]-[D], consisting of a photoactive centre (C), a donor (D) and an acceptor (A), due to their potential applications in molecular electronics, solar cells (artificial photosynthesis) and luminescence chemosensors. In such system, the complex usually displays an intense absorption band attributed to the charge transfer (CT) transition. Moreover, a charge separated species, [A-]-[C]-[D+], could be generated upon absorption of a photon followed by a photoinduced electron transfer process. The synthesis of these molecules for photoinduced charge separation is often challenging because of the multistep procedures that are involved in their construction and purification. The use of organic molecules as fluorescent chemosensors have also been well-developed, however, the advantages over them, such as long luminescence lifetime, lower excitation wavelength, low interference level and higher stability, have led to a great interest in the utilization of transition metal complexes as luminescence chemosensor. Apart from ruthenium(II) and rhenium(I) polypyridyl complexes with triplet dπ(M)→π*(polypyridyl) metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) excited states which show rich photophysical behaviour, the platinum(II) terpyridyl complexes, [Pt(trpy)L]n+ (n = 1 or 2; trpy = terpyridyl ligand; L = anionic or neutral ligand), have also been extensively studied and shown to exhibit rich luminescence attributed to triplet MLCT excited state. In order to improve the luminescence behaviours, such as the enhancement of luminescence quantum yields and elongation of excited state lifetimes, destabilization of the triplet d-d excited state and/or stabilization of the triplet MLCT state are anticipated to serve this purpose. The first series of platinum(II) terpyridyl alkynyl complexes, [Pt(trpy)(C≡CR)]X, have been reported by Yam et al through the incorporation of alkynyl moieties into the platinum(II) terpyridyl system. Unlike the chloro- counterpart, [Pt(trpy)Cl]X, these complexes were found to exhibit luminescence even in the fluid solution at room temperature, demonstrating the importance of introducing the strongly σ-donating alkynyl in enriching their luminescence properties. Another strategy for the improvement of the luminescence properties of platinum(II) terpyridyl systems is to modify the substituents on the terpyridine to bring about: (i) the stabilization of the luminescent triplet MLCT state or (ii) incorporation of intra-ligand character into the excited state. By the combination of the substituent effects on the terpyridine ligand and the incorporation of alkynyl moiety into platinum(II) terpyridyl system, it is envisaged that modification of the terpyridyl and alkynyl moiety would perturb the triplet MLCT excited state. In view of this, togethr with their high stability and straightforward synthetic accessibility, platinum(II) terpyridyl alkynyl complexes would be an ideal candidate for the construction of multicomponent system, [A]-[C]-[D], for the study of the charge separation and the platinum(II) metal centre can act as the component [C] mediating the electron and/or energy transfer processses, while the other components [A] and [D] could be the terpyridyl or alkynyl ligands. Thus an objective of this project is to design and synthesize different terpyridyl chelator and alkynyl ligands with various electron-donating/withdrawing substituents for the modification of their π- and π*-energy levels, and to coordinate them to the platinum(II) metal centre to form the corresponding mononuclear platinum(II) terpyridyl alkynyl complexes. Their electronic absorption, luminescence as well as electrochemical properties would be studied. By a suitable choice of various donor and acceptor groups on the terpyridyl and alkynyl ligands of such platinum(II) complexes, such as a donor group on the alkynyl ligand and an acceptor group on the terpyridyl chelator, charge transfer from such an donor-acceptor system as well as electron and/or energy transfer processes with the involvment of the platinum(II) metal centre and charge separation are anticipated. Since the electron richness of the amino group is readily varied upon protonation or reaction of other reactive species, the electronic absorption as well as luminescence behaviour of such donor-acceptor system would be perturbed. In light of this concept, the proposed mononuclear platinum(II) terpyridyl alkynyl complexes with an amino donor group could also be utilized as luminescence chemosensors.

Project Title:	Photoluminescence and Electroluminescence Properties of Alkynyl Rhenium(I) Diimine Complexes
Investigator(s):	Wong MC
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	04/2007

Abstract:

The first report on the photophysical properties of rhenium(I) tricarbonyl diimine complex, [Re(CO)3(phen)Cl], was described by Wrighton et al. and the luminescent metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) excited state assignment was proposed. Later on, numerous studies on the luminescence properties of related rhenium(I) tricarbonyl diimine complexes, including derivatives of the chlororhenium(I) tricarbonyl diimine complexes such as those obtained by the replacement of the chloro ligand with pyridine, phosphine, nitrile or isonitrile ligands, have been reported. It is anticipated that incorporation of strong σ-donating alkynyl ligands would raise the energy of the d-d states of the rhenium(I) centre and thereby improve the population of the MLCT state. The synthesis and photophysical properties of luminescent alkynyl rhenium(I) tricarbonyl diimine complexes, [Re(CO)3(diimine)(C≡CR)], were first reported by Yam et al. in the 1990's. The origin of such luminescence has been ascribed to a triplet MLCT [dπ(Re) → π*(N-N)] excited state, probably with some mixing of a [π(C≡C) → π*(N-N)] ligand to-ligand charge transfer (LLCT) character taking into consideration the relatively high-lying filled π(C≡C) orbital energy. The luminescence energies have been found to be dependent on the nature of both the diimine and the alkynyl ligands.The huge demand of flat panel displays in the commercial market has attracted considerable research in the development of organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs), which is one of the most important candidates of potential flat panel displays for commercialization due to the advantages of robustness, ease of fabrication and color tuning, wide viewing angle, high brightness and contrast ratios, low turn-on voltages and low energy consumption. Efficient electroluminescence (EL) from organic films at low voltages was first reported in 1987. Since then, a variety of EL materials have been synthesised, and various techniques for device fabrication have been optimized. There have been significant improvements in OLED efficiencies by using phosphorescent materials to generate light emission from both singlet and triplet excitons, particularly for small molecule OLEDs, in which triplet excitons are efficiently harvested through the incorporation of heavy metal centres that would increase spin-orbit coupling and hence intersystem crossing into the triplet state. Therefore, employment of transition metal complexes as the emissive layer or as phosphorescent dopants in OLEDs has become one of the important subjects in recent years in order to demonstrate excellent electroluminescence properties and potential advantages of achieving a maximum internal quantum efficiency of 100%. Despite recent interest in the exploration of electrophosphorescent materials, in particular metal complexes with heavy metal centers, most of the works are focused on those of iridium(III), platinum(II) and ruthenium(II) with other metal centers relatively less extensively explored. Although the electroluminescence behaviours of a few rhenium(I) tricarbonyl diimine complexes have been explored recently, the related studies of luminescent alkynyl rhenium(I) system are totally unexplored. On the other hand, many carbazole/amino derivatives are well known to transport predominantly positive charge carriers as hole-transporting (HT) compounds, while aromatic oxadiazole is known to be a good candidate as electron-transport (ET) or hole-blocking material. Integration of HT and ET components into such luminescent rhenium(I) tricarbonyl diimine system is anticipated to give rise to systems with more efficient charge transport and improved charge balance between the holes and electrons in the electroluminescence process. Introduction of strong σ-donating ligand into rhenium(I) tricarbonyl diimine compounds is envisaged not only to enhance the luminescence properties but also to provide a versatile synthetic methodology for the construction of multicomponent phosphorescence materials. In view of the MLCT/LLCT luminescence origin of the alkynyl rhenium(I) tricarbonyl diimine system, the incorporation of ET and HT components into the diimine and alkynyl moieties, respectively, would be a judicious choice to enhance the electroluminescence behaviours through the improvement of charge transport and balance. Moreover, fabrication of single layer OLEDs is anticipated by the ultilization of such multicomponent rhenium(I) complexes functioning as the emissive, HT and ET materials at the same time. Thus the objectives of this project are: (1) to design and synthesize different diimine and alkynyl ligands tethered with aromatic oxadiazole and carbazole/amino substituents, respectively, for the ET and HT functions, and to coordinate them into the rhenium(I) metal centre to form the corresponding alkynyl rhenium(I) tricarbonyl diimine complexes; and (2) to study in addition to their electronic absorption and photoluminescence properties, the corresponding electroluminescence behaviours, such as luminance, turn-on voltage, luminous power efficiency and external quantum efficiency, in order to correlate with the variation of diimine and alkynyl ligands.

List of Research Outputs

Lee K.W., Ko C.C., Wong M.C., Zhu N. and Yam V.W.W., A Photochromic Platinum(II) Bis(alkynyl) Complex Containing a Versatile 5,6-Dithienyl-1,10-phenanthroline , Organometallics. 2007, 26: 12-15.

Lo H.S., Yip S.K., Wong M.C., Zhu N. and Yam V.W.W., Selective Luminescence Chemosensing of Potassium Ions Based on a Novel Platinum(II) Alkynylcalix[4]crown-5 Complex , Organometallics. 2006, 25: 3537-3540.

Tam Y.Y., Wong M.C., Wang G. and Yam V.W.W., Luminescent Metallogels of Platinum(II) Terpyridyl Complexes: Interplay of Metal^.Metal, p-p and Hydrophobic-hydrophobic Interactions on Gel Formation , Chemical Communications. 2007, 2028-2030.

Wong M.C., Hung L.L., Lam S.W.H., Zhu N. and Yam V.W.W., A Class of Luminescent Cyclometalated Alkynylgold(III) Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization, and Electrochemical, Photophysical, and Computational Studies of [Au(C^N^C)CºC-R] (C^N^C = k³C,N,C Bis-cyclometalated 2,6-Diphenylpyridyl) , Journal of the American Chemical Society. 2007, 129: 4350-4365.

Wong M.C. and Yam V.W.W., Luminescence Platinum(II) Terpyridyl Complexes - From Fundamental Studies to Sensory Functions , Coordination Chemistry Reviews . 2007, 251: 2477-2488.

Wong M.C., Zhu N. and Yam V.W.W., Unprecedented Formation of an Acetamidate-bridged Dinuclear Platinum(II) Terpyridyl Complex - Correlation of Luminescence Properties With the Crystal forms and Dimerization Studies in Solution , Chemical Communications. 2006, 3441-3443.

Yam V.W.W., Chan H.Y., Wong M.C. and Chu B.W.K., Luminescent Dinuclear Platinum (II) Terpyridine Complexes with a Flexible Bridge and : Stick Ends" , Angewandte Chemie International Edition. 2006, 45: 6169-6173.

Yu C., Chan H.Y., Wong M.C. and Yam V.W.W., Single-stranded Nucleic Acid-induced Helical Self-assembly of Alkynylpatinum(II) Terpyridyl Complexes , Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America . 2007, 103: 19652-19657.

Researcher : Wong MK

Project Title:	Selective Ligation of Cysteine-Containing Proteins by Alkynes in Aqueous Medium
Investigator(s):	Wong MK, Che CM
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	04/2007

Abstract:

Selective ligation of cysteine is one of the most important strategies in protein bioconjugation and is of significance in construction of small molecule-protein bioconjugates, positional proteomics studies and fabrication of peptide and protein microarrays. Cysteine is a strong nucleophile in proteins and is commonly used as the site for chemical ligation. Owing to its high reactivity, methods have been deveploped for artificial incorporation of cysteine into defined positions of proteins for conjugation. Traditionally, cysteine can be modifed via nucleophilic additions (e.g. using N-alkylmaleimides) and displacement reactions (e.g. using haloalkyl compounds) with the cysteine thiolate anion as the nucleophile. However, it remains a challenge to selectively modify the cysteine sulfhydryl group of proteins with other nucleophilic side chain residues of histidine, methionine, lysine, and tyrosine remaining intact especially at high pH. Recently, we have found that electron-deficient alkynes are efficient electrophiles for selective modification of cysteine sulfhydryl groups via nucleophilic addition in high yields in aqueous medium at room temperature. In addition, the electron-deficient alkynes are effective for site-selective modification of unprotected peptides in aqueous medium. LC-MS/MS analysis confirmed that the cysteine sulfhydryl groups of peptides STSSSCNLSK and AYEMWCFHQK were exclusively modified with the side chains of histidine, methionine, lysine, and tyrosine remaining intact. To the best of our knowledge, the present method is the first example using alkynes for selective ligation of native peptides. With the promising findings, we plan to (1) expand the scope of the alkyne-cysteine conjugation reaction in selective modification of peptides and proteins, (2) design and synthesize alkyne-linked fluorescent probes for live cell imaging, and (3) apply the alkyne-based molecular probes for proteomic studies of caspases in apoptotic cells.

List of Research Outputs

Chan W.K., Ho C.M., Wong M.K. and Che C.M., Oxidative amide synthesis and N-terminal alpha-amino group ligation of peptides in aqueous medium, Journal of the American Chemical Society. USA, AMER CHEMICAL SOC, 2006, 128: 14796.

Wang M., Xu H., Liu Y., Wong M.K. and Che C.M., Stereoselective Synthesis of Multifunctionalized 1,2,4-Triazolidines by a Ruthenium Porphyrin-Catalyzed Three-Component Coupling Reaction, Advanced Synthesis & Catalysis. GERMANY, WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH, 2006, 16-17: 2391.

Researcher : Wong MY

List of Research Outputs

Wong M.Y., Cavity Ringdown Spectroscopy of Diatomic Molecules (MPhil Thesis) . 2007.

Ye J., Pang H.F., Wong M.Y., Leung W.H. and Cheung A.S.C., Laser Spectroscopy of Iridium Mouoboride, International Symposium on Molecular Spectroscopy, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A., June 18-22, 2007.

Researcher : Wong SY

List of Research Outputs

Wong S.Y., Study of Anti-Cancer and Anti-viral Activities of Lanthanide and Vanadium Complexes (PhD Thesis) . 2006.

Researcher : Wong WT

Project Title:	Coordination polymers of transition metals and lanthanide metals
Investigator(s):	Wong WT
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2003

Abstract:

To establish new synthetic routes to metal coordination polymers; to investigate the 3-D structures of these new metal containing polymers; to study the small molecule inclusion properties of these materials.

Project Title:	High nuclearity mixed-metal clusters and bimetallic nanoparticles of palladium and osmium
Investigator(s):	Wong WT
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	12/2003
Completion Date:	11/2006

Abstract:

To establish new synthetic routes to high nuclearity palladium and osmium carbonyl clusters; to determine their physical and chemical properties; to develop methods for the preparing of bimetallic nanoparticles on solid supports from these metal cluster precursors; to examine the potential applications of the bimetallic nanoparticles in catalysis.

Project Title:	Relaxometric and stability studies of binuclear gadolinium complexes of cyclic polyaminocarboxylate ligands
Investigator(s):	Wong WT
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Central Allocation Vote - General Award
Start Date:	03/2004

Abstract:

This project aims at developing new binuclear gadolinium (Gd) complexes with high water proton relaxivity, good thermodynamic stability, and high in vivo specificity.

Project Title:	Gadolinium Complexes of Functionalised Tetraazacyclodedecane Ligands: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast agents
Investigator(s):	Wong WT
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	09/2004

Abstract:

To design and prepare new gadolinium (Gd) complexes containing functionalised tetraazacyclodedecane (cyclen) ligands; to study their structures in both the solid-state and in solution; to investigate the relaxivity and thermodynamic stability of these new Gd complexes in water; to carry out in vivo magnetic resonance imaging using these Gd complexes on rats; to evaluate the potential applications of these new complexes as contrast enhancing agents in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Project Title:	Synthesis and properties of lanthanide polyamido complexes
Investigator(s):	Wong WT
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2004

Abstract:

To establish new synthetic methods to lanthanide complexes containing amido ligands; to characterize these new compounds by spectroscopic and crystallographic methods; to investigate the chemical and photochemical properties of these new materials.

Project Title:	Novel gadolinium bis(amide)tricarboxylate complexes as contrast agents in hepatobiliary magnetic resonance imaging
Investigator(s):	Wong WT, Khong PL, Botta M
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	07/2005

Abstract:

To design and prepare new types of gadolinium (Gd) complexes containing functionalised bis(amide)tricarboxylate ligands; to investigate the relaxivity and thermodynamic stability of these new Gd complexes in water; to study the toxicity of these metal complexes; to evaluate the potential of using these Gd complexes as liver specific contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Project Title:	Lanthanide-based Luminescent Materials
Investigator(s):	Wong WT
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	07/2006

Abstract:

Objectives: 1. Design and synthesise new lanthanide complexes containing polyamide ligands 2. Study the structural properties of these new complexes in both solution and the solid-state 3. Study their luminescent properties such as photo-upconversion

Project Title:	Lanthanide polyamide complexes for upconversion materials
Investigator(s):	Wong WT
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	03/2007

Abstract:

There has been significant interest in the nonlinear luminescence from organic-lanthanide complexes owing to their potential applications in three-dimensional fluorescence imaging, optical data storage, lithographic microfabrication, and laser device fabrication. Multiphoton (e.g. indirect three-photon) processes allow the excitation of fluorophores in a lower energy spectral region - this is useful for optical communications (such as three-dimensional data storage) and is particularly important for imaging and therapy as longer wavelength radiation is less harmful to the body's tissues and cells and allows efficient penetration with less damage. Multiphoton excitation allows molecules that typically absorb in the ultraviolet region to be excited with red or near-infrared light. The photoluminescence processes from organic-lanthanide complexes are usually induced by an organic chromophoric ligand that absorbs light and transfers this excitation energy to the lanthanide ion. A number of complexes of lanthanide (Ln) ions with organic chromophores have been synthesized and their two-photon absorption induced f-f photophysical properties investigated. Complexes of EuIII, TbIII, DyIII, ErIII, NdIII, SmIII, and YbIII ions with fluorescent chelators, and complexes of EuIII and TbIII ions with nucleic acids and proteins have been reported. Until now, only a few multi-photon absorption and nonlinear processes have been observed owing to the limitations of experimental measurements, but with recent advances in technology experimentation has coalesced with theory to allow direct three-photon excitation. Stimulated emission following direct three-photon excitation has only been observed for one organic chromophore, and reports of three-photon up-conversion processes from organic-lanthanide complexes are very scarce. In this project, we will develop some synthetic routes to lanthanide complexes that show a direct multi-photon absorption induced f-f emission and nonlinear process in organic-lanthanide complexes (Ln=Eu, Gd and Tb) upon excitation at 650 nm to 1600 nm (Infra-red region). Objectives: 1. Synthesis of lanthanide complexes containing polyamide ligands 2. Study the luminescent behavior of these new compounds 3. Investigate the non-linear optical behavior of these new compounds in the solid state 4. Examine their thermal and chemical stability

List of Research Outputs

Amoroso A.J., Johnson B.F.G., Lewis J., LI C.K., De Arellano M.C.R., Raithby P.R., Shields G.P. and Wong W.T., Synthesis and Characterisation of the Carboxylate Linked Osmium Clusters [{Os₃H(CO)₁₀}₂,(CO₂CH₂CO₂)], [{Os₃H(CO)₁₀}₂(CO₂C₂H₄CO₂)], [{Os₃H(CO)₁₀}₂(C₄O₄] and [{Os₃H(CO)₁₀}₂](C₄O₄){Co₂(CO)₆}], Inorganica Chimica Acta . 2006, 359: 3589-3595.

Bernini A., Spiga O., Venditti V., Prischi F., Braccl L., Tong P.L., Wong W.T. and Niccola N., NMR Studies of Lysozyme Surface Accessibility by Using Different Paramagnetic Relaxation Probes , Journal of the American Chemical Society. 2006, 128: 9290-9291.

Ghammamy S., Baghy M.R., Wong W.T., Mehrani K. and Maleki S., Synthesis, Characterization, X-ray Structural Analysis and Study of Oxidative Properties of Propyltriphenylphosphonium Bromochromate , Transition Metal Chemistry . 2007, 32 (2): 257-261.

Gu Y. and Wong W.T., Electro-oxidation of Methanol on Pt Particles Dispered on RuO₂ Nanorods , Journal of the Electrochemical Society . 2006, 153: A1714-A1718.

Gu Y. and Wong W.T., Nanostructure PtRu/MWNTs as Anode Catalysts Prepared in a Vacuum for Direct Methanol Oxidation , Langmuir . 2006, 22: 11447-11452.

Gu Y. and Wong W.T., Synthesis and Characterization of Hyperbranched RuO2 Nanostructures , Journal of Cluster Science. 2006, 17: 517-525.

Kwong H.L., Yeung H.L., Lee W.S. and Wong W.T., Stereoselective Formation of a Single-stranded Helicate: Structure of a Bis (Palladium-allyl) Quaterpyridine Complex and its use in Catalytic Enantioselective Allylic Substitution , Chemical Communications. 2006, 46: 4841-4843.

Lau P.K.J. and Wong W.T., Synthesis of [{Os₃(CO)₁₀(m₂-H)}₂{m₂,m₂-NC₆H₄C₆H₄N}]and [{Os₃(CO)₉(m₂-H)PPh₃}₂(m₂, m₂-NC₆H₄N}]: Carbon-Carbon Bond Formation Promoted by Organorhodium Species , Inorganica Chimica Acta. 2006, 359: 3632-3638.

Teng P.F., Tsang C.S., Yeung H.L., Wong W.L., Wong W.T. and Kwong H.L., Syntheses of C₁Symmetric Bidentate Ligands having Pyridyl and 1,3-Thiazolyl, 1-Methylimidazolyl or Pyrazinyl Donor Groups for Enantioselective Palladium-catalyzed Allylic Substitution and Copper-catalyzed Cyclopropanation , Journal of Organometallic Chemistry. 2006, 691: 5664-5672.

Wong W.T., Co-Editor of Acta Crystallographica Section E (2006-2007), International Union of Crystallography . 2006.

Wong W.T., Heterometallic Iron-containing Compounds, In: D. Michael P. Mingos, Robert H. Crabtree, Michael Bruce, Comprehensive Organometallic Chemistry III. Oxford, U.K., Elsevier, 2006, 6: 319-350.

Wong W.T., Heterometallic Ru/Os-containing Compounds, In: D. Michael P. Mingos, Robert H. Crabtree, Michael Bruce, Comprehensive Organometallic Chemistry III. Oxford, U.K., Elsevier, 2006, 6: 1045-1116.

Wong W.T., Member of Editorial Board (2006-2007) , Current Chemical Biology, Bentham Science Publishers. 2006.

Wong W.T., Member of Editorial Board (2006-2007), European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry, VCH-Wiley. 2006.

Wong W.T., Member of Editorial Board (2006-2007), Journal of Cluster Science, Plenum Publishing. 2006.

Wong W.T. and Chan K.W.Y., Optimized Relaxivity and Specificity Hepatobillary MRI Contrast Agent, Patent Publication No. US 2007/0116648 A1 - United States Patent & Trademark Office). 2007.

Yao Y.M., Shen Q. and Wong W.T., Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Ianthanide Coordination Polymers Constructed from a 13-Membered Macrocycle , Chinese Science Bulletin . 2007, 52: 467-470.

Yeung W.F., Lau T.C., Wang X.Y., Gao S., Sze-To L. and Wong W.T., 2D Ln^IIIRu^III₂Compounds Constructed from trans-[Ru(acac)₂(CN)₂]^-. Syntheses, Structures, and Magnetic Properties, Inorganic Chemistry. 2006, 45: 6756-6760.

Yung K.F. and Wong W.T., Synthesis and Catalytic Studies of Uniform Os & Os-Pd Nanoparticles Supported on MWNTs, Journal of Cluster Science. 2007, 18 (1): 51-65.

Researcher : Xiang H

Project Title:	Surface Modification of Zinc Oxide Core-Shell Dendron Nanoparticles with Porphyrin Dyes
Investigator(s):	Xiang H, Lai PT, Che CM
Department:	Electrical & Electronic Engg
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	09/2006

Abstract:

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles or nanocrystals with its wide band gap (3.4 eV) and large exciton binding energy (60 meV) have been of particular interest for catalysts, sensors and optoelectronic devices. Since the luminescence characteristics of ZnO quantum dots are size-dependent, the size control is very important. The strategy to control the particle sizes is to modify the surface of ZnO nanoparticles by encapsulating an organic capping agent on the nanoparticle surfaces such as alkylthiols, polymer micelles, or using coordinating solvent such as dimethyl sulfoxide, N,N-dimethylformamide and tri-n-octylphosphine oxide. Many research groups have focused on the superior optoelectronic properties of quantum-sized organic-inorganic nanocomposites. The hybrid nanocomposites with functional organic caps or dendron not only prevent aggregation of the quantum dots but also possess advantages of the organic cap or dendron.

List of Research Outputs

Che C.M., Xiang H. and Xu Z., Applied Physics Letters, American Institute of Physics. AIP, 2007, 90: 3509.

Xiang H., Xu Z., Vellaisamy A.L.R., Che C.M. and Lai P.T., Method for Measurement of the Density of Thin Films of Small Organic Molecules , Review of Scientific Instruments . 2007, 78: 034104-1 - 034104-5.

Xu Z., Vellaisamy A.L.R., Stallinga P., Muccini M., Toffanin S., Xiang H. and Che C.M., Nanocompostie Field Effect Transistors Based on Zinc Oxide / Polymer Blends , Applied Physics Letters. 2007, 90: 223509-1 - 223509-3.

Researcher : Xie J

List of Research Outputs

Huang J.S., Yu G., Xie J., Zhu N. and Che C.M., One-Pot Synthesis of Metal Primary Phosphine Complexes from O=PCl₂R. Isolation and Characterization of Primary Alkyphosphine Complexes of a Metalloporphyrin , Inorganic Chemistry. 2006, 45: 5724-5726.

Researcher : Xu Z

List of Research Outputs

Che C.M., Xiang H. and Xu Z., Applied Physics Letters, American Institute of Physics. AIP, 2007, 90: 3509.

Xiang H., Xu Z., Vellaisamy A.L.R., Che C.M. and Lai P.T., Method for Measurement of the Density of Thin Films of Small Organic Molecules , Review of Scientific Instruments . 2007, 78: 034104-1 - 034104-5.

Xu Z., Vellaisamy A.L.R., Stallinga P., Muccini M., Toffanin S., Xiang H. and Che C.M., Nanocompostie Field Effect Transistors Based on Zinc Oxide / Polymer Blends , Applied Physics Letters. 2007, 90: 223509-1 - 223509-3.

Researcher : Xu Z

List of Research Outputs

Che C.M., Xiang H. and Xu Z., Applied Physics Letters, American Institute of Physics. AIP, 2007, 90: 3509.

Researcher : Xue J

List of Research Outputs

Xue J., Guo Z., Chan P.Y., Chu L.M., But Y.S. and Phillips D.L., Time-resolved Resonance Raman Study Of The Reaction Of The 2-fluorebylnitrenium Ion With 2-fluroenylazide , Journal of Physical Chemistry A. 2007, 111: 1441-1451.

Researcher : Yam CY

List of Research Outputs

Wang F., Yam C.Y., Chen G. and Fan K.N., Density matrix based time-dependent density functional theory and the solution of its linear response in real time domain, Journal Chemical Physics. 2007, 126: 134104.

Wang F., Yam C.Y. and Chen G., Time-dependent Density-functional Theory / Localized Density matrix Method for Dynamic Hyperpolarizability , Journal of Chemical Physics. 2007, 126: 244102-1 - 244102-10.

Yam C.Y., Zheng X. and Chen G., Some Recent Progresses in Density-Functional Theory: Efficiency, Accuracy, and Applicability , Journal of Comptutional and Theoretical Nanoscience . 2006, 3: 857-863.

Zheng J., Zheng X., Zhao Y., Xie Y., Yam C.Y., Chen G., Jiang Q. and Chwang A.T.Y., Maxwell's Demon and Smoluchowskis Trap Door, Physical Review E. 2007, 75: 041109-1 - 041109-6.

Zheng X., Wang F., Yam C.Y., Mo Y. and Chen G., Time-Dependent Density-functional Theory for Open Systems, Physical Review B. 2007, 75: 195217-1 - 195217-16.

Researcher : Yam VWW

Project Title:	Synthesis and aggregation studies of Platinum(II) complexes in various media and environments
Investigator(s):	Yam VWW
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	08/2003

Abstract:

To design, synthesize, and characterize various tridentate organic ligands; to incorporate the newly synthesized ligands into platinum metal centres and to characterize the metal complexes formed; to investigate the spectroscopic, electronic absorption, emission, and electrochemical properties of these platinum (II) complexes; to study the aggregation behaviour of these complexes in various solvent environments and microenvironments and to investigate the effects of environments on the electronic absorption and emission properties of these metal complexes; to explore and assess their potential for application as reporter of various environments.

Project Title:	Design and Synthetic Strategies Towards Novel Classes of Photochromic Metal-Containing Compounds
Investigator(s):	Yam VWW
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	10/2004

Abstract:

To design, synthesize, and characterize various functionalized diarylethene ligands; to incorporate the newly synthesized ligands into selected metal centers and to characterize the metal complexes formed; to investigate the spectroscopic, electronic absorption, emission, and photochromic properties of the newly synthesized ligands and their metal complexes; to correlate their measured optical and photochromic properties as well as the thermal stabilities of their photocyclized forms with the electronic and structural aspects of the diarylethenes and the metal complexes.

Project Title:	Synthesis and Structure of Luminescent Redox-Active Carbon-Rich Mixed-Metal Complexes of Iron(II), Rhenium(I), and Platinum(II) -- From Molecules Towards Multi-Functional Molecular Devices
Investigator(s):	Yam VWW, Wong MC
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	France/Hong Kong Joint Research Scheme - Travel Grants
Start Date:	01/2005

Abstract:

To synthesis various luminescent redox-active carbon-rich mixed-metal complexes of iron(II), rhenium(I) and platinum(II); to characterize the newly synthesized mixed-metal complexes structurally and spectroscopically; to investigate their spectroscopic, electrochemical, and luminescent behaviour, and to fabricate luminescent redox-active molecular device; to study the electronic structures of these complexes by means of density functional theory method; and to correlate their physical properties with the results obtained from theoretical studies.

Project Title:	A proposal submitted to URC for seed funding under the research theme on organic optoelectronics
Investigator(s):	Yam VWW, Che CM, Lai PT, Xu SJ, Djurisic A, Chan WK
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding for Strategic Research Theme
Start Date:	05/2005

Abstract:

To identify and build on existing strengths and efforts of research in HKU a multiplinary collaborative research team towards developing world-cleass excellence in organic optoelectronics research through the integration of research expertise and efforts in chemistry, physics and engineering. To accelerate and foster interdisciplinary research between the fields of chemistry, physics, and engineering. To establish HKU as a leading research center in materials for organic optoelectronic applications through innovative materials design and identification of novel device applications towards developing an internationally eminent research center and to advocate world-class research in the areas at HKU.

Project Title:	Design and Synthetic Strategies Towards Novel Classes of Luminescent Gold Alkynyls
Investigator(s):	Yam VWW
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	08/2005

Abstract:

The main objectives of this project are: (1) To design, synthesize, and characterize various nitrogen donor-containing ligands and mono-, di-, and tri- alkynes (2) To incorporate the newly synthesized nitrogen donor-containing ligands into gold metal centre to give the chlorogold precursor complexes and to characterize the precursor metal complexes formed (3) To incorporate the alkynyl ligands into the gold precursor complexes to give the target gold(III) alkynyl complexes and to characterize them (4) To investigate the electronic absorption, luminescence and electrochemical properties of the chlorogold precursor complexes and target gold(III) alkynyl complexes (5) To correlate the optical and luminescence properties of this highly novel class of gold(III) alkynyl complexes with the electronic and structural aspects of the ligands and the complexes, and to explore their potential for applications as triplet organic light-emitting materials

Project Title:	Design and Synthesis of Novel Classes of Oligothiophene-Based Functional Materials
Investigator(s):	Yam VWW
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	02/2006
Completion Date:	01/2007

Abstract:

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the search for new advanced materials with unique properties for technological developments. One of the areas that is rapidly developing and is attracting a lot of attention is in the design and development of materials for use as organic optoelectronics and electronics. One particular area is in the search for new classes of organic and metal-organic compounds for organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) which is of immense current interest due to their relatively low cost and their potential applications in flexible large-area electronic devices such as displays and sensors. During the past decade, much attention have been focused on the study of a limited number of organic pi-conjugated molecules such as pentacene and sexithiophene as organic semiconductors for OFETs. For example, a-sexithiophene and its derivatives have been successfully employed as active components in organic field-effect transistors and light-emitting devices. Poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) has also been found to be amongst one of the first solution-processable organic semiconductors used for OFETs. P3HT films spun from a chloroform solution had mobilities in the range of 10-5 - 10-4 cm2V-1s-1. Despite these studies and growing interest in this area of research, most of the materials employed in these studies have been very limited and exploration into new classes of molecular materials with more diverse structures and varieties is rare. It is believed that an exploration into the design and synthesis of new classes of oligothiophene derivatives would represent a challenging area of research. Compared to pentacene, which is rigidly planar, oligothiophenes can easily twist from planarity, thus disrupting conjugation and potentially affecting band gap in the solid state. An intriguing approach for the design of conjugated small molecules would be to combine the stability of the thiophene ring with the planarity of linear acenes to produce thioacenes. Therefore the objective of this project is to design and synthesize new classes of organic oligothiophene and thioacene derivatives with interesting optical and electronic properties. Incorporation of various functional moieties into these oligothiophene and thioacene derivatives will also be made which may lead to other novel interesting properties. Introduction of various functional groups of different electronic properties will also be made to tune the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) levels of the materials to afford both p- and n-type organic semiconductors. Investigation of their functional properties will also be made. It is envisaged that with the appropriate design of the molecules with extended π-conjugation, novel classes of oligothiophene-based functional materials with interesting optical, electronic and functional properties could be obtained.

Project Title:	Carbon-rich metal-containing molecular and nano-scale functional materials
Investigator(s):	Yam VWW, Chan WK, Xu B, Cui X
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Central Allocation Vote - Group Research Project
Start Date:	03/2006

Abstract:

To assessmble a multi-disciplnary and multi-institutional collaborative research team towards developing world-class excellence in carbon-rich metal-containing molecular and nano-scale functional materials; to generate, through the synergism of innovative materials design and synthesis, physical characterization, new knowledge in the study of carbon-rich metal-containing molecular and nano-scale functional materials and their properties; to explore the potential of these carbon-rich mdtal-containing molecular and nano-scale functional materials in various functions and applications, such as luminescence, photoconductors, nonlinear optics, organogels, liquid crystals, and molecular wires and junctions; to promote the visibility of Hong Kong as a world-recognised area of excellence in carbon-rich metal-containing molecular and nano-scale functional materials research.

Project Title:	Design and synthesis of novel classes of luminescent transition metal complexes of functionalized imidazole and N-heterocyclic carbene ligands and their related imidazolium salts
Investigator(s):	Yam VWW
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	09/2006

Abstract:

(1) To design, synthesize, and characterize various functionalized imidazole-containing ligands and imidazolium salts, (2) To incorporate the newly synthesized imidazole-containing ligands into selected metal centres and to characterize the metal complexes formed, (3) To utilize the various functionalized imidazolium salts as precursors for the synthesis of functional N-heterocyclic carbene complexes of selected metals and to characterize them, (4) To investigate the electronic absorption, luminescence and functional properties of the newly synthesized imidazole-containing ligands and imidazolium salts and their metal complexes, (5) To correlate their optical, luminescence and functional properties with the electronic and structural aspects of the ligands, salts and complexes, and to explore their potential for applications as molecular functional materials. (6) Impact: There has been a growing interest in the rational design and synthesis of advanced materials with unique properties for technological developments. Despite numerous works on N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) and their metal complexes, most of the studies were focused on their structure and bonding, and their catalytic functions and reactivities, with the utilization of these classes of compounds, as well as their related imidazoles and their imidazolium salts, as novel materials for other functions much less explored. Although there have been some recent reports on the luminescence properties of metal carbenes and the liquid crystalline properties of metal complexes of imidazoles and imidazolium salts, the work is still rather limited and relatively underdeveloped and unexplored. Thus it is the aim of this project to design and synthesize novel classes of transition metal complexes of functionalized imidazole and NHC ligands and their related imidazolium salts, to study their functional properties, and to explore their potential as new classes of molecular functional materials. It is envisaged that with appropriate design and introduction of various functional groups into the imidazole ligands and imidazolium precursors, novel classes of transition metal complexes with interesting functional properties could be generated. We believe that the strong sigma-donating properties of the NHCs would give rise to metal complexes with rich luminescence properties, and an exploration into the luminescence behaviour, nonlinear optical (NLO) properties, and electronic communication and interaction of these imidazole-based systems would yield interesting and novel findings. (7) In addition, the metal NHCs with the strong metal-carbon bond, which unlike the metal phosphines, are believed to be less susceptible to photodissociation reactions. These, together with the less interfering ligand-centred chromophoric behaviour of the NHC moiety, would make them suitable candidates for the exploration of the photophysical and luminescence properties of their metal complexes. The present project should contribute not only to the basic understanding of the optical, luminescence and photochromic behaviour of the newly synthesized molecules and metal complexes, but also would represent a new research initiative and direction towards the design and discovery of new classes of metal-containing molecular materials capable of exhibiting rich functional properties.

Project Title:	Synthesis, aggregation and self-assembly of luminescent functional molecules - from solutions to polymers, ordered thin films, inorganic-organic hybrids, and supramolecular and nano-assemblies
Investigator(s):	Yam VWW, Wu LX, Wong MC, Shen JC
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	NSFC/RGC Joint Research Scheme
Start Date:	01/2007

Abstract:

To design, synthesize, and characterize various functionalized organic molecules, donor ligands, polymers and nanoparticles; to incorporate the newly synthesized donor ligands into selected metal centres and to characterize the metal complexes formed; to investigate the spectroscopic, electronic absorption and photoluminescence properties of the newly synthesized functionalized organic molecules, metal complexes, polymers and nanoparticles; to study the spectroscopic properties and the aggregation behaviour of these molecules and metal complexes in polymers, ordered thin films, inorganic-organic hybrids, and supramolecular and nano-assemblies; to explore their potential function as optically addressable and luminescence functional materials, switches and probes of micro-environmental and conformational changes.

Project Title:	Design and Synthesis of Novel Classes of Metallogels
Investigator(s):	Yam VWW
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	03/2007

Abstract:

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the search for new advanced nanostructured materials with unique properties for technological developments. One of the areas that is rapidly developing and is attracting a lot of attention recently is in the area of soft matters, which can have many different forms and great potential for a wide range of materials applications. One interesting class of soft matters that has attracted enormous attention is organogels, especially those in which the three-dimensional structural networks are based on the self-assembly of low molecular-mass organic gelators (LMOGs). Recent interest in supramolecular assembly via weak non-covalent interactions has also led to a growing interest in the study of low molecular weight organogels. On the contrary, metallogels were relatively less explored. Despite recent growing interest in the development of low molecular-weight organogels, most of the works have been directed towards the utilization of noncovalent van der Waals’ forces, π-π stacking and hydrogen bonding interactions as the driving force for gelation. Moreover, despite these studies and growing interest in this area of research, most of the materials employed in these studies have been very limited and exploration into new classes of molecular materials with more diverse structures and varieties is rare. Recently, there has been a growing interest in the study of metallogel, owing to the rich spectroscopic and luminescence properties exhibited by a variety of transition metal complexes. Despite the recent interest in metallophilicity and its utilization in directing supramolecular assembly, corresponding studies in the exploration of metal-metal interactions for metallogel formation are rare. In view of the propensity of the platinum(II) terpyridyl system to form Pt∙∙∙Pt and π-π stacking interactions, it is anticipated that such interactions may provide an additional driving force for the gelation process and hence improve the stability of the metallogel. Moreover, the interesting photophysical properties of the platinum(II) terpyridyl system may give rise to interesting changes in the spectroscopic and luminescence behavior during the sol-gel transition and serve as a reporter for changes in the microenvironment. These, together with our interest in metal-metal and π-π stacking interactions, have prompted us to explore the utilization of the platinum(II) terpyridyl system and other related platinum(II) systems in metallogel synthesis. It is believed that an exploration into the design and synthesis of new classes of metallogels would represent a challenging area of research. Therefore the objective of this project is to design and synthesize new classes of metallogels based on functionalization of the platinum(II) system, which are expected to show interesting optical and and gelation properties. Variation of the electronic and steric properties of the ligands will also be made to tune the stability and gelation properties of these metallogels. Investigation of their gelation and photophysical properties and their structure-property relationships will also be made. It is envisaged that with the appropriate design and judicious choice of the ligands and the metal complexes, novel classes of metallogels with interesting optical and gelation properties could be obtained.

List of Research Outputs

Chu B.W.K. and Yam V.W.W., Sensitive Single-layered Oxygen Sensing Systems: Polypyridyl Ruthenium(II) Complexes Covalently Attached or Deposited as Langmuir-Blodgett Monolayer on Glass Surfaces , Langmuir . 2006, 22: 7437-7443.

Ho S.Y., Cheng C.C., Tiekink E.R.T. and Yam V.W.W., Luminescent Phosphinegold(I) Thiolates: Correlation Between Crystal Structure and Photoluminescent Properties in [R₃PAu{SC(OMe)=NC₆H₄NO₂-4}]; R = Et, Cy & Ph, and [(Ph₂P-R-PPh₂){AuSC(OMe)=NC₆H₄NO₂-4}v2] for R = CH₂, (CH₂)₂, (CH₂)₃, (CH₂)₄ & Fc, Inorganic Chemistry. 2006, 45: 8165-8174.

Ko C.C., Kwok W.M., Yam V.W.W. and Phillips D.L., Triplet MLCT Photosensitization of the Ring-Closing Reaction of Diarylethenes by Design and Synthesis of a Photochromic Rhenium(I) Complex of a Diarylethene-Containing 1,10-Phenanthroline Ligand , Chemistry - A European Journal. 2006, 12: 5840-5848.

Lam S.W.H., Cheng C.C. and Yam V.W.W., Computational Studies on the Photophysical Properties and NMR Fluxionality of the Tetranuclear Copper(I) Complexes [Cu₄(m-dppm)₄(m₄-E)]²⁺ (E = PPh and S), Inorganic Chemistry. 2006, 45: 9434-9441.

Lee H.M., Ko C.C., Zhu N. and Yam V.W.W., Metal Coordination-Assisted Near-Infrared Photochromic Behavior: A Large Perturbation on Absorption Wavelength of N,N-Donor Ligands Containing Diarylethene Derivatives by Coordination to the Rhenium(I) Metal Center , Journal of the American Chemical Society. 2007, 129: 6058-6059.

Lee K.W., Ko C.C., Wong M.C., Zhu N. and Yam V.W.W., A Photochromic Platinum(II) Bis(alkynyl) Complex Containing a Versatile 5,6-Dithienyl-1,10-phenanthroline , Organometallics. 2007, 26: 12-15.

Li M., Chu B.W.K., Zhu N. and Yam V.W.W., Synthesis, Structure, Photophysics, Electrochemistry, and Ion-Binding Studies of Ruthenium(II) 1,10-Phenanthroline Complexes Containing Thia-, Selena-, and Aza-Crown Pendants , Inorganic Chemistry. 2007, 46: 720-733.

Li Q. and Yam V.W.W., Redox Luminescence Switch Based on Energy Transfer in CePO₄: Tb³⁺Nanowires , Angewandte Chemie International Edition. 2007, 46: 3486-3489.

Lo H.S., Yip S.K., Wong M.C., Zhu N. and Yam V.W.W., Selective Luminescence Chemosensing of Potassium Ions Based on a Novel Platinum(II) Alkynylcalix[4]crown-5 Complex , Organometallics. 2006, 25: 3537-3540.

Lu C., Zu Y. and Yam V.W.W., Specific Postcolumn Detection Method for HPLC Assay of Homocysteine Based on Aggregation of Fluorosurfactant-Capped Gold Nanoparticles, Analytical Chemistry. 2007, 79: 666-672.

Moussa J., Guyard-Duhayon C., Boubekeuk K., Amouri H., Yip S.K. and Yam V.W.W., Self-Assembly of One-and Two-Dimensional Coordination Polymers with Quinonoid Backbones Featuring Coinage Metals as Nodes , Crystal Growth & Design . 2007, 7: 962-965.

Ngan T.W., Ko C.C., Zhu N. and Yam V.W.W., Syntheses, Luminescence Switching, and Electrochemical Studies of Photochromic Dithienyl-1,10-phenanthroline Zinc(II) Bis(thiolate) Complexes , Inorganic Chemistry. 2007, 46: 1144-1152.

Tam Y.Y., Wong M.C., Wang G. and Yam V.W.W., Luminescent Metallogels of Platinum(II) Terpyridyl Complexes: Interplay of Metal^.Metal, p-p and Hydrophobic-hydrophobic Interactions on Gel Formation , Chemical Communications. 2007, 2028-2030.

Tang H.S., Zhu N. and Yam V.W.W., Tetranuclear Macrocyclic Gold(I) Alkynyl Phosphine Complex Containing Azobenzene Functionalities: A Dual-Input Molecular Logic with Photoswitching Behavior Controllable via Silver(I) Coordination / Decoordination , Organometallics. 2007, 26: 22-25.

Wong M.C., Hung L.L., Lam S.W.H., Zhu N. and Yam V.W.W., A Class of Luminescent Cyclometalated Alkynylgold(III) Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization, and Electrochemical, Photophysical, and Computational Studies of [Au(C^N^C)CºC-R] (C^N^C = k³C,N,C Bis-cyclometalated 2,6-Diphenylpyridyl) , Journal of the American Chemical Society. 2007, 129: 4350-4365.

Wong M.C. and Yam V.W.W., Luminescence Platinum(II) Terpyridyl Complexes - From Fundamental Studies to Sensory Functions , Coordination Chemistry Reviews . 2007, 251: 2477-2488.

Wong M.C., Zhu N. and Yam V.W.W., Unprecedented Formation of an Acetamidate-bridged Dinuclear Platinum(II) Terpyridyl Complex - Correlation of Luminescence Properties With the Crystal forms and Dimerization Studies in Solution , Chemical Communications. 2006, 3441-3443.

Yam V.W.W., Chairman of the German Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) Young Speaker Prizes Panel of Judges , 9th International Symposium for Chinese Organic Chemists (ISCOC-9) and the 6th International Symposium for Chinese Inorganic Chemists (ISCOC-6). Singapore, 2006.

Yam V.W.W., Chairman of the Review Committee , The Pfizer Award Lecture at the 9th International Symposium for Chinese Organic Chemists (ISCOC-9) and the 6th International Symposium for Chinese Inorganic Chemists (ISCOC-6), Singaproe . 2006.

Yam V.W.W., Editorial Advisory Board , Chinese Journal of Inorganic Chemistry . 2006.

Yam V.W.W., Editorial Advisory Board , Photographic Science and Photochemistry . 2006.

Yam V.W.W., Editorial Board , Journal of Cluster Science . 2006.

Yam V.W.W., Editorial Board , New Journal of Chemistry . 2006.

Yam V.W.W., Editorial Board, Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry . 2006.

Yam V.W.W., Fellow of Third World Academy of Science (TWAS), The Academy of Sciences for the Developing World . 2006.

Yam V.W.W., From Design to Assembly of Luminescent Metal-Based Molecular Functional Materials , Invited Lecture at the One-day International Workshop on Novel Functional Molecules . 2006.

Yam V.W.W., From Design to Assembly of Luminescent Metal-Based Molecular Functional Materials , UPMC Visiting Professorship Lecture in the Ecole Doctorale de Chimie Moléculaire de Paris Centre, Laboratories de Chimie Organique, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, CNRS (Université Paris VI), Paris, France . 2007.

Yam V.W.W., From Design to Assembly of Luminescent Metal-Based molecular Functional Materials , Polymer Preprints . 2007, 48: 587-588.

Yam V.W.W., From Simple Molecules to Molecular Functional Materials and Nanoscience , Invited Lecture at the Croucher Advanced Study Institute (ASI) on Nano Science and Technology: From Basic Science to Device Applications . 2007.

Yam V.W.W., Guest Editor of a Special Issue (2006-2007) , Coordination Chemistry Reviews . 2006.

Yam V.W.W., Hong Kong Fulbright Distinguished Scholar , Fulbright Program, U.S.A. 2007.

Yam V.W.W., International Advisory Board , Encyclopedia of Inorganic Chemistry, Second Edition . 2006.

Yam V.W.W., International Editorial Advisory Board , Organometallics . 2006.

Yam V.W.W., International Editorial Advisory Board, Dalton Transactions . 2006.

Yam V.W.W., International Editorial Board , Comments on Inorganic Chemistry . 2006.

Yam V.W.W., Japanese Photochemistry Association (JPA) Lectureship Award for Asian and Oceanian Photochemist (Eikohsha Award) , Japanese Photochemistry Association (JPA) . 2006.

Yam V.W.W., In: Luminescent Metal-Based Molecular Materials - From Fundamentals , Keynote Lecture at the 37th International Conference on Coordination Chemistry (37th ICCC), Cape Town, South Africa . 2006.

Yam V.W.W., Chan H.Y., Wong M.C. and Chu B.W.K., Luminescent Dinuclear Platinum (II) Terpyridine Complexes with a Flexible Bridge and : Stick Ends" , Angewandte Chemie International Edition. 2006, 45: 6169-6173.

Yam V.W.W., Luminescent Metal-Based Molecular Materials - From Design to Assembly and Functions , Penary Lecture at the 9th International Symposium for Chinese Organic Chemists (ISCOC-9) and the 6th International Symposium for Chinese Inorganic Chemists (ISCIC-6) . 2006.

Yam V.W.W., Luminescent Metal-Based Molecular Materials - From Fundamentals to Functions , Invited Lecture at the Symposium Entitled "Hybrid Functional Materials for Optical Applications" at the 2007 Materials Research Society (MRS) Spring Meeting . 2007.

Yam V.W.W., Luminescent Metal-Organic Molecular Materials - From Fundamentals to Functions , Keynote Lecture at the 17th International Symposium on the Photochemistrey and Photophysics of Coordination Compounds (ISPPCC) . 2007.

Yam V.W.W., Luminescent metal-based Moleuclar Materials - From Design to Assembly and Functions , Japan Photochemistry Association (JPA) Eikohsha Award Lecture at the JPA Annual Meeting, Sendai, Japan . 2006.

Yam V.W.W., Member of the Academic Advisory Committee , Academia Sinica, Taipei. 2006.

Yam V.W.W., Member of the Chemistry Committee , Gold 2006. Limerick, Ireland, 2006.

Yam V.W.W., Member of the International Advisory Board , The 37th International Conference on Coordination Chemistry (ICCC37) . 2006.

Yam V.W.W., Metal-Based Molecular Materials - From Fundamentals to Functions and Nanostructures , UPMC Visiting Professorship Lecture in the Development de Chimie Inorganique, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, CNRS (Universitée Paris VI), Paris, France . 2007.

Yam V.W.W., Molecular Gold-Containing Triplet Emitters - From Fundamentals to Functions , Plenary Keynote Lecture at the Gold 2006. 2006.

Yam V.W.W. and Cheng C.C., Photochemistry and Photophysics of Coordination Compounds: Gold , Topics in Current Chemistry . 2007, 281: 269-309.

Yam V.W.W. and Cheng C.C., Silver Organometallics, In: Robert H. Crabtree and D. Michael P. Mingos, Comprehensive Organometallic Chemistry III. Oxford, Elsevier, 2006, 2: 197-250.

Yam V.W.W., UMPC Visiting Professor , Uiversité Pierre et Marie Curie, CNRS (Université Pairs VI), Paris, France . 2007.

Yam V.W.W., Volume Editor (2005 - 2007) , "Photofunctional Transition Metal Complexes" in the Series "Structure and Bonding" . 2006.

Yip S.K., Lam S.W.H., Zhu N. and Yam V.W.W., Synthesis, Characterization, Structure and Luminescence Studies of Dinuclear Gold(I) Alkynyls of Bis(diphenylphosphino) Alkyl- and Aryl-amines , Inorganica Chimica Acta. 2006, 359: 3639-3648.

Yip S.K., Chan C.L., Lam S.W.H., Cheung K.K. and Yam V.W.W., Synthesis, Structure and Iuminescence Studies of Heterometallic Gold(I)-Copper(I) and -Silver(I) Alkynyl Clusters/ Aggregates , Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences . 2007, 6: 365-371.

Yu C., Chan H.Y., Wong M.C. and Yam V.W.W., Single-stranded Nucleic Acid-induced Helical Self-assembly of Alkynylpatinum(II) Terpyridyl Complexes , Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America . 2007, 103: 19652-19657.

Researcher : Yan B

Project Title:	Non conventional nanofabrication methods and microfluidic devices
Investigator(s):	Yan B
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	09/2005

Abstract:

This project will be conducted at HKU’s Nanotechnology Research Institute. The objective of the program is to develop non conventional nanofabrication technologies and microfluidic devices for advanced research and industrial applications. Research activities will focus on following three areas: 1) to develop non conventional nanofabrication methods that allow the realization of various microchannels and integrated microsystems on a large scale and at low cost; 2) to design and fabricate microfluidic devices suitable for new experiences in chemistry and biology; 3) to apply these technologies to biotechnology, biomedical research and clinical diagnostics.

Project Title:	Novel organic bipolar devices
Investigator(s):	Yan B
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	01/2007

Abstract:

Organic electronics are beginning to make significant inroads into the commercial world. Interest in organic electronics stems from the potential for producing low-cost, large-area, lightweight and flexible devices which can integrate functionalities currently requiring more expensive conventional semiconductors and components. The development of novel organic electronic devices, especially integrated organic electronic devices, is not only a gateway for a variety of applications, but also of great relevance for the general purpose of achieving highly integrated optoelectronic system. This proposal proposes two novel organic bipolar devices: 1) high efficiency white organic light-emitting devices (WOLEDs) with simplified device architecture 2) all-organic heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs). One of the objectives is to develop WOLEDs with high brightness, high efficiency, and long lifetime for full-color flat-panel display, backlighting and alternative lighting. Another objective is to develop all- organic HBTs with good dc performance for OLEDs' drive circuits or as new light-emitting devices. The purpose of the proposed project is as follows: 1)White organic light-emitting devices (WOLEDs) are of great importance because they can be used in full-color flat-panel displays with color filters, backlighting and as alternative lighting sources. The challenges facing WOLED technology stem mainly from the fact that fluorescence or phosphorescence emission from typical organic materials only spans about one third of the visible spectrum. To achieve balanced white light emission, researchers have to use multiply doped emissive layer architecture[1] or multiple emissive layer architecture [2-3]. However, multiply doped emissive layer architecture is problematic because energy readily transfers from the higher energy blue dye to the green dye and from the green dye to the red dye[4]. The multiple emissive layer architecture can overcome the energy transfer problem, but the device architecture is considerably more complicated and expensive to fabricate, due to the large number of materials and interfaces compared with monochromatic OLEDs [5]. We therefore propose to develop phosphorescent WOLEDs with simplified device architecture, especially single emissive layer and single dopant architecture. The realization of high efficiency phosphorescent WOLEDs with simplified architecture will not only improve the quality of flat-panel display, but will also simplify fabrication complexity, and significantly reduce the fabrication costs. 2) Organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) are of interest for a variety of large-area electronic applications, such as display, sensors, and electronic barcodes. The challenges facing organic thin-film transistor (OTFT) technology stem mainly from low mobility of carriers in organic materials, which limits the speed of the OTFTs. In contrast with OTFTs, organic HBTs have several advantages, such as excellent high-speed performance, larger current-handling capabilities and higher transconductance. Therefore organic HBTs are more suitable as a driver of OLEDs. On the other hand, the fabrication process of OLEDs and organic HBTs is completely compatible (vertical multilayer growth). It may become possible to integrate WOLEDs and OHBTs in an optoelectronic system or a device. In addition, we expect that organic HBTs, like OLEDs, may possess light-emitting ability. If so, all-organic HBTs represent a novel class of organic devices, and could pave the way for the realization of nanoscale light sources and highly integrated optoelectronics. [1] B. W. D’Andrade, R. J. Holmes, S. R. Forrest, Adv. Mater. 2004, 16, 624. [2] B. W. D’Andrade, M. E. Thompson, S. R. Forrest, Adv. Mater. 2002, 14, 147. [3] S. Tokito, T. Lijima, T. Tsuzuki, F. Sato, Appl. Phys. Lett. 2003, 83, 2459. [4] V. Adamovich, J. Brooks, A. Tamayo, A. M. Alexander, P. I. Djurovich, M. E. Thompson, C. Adachi, B. W. D’Andrade, S. R. Forrest, New J. Chem. 2002, 26, 1171. [5] B. W. D’Andrade, R. J. Holmes, S. R. Forrest, Adv. Mater. 2004, 16, 1585.

List of Research Outputs

Kui C.F., Sham I.H.T., Cheung C.C., Ma C.W., Yan B., Zhu N., Che C.M. and Fu W.F., Patinum(II) Complexes with p-Conjugated, Naphtyl-Substituted, Cyelometalated Lignds (RC^N^N): Strutctures and Photo- and Electronluminescence, Chemistry - A European Journal. 2007, 13: 417-435.

Researcher : Yan Y

List of Research Outputs

Yang D., Yan Y., Zheng B., Gao Q. and Zhu N., Copper(I)-Catalyzed Chlorine Atom Transfer Radical Cyclization Reactions of Unsaturated a-Chloro b-Keto Esters, Organic Letters. 2006, 8: 5757-5760.

Researcher : Yang D

Project Title:	HKU-Fudan Joint Laboratory on molecular design and synthesis - peptidominetics for drug discovery
Investigator(s):	Yang D, Chen G
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Vice-Chancellor's Office - General Award
Start Date:	03/2002

Abstract:

To develope chemical methods to provide a broad structural variety of aminoxy acids for the construction of combinatorial libraries; to explore the novel secondary structures of peptides containing [alpha]- and [beta]-aminoxy acids; to investigate the potential aminoxy acids in drug design.

Project Title:	Aminoxy peptides as synthetic chloride channels
Investigator(s):	Yang D
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	09/2003

Abstract:

To design and synthesis of cyclic [alpha]-aminoxy peptides as models of chloride channels; to design and synthesis of linear [alpha]-aminoxy peptides as models of chloride channels; to characterize of synthetic chloride channels.

Project Title:	Design and synthesis of methionine aminopeptidase-2 inhibitors as anti-angiogenic agents
Investigator(s):	Yang D, Chen G
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	01/2005

Abstract:

To develop an expedient route to construct the common core structure of fumagillin and ovalicin; to design, synthesis and biological evaluations fumagillin analogs as irreversible inhibitors of MetAP-2; to design, synthesis and biological evaluations fumagillin analogs as reversible inhibitors of MetAP-2.

Project Title:	Developing highly specific and sensitive fluorescent probes for peroxynitrite detection in biological systems
Investigator(s):	Yang D
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	01/2006

Abstract:

The main object of this project is to investigate fluorescent probes based on fluorescein and BODIPY chromophores that are commonly used in biological imaging. The advent of a simple, sensitive and specific probe for peroxynitrite detection is of great importance in the biomedical research of peroxynitrite.

Project Title:	Developing Catalytic Asymmetric Palladium(II)-Catalyzed Oxidative Tandem Cyclization Method for Natural Product Synthesis
Investigator(s):	Yang D
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	01/2006
Completion Date:	12/2006

Abstract:

Palladium-catalyzed tandem cyclization reactions are versatile and powerful tools to construct complex polycyclic products as multiple stereocenters can be established in one step under mild conditions [1]. However, compared to the well-developed asymmetric tandem cyclization reactions catalyzed by chiral palladium(0) complexes [2], asymmetric oxidative tandem cyclization reactions involving palladium(II) complexes have received little attention, despite the fact that the latter one holds the advantage in forming C-X bond to generate heterocyclic molecules, many of which are core structures of potent drugs and bioactive natural products. Oxidative catalysis by palladium(II) usually requires cocatalysts (e.g., copper salts) or organic oxidants (e.g., benzoquinone) to regenerate palladium(II), thus making asymmetric process more complex [3]. The only successful work on enantioselective oxidative tandem cyclization reactions by Pd(II) was reported by Sasai [4], where Wacker-type tandem cyclization of alkenyl alcohols afforded bicyclic product with excellent enantiomeric excess up to 95%, but an excess amount of benzoquinone was used as the oxidant (Figure 1). The objective of this research project is to develop enantioselective palladium(II)-catalyzed oxidative tandem cyclization reactions under simple aerobic conditions for the synthesis of polycyclic N-heterocycles.

Project Title:	Developing aminoxy acids-containing peptide mimics as small moleucle inhibitors of protein-protein interactions
Investigator(s):	Yang D
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	08/2006

Abstract:

(1) Design and synthesis of aminoxy acids-containing peptides that form stable helical structures in water (2) design and synthesis of aminoxy acids-based peptides as α-helix mimics to inhibit protein-protein interactions such as the p53/hDM2 interaction

Project Title:	Peptidomimetics: Design, Synthesis and Biomedical Applications
Investigator(s):	Yang D, Xu B, Sun H
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Central Allocation Vote - Group Research Project
Start Date:	02/2007

Abstract:

1) Design, synthesis, and biological activity of aminoxy acids-based peptides; 2) Using peptidomimetics to understand the transport process of small anions and cations across biological membranes; 3) Developing hydrogels based on aminoxy acids; and 4) Pharmacokinetic studies of selected bioactive peptides containing aminoxy acids

List of Research Outputs

Chen F. and Yang D., Condensation of Amino Acids to from Peptides in Aqueous Solution Induced by the Oxidation of Sulfur (iv): An Oxidative Model for Prebiotic Peptide Formation , Origins of Life and Evolution of Biospheres . 2007, 37: 47-54.

Li X., Shen B., Yao X.Q. and Yang D., A Small Synthetic Molecule Forms Chloride Channels to Mediate Chloride Transport across Cell Membranes , Journal of the American Chemical Society . 2007, 129: 7264-7265.

Li X., Shen B., Yao X.Q., Zhu N. and Yang D., A Small Synthetic Molecule Self-Assembles to form Chlordie Channels in Cell Membranes , The 14th Symposium on Chemistry Postgradate Research in Hong Kong, Hong Kong, April 28, 2007.

Li X., Shen B., Yao X.Q., Zhu N. and Yang D., A Small Synthetic Molecule Self-Assembles to form Chloride Channels in Cell Membranes , Nature China Forum, Hong Kong, March 5-6, 2007.

Li X. and Yang D., Anion Recognition and Transport by a Peptide of a-Aminoxy Acid, The 233rd American Chemical Society National Meeting, Chicago, U.S.A., March 25-29, 2007.

Li X. and Yang D., Peptides of aminoxy acids as foldamers , Chemical Communications. 2006, 3367-3379.

Sun Z., Wang H., Chung N.W. and Yang D., Highly Selective Fluorescent Probe for Detection of Peroxynitrite , Nature China Forum, Hong Kong, March 5-6, 2007.

Sun Z., Shen B., Yao X.Q., Zhu N. and Yang D., Highly Selective Fluorescent Probe for Detection of Peroxynitrite , The 14th Symposium on Chemistry Postgradate Research in Hong Kong, Hong Kong, April 28, 2007.

Yang D., Asian Core Program Lectureship Award, 1st International Conference on Cutting-Edge Organic Chemistry in Asia, October 2006. 2006.

Yang D., Catalytic Asymmetric Cyclization Reactions , Chiral China 2006, Chengdu, China, August 2006.

Yang D., Catalytic Asymmetric Cyclization Reactions for Natural Product Synthesis, ICOB-5 & ISCNP-25 IUPAC International Conference on Biodiversity and Natural Products Chemistry, Kyoto, Japan, July 2006 . 2006.

Yang D., Yan Y., Zheng B., Gao Q. and Zhu N., Copper(I)-Catalyzed Chlorine Atom Transfer Radical Cyclization Reactions of Unsaturated a-Chloro b-Keto Esters, Organic Letters. 2006, 8: 5757-5760.

Yang D., Developing Fluorescent Probes for Highly Specific Detection and Imaging of ROS, Symposium on Chemical Sensing and Molecular Imaging, Hong Kong, March 2007.

Yang D., Developing Molecular Probes for Biological Systems , HKU Stem Cell Workshop, Hong Kong, November 2006.

Yang D., Invited Lecture, Chiral China, Chengdu, China, August 2006. 2006.

Yang D., Invited Lecture, HKU Stem Cell Workshop, Hong Kong, November 2006. 2006.

Yang D., Invited Lecture, ICOB-5 & ISCNP-25 IUPAC International Conference on Biodiversity and Natural Products Chemistry, Kyoto, Japan, July 2006. 2006.

Yang D., Invited Lecture, IUPAC Pre-symposium on Bioorganic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Nagoya, Japan, July 2006. 2006.

Yang D., Invited Lecture, Symposium on Chemical Sensing and Molecular Imaging in Hong Kong, March 2007. 2007.

Yang D., Invited Lecture, The 1st International Conference of Cutting-Edge Organic Chemistry in Asia, Okinawa, Japan, October 2006. 2006.

Yang D., Member of Editorial Advisory Board (2007-2009), Accounts of Chemical Research. 2007.

Yang D., Using Synthetic Organic Chemistry to Probe Biological Mechanisms , IUPAC Pre-symposium on Bioorganic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Nagoya, Japan, July 2006.

Yang D., Using Synthetic Organic Chemistry to Probe Biological Mechanisms , The 1st International Conference of Cutting-Edge Organic Chemistry in Asia, Okinawa, Japan, October, 2006.

Yang M., Yip P.K.T., Pan J., Chen Y.C., Zhu N. and Yang D., A Sterically Bulky Cyclic Thiourea as an Efficient Ligand for Palladium-Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidation of Alcohols , Synlett . 2006, 18: 3057-3060.

Yip P.K.T. and Yang D., Mechanistic Investigations of Pd(II)-Catalyzation Oxidative Tandem Cyclization Reactions , The 14th Symposium on Chemistry Postgraduate Research in Hong Kong, Hong Kong, April 28, 2007.

Researcher : Yang M

List of Research Outputs

Yang M., Yip P.K.T., Pan J., Chen Y.C., Zhu N. and Yang D., A Sterically Bulky Cyclic Thiourea as an Efficient Ligand for Palladium-Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidation of Alcohols , Synlett . 2006, 18: 3057-3060.

Researcher : Yang N

List of Research Outputs

Sun H., Yang N., Ge R. and Huang J., Interactions of Bismuth with Proteins And Enzymes: Insight into its Mechanism of Action, 37^th International Conference on Coordination Chemistry (ICCC-37, Keynote Speaker), South Africa, August 13-18. 2006.

Sun H., Yang N., Ge R. and Zheng B., Interactions of antimony and bismuth with biomolecules: implications for the mechanism of action, 7th International Conference on Environmental and Biological Aspects of Main-Group Organometallics (7th ICEBAMO), Heraklion, Crete, Greece, October 10- 12. 2006.

Sun H., Yang N., Ge R. and Huang J., Interactions of bismuth with proteins and enzymes: insight into its mechanism of action., 37thInternational Conference on Coordination Chemistry (ICCCV-37) August 13-18, 2006, Cape Town, South Africa. 2006.

Yang N., Tanner J.A., Huang J., Zheng B. and Sun H., Inhibition of SARS Coronavirus by Bismuth Compounds, 3^rd Asian Biological Inorganic Chemistry Conference, Nanjing, P.R. China, October 30- November 3. 2006.

Researcher : Yang N

List of Research Outputs

Researcher : Yang P

List of Research Outputs

Ng S.M., Yang P., Peng Y., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., Molecular Basis for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Prevention and Treatment, Sixth International Symposium on Frontiers in Life Sciences - Molecular basis of disease, prevention and treatment organized by Qingdao University and Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Sept. 20-23, 2006; Qingdao, China. 2006.

Researcher : Yang Y

List of Research Outputs

Sze K.H., Zhou H., Yang Y., He M., Jiang Y. and Wong A.O.L., Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) as a growth hormone (GH)-releasing factor in grass carp: II. Solution structure of a brain-specific PACAP by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and functional studies on GH release and gene expression, Endocrinolgy. 2007, (Epub ahead of Print).

Wong A.O.L., Yang Y., Zhou H. and Sze K.H., Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-activating Polypeptide (PACAP) as a Growth Hormone-relasing Factor in Grass Carp: Solution Structure of a Brain-specific PACAP by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscropy and Functional Studies on GH Secretion and GH Gene Expression in Grass Carp Pituitary Cells , 89th Annual Meeting of the Endocrine Society, Toronto, Canada, June 2-5, 2007. P2-400: pp.430.

Yang Y., Cho C.K.L., Sze K.H. and Haynes R.K., Determination of Solution Conformations of Loloatins by NMR Spectroscopy , The 14th Symposium on Chemistry Postgraduate Research in Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, April 22, 2007. 2007.

Yang Y., Mak A.N.S., Shaw P.C. and Sze K.H., Resonance Assignments of the 27.3 kDa Active Form of Maize Ribosome-Inactivating Protein (MOD) by NMR Spectroscopy , The 14th Symposium on Chemistry Postgraduate Research in Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, April 22, 2007.

Researcher : Yang Z

Project Title:	Combination of mTOR inhibitor with chemo-cytotoxic agent for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma
Investigator(s):	Yang Z, Poon RTP
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	01/2006
Completion Date:	12/2006

Abstract:

Objective: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks fifth in frequency worldwide among all malignancies and causes one million deaths annually. Hepatic resection and liver transplantation are the only two approaches that may cure HCC, but the majority of patients present with an advanced stage beyond surgical treatment. Chemotherapy is widely employed to treat unresectable HCC, but the efficacy is not satisfactory due to the resistance of tumor cells to the chemo-cytotoxic agents. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) has been demonstrated to play an important role in the chemo-resistant pathways in some tumors. Therefore, we design the present study to evaluate the therapeutic potential of mTOR inhibition on enhancement of chemo-sensitivity of HCC tumor cells to chemo-cytotoxic agents.

Project Title:	Blockade of BDNF-TrkB pathway as a novel anti-angiogenic therapy for HCC
Investigator(s):	Yang Z, Poon RTP
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	05/2007

Abstract:

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second most common cause of cancer death in Hong Kong. As HCC is a highly vascularized solid tumor in which angiogenesis plays a crucial role, exploring the mechanisms of tumor angiogenesis may lead to a novel therapy for this cancer. A recent study by the investigators has identified brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in serially collected serum samples during tumor development in a rat orthotopic HCC model (1). By immunohistochemical staining, it was found that BDNF was expressed not only in tumor cells, but also in endothelial cells in the tumor tissue, suggesting its potential role in tumor angiogenesis. In addition, others’ studies have shown that BDNF activation of its receptor, tyrosine kinase B (TrkB), promotes angiogenic properties and survival of endothelial cells (2,3), and upregulates the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is one of the most potent angiogenic factors (4). Based on the above findings, we hypothesize that BDNF may play a crucial role in tumor angiogenesis of HCC, through its interaction with TrkB. Therefore, we propose the present study to explore the possible effects of BDNF on the angiogenic behaviors of endothelial cells by administration of exogenous BDNF to the endothelial cells in vitro. In addition, the therapeutic potential of blockade of BDNF-TrkB interaction as a novel anticancer approach will also be studied in vivo in a mouse HCC model.

List of Research Outputs

Researcher : Yao H

List of Research Outputs

Wang X., Huo L., Yao H., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., Inhibition of Melanoma Development by Single Dose Administration of hTERTC27 Viral Cocktail in C57BL/6 Mice, 10th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Gene Therapy, May 30-June 3, 2007, at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle, WA. . 2007, 234.

Researcher : Yau HPM

List of Research Outputs

Yau H.P.M., Preconcentration of Trace Metals on Nanoparticles for Time-resolved ICP-MS Measurement (PhD Thesis) . 2006.

Researcher : Yau MHP

List of Research Outputs

Chan W.T., Yau M.H.P. and Lui K.O., Time-resolved ICP-MS measurement of part-per-trillion level of analyte ions adsorbed onto carbon nanotubes, FACSS 2006, September 24-28, 2006, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA. 2006.

Researcher : Ye J

List of Research Outputs

Leung W.H., Ye J., Cheung A.S.C., Gibbs K.D., Palmer D.L., O'Brein L.C.O. and O'Brein J.J., Spectroscopy of nickel chloride: Identification of the [15.0]²P_3/2and [15.0]²D_5/2states, Journal of Molecular Spectroscopy. 2006, 238: 42-48.

Ye J., Pang H.F., Wong M.Y., Leung W.H. and Cheung A.S.C., Laser Spectroscopy of Iridium Mouoboride, International Symposium on Molecular Spectroscopy, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A., June 18-22, 2007.

Ye J., Leung W.H. and Cheung A.S.C., Laser Spectroscopy of NiBr: New Electronic States and Hyperfine Structure , The Journal of Chemical Phyics. 2006, 125: 214308-1 - 214308-8.

Ye J., Pang H.F. and Cheung A.S.C., Optical-optical double resonance spectroscopy of YBr and YCl, Chemical Physics Letters. 2007, 442: 251-258.

Researcher : Ye J

List of Research Outputs

Ye J., Leung W.H. and Cheung A.S.C., Laser Spectroscopy of NiBr: New Electronic States and Hyperfine Structure , The Journal of Chemical Phyics. 2006, 125: 214308-1 - 214308-8.

Ye J., Pang H.F. and Cheung A.S.C., Optical-optical double resonance spectroscopy of YBr and YCl, Chemical Physics Letters. 2007, 442: 251-258.

Researcher : Yip PKT

List of Research Outputs

Yang M., Yip P.K.T., Pan J., Chen Y.C., Zhu N. and Yang D., A Sterically Bulky Cyclic Thiourea as an Efficient Ligand for Palladium-Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidation of Alcohols , Synlett . 2006, 18: 3057-3060.

Yip P.K.T. and Yang D., Mechanistic Investigations of Pd(II)-Catalyzation Oxidative Tandem Cyclization Reactions , The 14th Symposium on Chemistry Postgraduate Research in Hong Kong, Hong Kong, April 28, 2007.

Researcher : Yip SK

List of Research Outputs

Lo H.S., Yip S.K., Wong M.C., Zhu N. and Yam V.W.W., Selective Luminescence Chemosensing of Potassium Ions Based on a Novel Platinum(II) Alkynylcalix[4]crown-5 Complex , Organometallics. 2006, 25: 3537-3540.

Moussa J., Guyard-Duhayon C., Boubekeuk K., Amouri H., Yip S.K. and Yam V.W.W., Self-Assembly of One-and Two-Dimensional Coordination Polymers with Quinonoid Backbones Featuring Coinage Metals as Nodes , Crystal Growth & Design . 2007, 7: 962-965.

Yip S.K., Lam S.W.H., Zhu N. and Yam V.W.W., Synthesis, Characterization, Structure and Luminescence Studies of Dinuclear Gold(I) Alkynyls of Bis(diphenylphosphino) Alkyl- and Aryl-amines , Inorganica Chimica Acta. 2006, 359: 3639-3648.

Yip S.K., Chan C.L., Lam S.W.H., Cheung K.K. and Yam V.W.W., Synthesis, Structure and Iuminescence Studies of Heterometallic Gold(I)-Copper(I) and -Silver(I) Alkynyl Clusters/ Aggregates , Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences . 2007, 6: 365-371.

Researcher : Yip SK

List of Research Outputs

Researcher : Yip WP

List of Research Outputs

Che C.M., Yip W.P. and Yu W.Y., Ruthenium-Catalyzed Oxidation of Alkenes, Alkynes, and Alcohols to Organic Acids with Aqueous Hydrogen Peroxide , Chemistry - An Asian Journal . 2006, 453-458.

Researcher : Yu C

List of Research Outputs

Yu C., Chan H.Y., Wong M.C. and Yam V.W.W., Single-stranded Nucleic Acid-induced Helical Self-assembly of Alkynylpatinum(II) Terpyridyl Complexes , Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America . 2007, 103: 19652-19657.

Researcher : Yu G

List of Research Outputs

Huang J.S., Yu G., Xie J., Zhu N. and Che C.M., One-Pot Synthesis of Metal Primary Phosphine Complexes from O=PCl₂R. Isolation and Characterization of Primary Alkyphosphine Complexes of a Metalloporphyrin , Inorganic Chemistry. 2006, 45: 5724-5726.

Researcher : Yu SC

Project Title:	Functionalized organic semiconductors for organic thin film transistor (OTFT) development
Investigator(s):	Yu SC, Che CM
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	09/2005

Abstract:

The underlying theme of this project is to develop low-cost and practical organic semiconductors for organic thin film transistor (OTFT) applications. The principal objectives are: 1) to design stable and high performance organic semiconductors for use in OTFT technologies; 2) to develop a temperature-controlled OTFT fabrication system for improving device performance; 3) to study the structural effect of organic semiconductors on device performance. Importantly, the overall target is to transfer the technologies developed by this project to other material research programs under investigation at HKU, such as studies on new organic materials for molecular electronics.

List of Research Outputs

Researcher : Yu WY

List of Research Outputs

Che C.M., Yip W.P. and Yu W.Y., Ruthenium-Catalyzed Oxidation of Alkenes, Alkynes, and Alcohols to Organic Acids with Aqueous Hydrogen Peroxide , Chemistry - An Asian Journal . 2006, 453-458.

Lok C.N., Ho C.M., Chen R., He Q., Yu W.Y., Sun H., Tam P.K.H. and Chiu J., Proteomic analysis of the mode of antibacterial action of silver nanoparticles, Gordon Research Conference, Metal in Medicine, Oxford, United Kingdom, July 9-14, 2006.

Lok C.N., Ho C.M., Chen R., He Q., Yu W.Y., Sun H., Tam P.K.H., Chiu J. and Che C.M., Silver nanoparticles: partial oxidation and antibacterial activities, Journal of Biological Inorganic Chemistry. 2007, 12(4): 527-534.

Thu H.Y., Yu W.Y. and Che C.M., Intermolecular Amidation of Unactivated sp²and sp³ C-H Bonds via Palladium - Catalyzed Cascade C-H Activation / Nitrene Insertion , Journal of the American Chemical Society. 2006, 128: 9048-9049.

Tian J., Wong K.K.Y., Ho C.M., Lok C.N., Yu W.Y., Che C.M., Chiu J. and Tam P.K.H., Topical delivery of silver nanoparticles promotes wound healing, ChemMedChem. 2007, 2: 129-136.

Researcher : Yuen WH

List of Research Outputs

Chan H.C., Chang R.C.C., Ip K.C., Chiu K., Yuen W.H., Zee S.S.Y. and So K.F., Neuroprotective effects of Lycium barbarum Lynn on protecting retinal ganglion cells in an ocular hypertension model of glaucoma, Experimental Neurology. 2006, 203: 269-273.

Ho Y.S., Yu M.S., Lai S.W., So K.F., Yuen W.H. and Chang R.C.C., Alkaline extract of lycium barbarum protects against beta-amyloid peptide neurotoxicity in rat cortical neurons by activation of AKT, The 4th Congress of the Federation of Asian-Oceanian Neuroscience Societies and The 26th Scientific Meeting of The Hong Kong Society of Neurosciences, Nov. 30 - Dec. 2, 2006. 126-127 No. P-C36.

Ho Y.S., Yu M.S., So K.F., Yuen W.H. and Chang R.C.C., Attenuation of unfolded protein responses by reducing stress: an example of neuroprotective effect of Lycium barbarum, 2006 Hong Kong-Macau Postgraduate Symposium on Chinese Medicine, August 17, 2006, Hong Kong. 2006, 98-99.

Ho Y.S., Yu M.S., Lai S.W., So K.F., Yuen W.H. and Chang R.C.C., Characterizing the Neuroprotective Effects of Alkaline Extract of Lycium Barbarumon b-amyloid Peptide Neurotoxicity , Brain Research . 2007, 1158: 123-134.

Ho Y.S., Yu M.S., Lai S.W., Yuen W.H., So K.F. and Chang R.C.C., Neuroprotective effects of alkaline extract of Lycium barbarum on beta-amyloid peptide neurotoxicity, Society for Neuroscience. 2006, Program No. 826.10.

Ho Y.S., Yu M.S., Lai S.W., So K.F., Yuen W.H. and Chang R.C.C., Neuroprotective effects of anti-aging Lycium barbarum by a novel extraction method, 2006 World Congress on Chinese Medicine: Charting the Course of Development, Hong Kong, November 23-25, 2006. 247.

Ip K.C., Chiu K., Yuen W.H., Zee S.S.Y., Chang R.C.C. and So K.F., Neuroprotective effect of Lycium barbarum in rat chronic ocular hypertension model via immunomodulation of macrophages/microglia, Neurosignals. 2006, 15: 145.

Lai S.W., Yuen W.H., Zee S.S.Y., So K.F. and Chang R.C.C., Neuroprotective effects of the gandoderma lucidum aqueous extract against beta-amyloid peptide-induced neurotoxicity, The 4th Congress of the Federation of Asian-Oceanian Neuroscience Societies and The 26th Scientific Meeting of The Hong Kong Society of Neurosciences, Nov. 30 - Dec. 2, 2006 . 2006, 97 No. P-B36.

Lai S.W., Yu M.S., Yuen W.H., Zee S.S.Y., So K.F. and Chang R.C.C., Potential neuroprotective agent from botanical extract: An experience of using Verbena officinalisagainst b-amyloid peptide neurotoxicity, Neurosignals. 2006, 15: 146.

Lai S.W., Yuen W.H., Zee S.S.Y., So K.F. and Chang R.C.C., The aqueous extract from anti-aging Ganoderma lucidum inhibits beta-amyloid peptide-induced neurotoxicity, Society for Neuroscience. 2006, Program No. 826.11.

Lau K.W., Lai C.S., Yuen W.H., So K.F. and Chang R.C.C., Differential effects of parkinsonism mimetics on SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma , Society for Neuroscience. 2006, Program No. 824.19.

Lau K.W., Lai S.W., Yuen W.H., So K.F. and Chang R.C.C., Effects of all-trans-retinoic acid on human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma. Does it differentiate them?, The 4th Congress of the Federation of Asian-Oceanian Neuroscience societies and The 26th Scientific Meeting of The Hong Kong Society of Neurosciences, Nov. 30 - Dec. 2, 2006. 97-98 No. P-B37.

Leung C.K.J., Pang A.W.K., Yuen W.H., Kwong Y.L. and Tse E.W.C., Relationship of Expression of Aquaglyceroporin 9 with Arsenic Uptake and Sensitivity in Leukemia Cells , Blood . 2007, 109: 740-746.

So K.F., Chan H.C., Chang R.C.C., Chan S.Y.M., Yuen W.H. and Zee S.S.Y., Modulation of microglia by Chinese herbal medicine Lycium barbarum and neuroprotection of retinal ganglion cells in experimental glaucoma, 4th Asian-Pacific International Congress of Anatomists, September 7-10, 2005, Kusadasi, Turkey. 2006, 37.

Yu M.S., So K.F., Fang J.N., Yuen W.H. and Chang R.C.C., A new polysaccharide from nerium indicum elicits neuroprotection against beta-amyloid peptides-induced apoptosis, Second International Symposium on Healthy Aging: Meeting the challenges of an Aging Population, March 3-4, 2007, Hong Kong. 2007, 55 P10.

Yu M.S., Ho Y.S., So K.F., Yuen W.H. and Chang R.C.C., Cytoprotective effects of Lycium barbarum on cultured neurons against reducing stress on the endoplasmic reticulum, Neurosignals. 2006, 15: 145.

Yu M.S., Wong Y.Y., So K.F., Fang J.N., Yuen W.H. and Chang R.C.C., New polysaccharide from Nerium indicum protects neurons via stress kinase signaling pathway, Brain Research. 2007, 1153: 221-230.

Yu M.S., Lai S.W., So K.F., Yuen W.H. and Chang R.C.C., Protein kinases as technological platforms to screen neuroprotective agents from chinese medicine, Neurosignals. 2006, 15: 133.

Yu M.S., Yuen W.H., So K.F. and Chang R.C.C., Significance of neuroprotective polysaccharide from the flowers of Nerium indicum in beta-amyloid peptides neurotoxicity, Society for Neuroscience. 2006, Program No. 826.9.

Researcher : Yung KF

List of Research Outputs

Yung K.F. and Wong W.T., Synthesis and Catalytic Studies of Uniform Os & Os-Pd Nanoparticles Supported on MWNTs, Journal of Cluster Science. 2007, 18 (1): 51-65.

Researcher : Zeng Y

List of Research Outputs

Sun H., Ge R., Zeng Y. and Huang J., The Role of Hpn and its Related Histidine-rich Proteins in Helicobacter pylori , 3^rd Asian Biological Inorganic Chemistry Conference, Nanjing, P.R. China, October 30- November 3. 2006.

Zeng Y., Zhang D. and Sun H., Overexpression and Characterization of a Histidine- and Glutamine-rich Protein, Hpn-like, 3^rd Asian Biological Inorganic Chemistry Conference, Nanjing, P.R. China, October 30- November 3. 2006.

Zhang L., Mulrooney S.B., Fung K.L., Zeng Y., Ko C.B., Hausinger P. and Sun H., Inhibition of urease by bismuth (III): Implications for the mechanism of action of bismuth drugs, BioMetals. 2006, 19: 503-511.

Researcher : Zhang D

List of Research Outputs

Zeng Y., Zhang D. and Sun H., Overexpression and Characterization of a Histidine- and Glutamine-rich Protein, Hpn-like, 3^rd Asian Biological Inorganic Chemistry Conference, Nanjing, P.R. China, October 30- November 3. 2006.

Researcher : Zhang L

List of Research Outputs

Zhang L., Mulrooney S.B., Fung K.L., Zeng Y., Ko C.B., Hausinger P. and Sun H., Inhibition of urease by bismuth (III): Implications for the mechanism of action of bismuth drugs, BioMetals. 2006, 19: 503-511.

Researcher : Zhang Y

List of Research Outputs

Sun H., Zhang Y. and Fung Y.S., Flow Analysis Coupled with PQC / DNA Biosensor for Assay of E. coliBased on Detecting DNA Products PCR Amplification , Biosensors & Bioelectronics . 2006, 22: 506-512.

Researcher : Zhao Y

Project Title:	Computer simulation of carbon nanotube bearings and nanoscopic equipartition processes
Investigator(s):	Zhao Y
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	03/2005

Abstract:

To explore various mechanical properties of CNT-based bearings and rotators, to optimize their nanomechanic operating conditions, to help design new, CNT-based NEMS components.

Project Title:	Ultrafast Relaxation Dynamics of Photo-Excited States
Investigator(s):	Zhao Y, Dai J
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	03/2006

Abstract:

The advent of ultrafast femtosecond laser spectroscopy brings about intense research interest in relaxation dynamics of photo-excited states in liquids and solids. It is now commonly accepted that dephasing and relaxation time scales in condensed matter are approximately picoseconds, and in semiconductor dots and wells, tens of picoseconds. Newly-arrived technological capabilities to control femtosecond pulse durations and down-to-one-hertz bandwidth resolutions provide novel probes on vibrational dynamics and excitation relaxation. For example, progress in femtosecond spectroscopic techniques has made it possible to observe a coherent phonon wave packet oscillating along an adiabatic potential surface associated with a self-trapped exciton in a crystal with strong exciton-phonon interactions. [1-2] However, despite a flood of new, fascinating measurements, a microscopic theory of nonlinear optical response in general and photo-generated excitation relaxation in particular, essential to interpret those experimental findings, remains largely elusive. It is the purpose of the proposed project to formulate time-dependent polaronic wave functions that facilitate microscopic modelling of photo-generated excitation relaxation and realistic computation of various third-order optical response functions, and help to bring about a satisfactory comparison between theory and experiment. To that end, a hierarchy of time-dependent variational wave functions with increasing sophistication will be devised to accurately describe femtosecond polaron dynamics for various circumstances, and the Dirac-Frenkel variational principle will be employed to optimize these trial states. Based on these wave functions, nonlinear optical response functions such as time-resolved spontaneous emission spectra will be then calculated, and results will be applied to interpret a large variety of available experimental data. Quasi-one-dimensional molecules, such as polydiacetylene, beta-carotenoid and halogen bridged mixed valent platinum compounds, have recently emerged as promising candidates for ultrafast optical devices with enhanced nonlinearities. In one-dimensional systems, polaronic self-trapping is believed to take place without a potential barrier, and the time scale for barrier-free trapping is expected to be extremely small. For simplicity, the proposed project will start with the one-dimensional Holstein model [4-7] that can realistically describe polaron dynamics in these quasi-one-dimensional molecules. The formulation to be developed here, however, is expected to be readily extendable to higher dimensions. Polaron dynamics in the simultaneous presence of diagonal and off-diagonal exciton-phonon coupling will also be considered. The former is defined as a nontrivial dependence of the exciton site energies on lattice coordinates, and the latter, as a nontrivial dependence of the exciton transfer integral on lattice coordinates. Most polaron models in the literature have chosen to neglect the off-diagonal exciton-phonon coupling owing to difficulties in obtaining reliable solutions in its presence. The time-dependent polaronic wave functions to be developed here is expected to be well-suited to simulate polaron dynamics in the presence of both types of exciton-phonon interactions.References[1] S. Tomimoto, H. Nansei, S. Saito, T. Suemoto, J. Takeda, and S. Kurita, Phys. Rev. Lett. 81, 417 (1998).[2] S.L. Dexheimer, A.D. van Pelt, J.A. Brozik, and B.I. Swanson, Phys. Rev. Lett. 84, 4425 (2000).[3] P.A.M. Dirac, Proc. Cambridge, Phil. Soc. 26, 376 (1930); J. Frenkel, Wave Mechanics (Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1934).[4] T. Holstein, Ann. Phys. (N.Y.) 8, 325 (1959). [5] T. Holstein, Ann. Phys. (N.Y.) 8, 343 (1959).[6] Y. Toyozawa, Prog. Theor. Phys. 26, 29 (1961).[7] Y. Zhao, D.W. Brown, and K. Lindenberg, J. Chem. Phys. 107, 3159 (1997).

Project Title:	Dynamics of nano bearings
Investigator(s):	Zhao Y, Chen G
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	10/2006

Abstract:

Miniaturization of electronic and mechanical devices over the past century has brought immeasurable impact on human lives. Commercial microelectromechanical systems have reached the micrometer size scale, and bona fide molecular-scale apparatuses loom on the horizon setting the stage for upcoming integrated nanoelectromechanics. One essential component of nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS)1 that has been successfully fabricated is carbon nanotube (CNT) based bearings, rotators and their preceding cousin, torsional oscillators.2,3 Such mechanical nanodevices made of bended graphite sheets was first conceived by Drexler in his book4 of a futuristic nanoworld in which submicrometer-scale machines move atoms and molecules and create novel, artificial structures. Competing devices such as diamondoid bearings may be stiffer mechanical components, but their possible fabrication awaits further synthetic innovations. Essential in conventional macroscopic machines, bearings are expected to have at least equal importance in molecular machines. Conditions that must be met to insure adequate performance of nano bearings therefore demand a careful examination. However, despite unlimited technological prospects of NEMS, performance, wear and frictional properties of fundamental components of NEMS remain largely unknown. This is especially true for CNT-based bearings which have received very little theoretical attention. The proposed project is aimed precisely to address some of the pressing issues via molecular dynamics simulation. Our objectives are: (1) To explore mechanical properties of CNT-based bearings, rotators and torsional devices in general, and bearing frictional properties in particular; (2) To optimize nanomechanic operating conditions of CNT-based bearings such as bearing working temperatures and laser driving fields, and to improve their load-bearing characteristics (especially under time-dependent or multidimensional transverse loads); (3) To help design new, CNT-based NEMS components such as gears and manipulating devices that use nano bearings. (4) Of equal importance is to explore nanoscopic implications to fundamental hypotheses in thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. For instance, the second law of thermodynamics forbids entropy reduction in an isolated, macroscopic system. However, from our experience with CNT-based gigahertz oscillators 5, an NEMS device may likely violate the second law for brief periods of time despite that the probability of such violations is expected to decrease exponentially with the amount of entropy reduction. Molecular Dynamics simulation of CNT-based bearings will shed more light on possible nanoscopic second-law violations and other fascinating, unresolved subjects in nonequilibrium statistical mechanics. Furthermore, CNT-based bearings are in fact three-dimensional constructs of coupled Lennard-Jones oscillators that bear close resemblance to the Fermi-Pasta-Ulam model widely used for equipartition studies, and can therefore serve as a test bed for ergodicity on complex energy surfaces. Simplified analytical models will be constructed to compare with various energy thresholds derived from simulations that separate characteristic regimes, such as a quasi-Kolmogorov-Arnold-Moser regime of minimal dissipative effects and an ergodic-type regime with significantly higher mechanical friction.

List of Research Outputs

Zhao Y., Ma C.C., Wong L.H., Chen G., Xu Z.P., Zheng Q.S. and Chwang A.T.Y., Quasi-Reversible Energy Flows in Carbon-Nanotube-Based Oscillation, Journal Computational Theoretical Nanoscience. 2006, 3, 852: 852.

Zheng J., Zheng X., Zhao Y., Xie Y., Yam C.Y., Chen G., Jiang Q. and Chwang A.T.Y., Maxwell's Demon and Smoluchowskis Trap Door, Physical Review E. 2007, 75: 041109-1 - 041109-6.

Researcher : Zheng B

List of Research Outputs

Yang D., Yan Y., Zheng B., Gao Q. and Zhu N., Copper(I)-Catalyzed Chlorine Atom Transfer Radical Cyclization Reactions of Unsaturated a-Chloro b-Keto Esters, Organic Letters. 2006, 8: 5757-5760.

Researcher : Zheng J

List of Research Outputs

Zheng J., Zheng X., Zhao Y., Xie Y., Yam C.Y., Chen G., Jiang Q. and Chwang A.T.Y., Maxwell's Demon and Smoluchowskis Trap Door, Physical Review E. 2007, 75: 041109-1 - 041109-6.

Researcher : Zheng X

List of Research Outputs

Chen G.H., Li Z., Peng J., He C.S., Wang W.L., Deng S.Z., Xu N.S., Wang C.Y., Wang S.Y., Zheng X., Chen G. and Tao Y., Atomic Decoration for Improving the Efficiency of Field Emission of Carbon Nanotubes, Journal of Physical Chemistry C. 2007, 111: 4939-4945.

Yam C.Y., Zheng X. and Chen G., Some Recent Progresses in Density-Functional Theory: Efficiency, Accuracy, and Applicability , Journal of Comptutional and Theoretical Nanoscience . 2006, 3: 857-863.

Zheng J., Zheng X., Zhao Y., Xie Y., Yam C.Y., Chen G., Jiang Q. and Chwang A.T.Y., Maxwell's Demon and Smoluchowskis Trap Door, Physical Review E. 2007, 75: 041109-1 - 041109-6.

Zheng X., Quantum Mechanical Simulation of Open Electronic System (PhD Thesis) . 2007.

Zheng X., Wang F., Yam C.Y., Mo Y. and Chen G., Time-Dependent Density-functional Theory for Open Systems, Physical Review B. 2007, 75: 195217-1 - 195217-16.

Researcher : Zheng X

List of Research Outputs

Zheng J., Zheng X., Zhao Y., Xie Y., Yam C.Y., Chen G., Jiang Q. and Chwang A.T.Y., Maxwell's Demon and Smoluchowskis Trap Door, Physical Review E. 2007, 75: 041109-1 - 041109-6.

Zheng X., Quantum Mechanical Simulation of Open Electronic System (PhD Thesis) . 2007.

Zheng X., Wang F., Yam C.Y., Mo Y. and Chen G., Time-Dependent Density-functional Theory for Open Systems, Physical Review B. 2007, 75: 195217-1 - 195217-16.

Researcher : Zhi YG

List of Research Outputs

Zhi Y.G., Lai S.W., Chan Q.K.W., Law Y.C., Tong S.M. and Che C.M., Systematic Studies on Photoluminescence of Oligo(arylene-ethynylene)s: Tunability of Excited States, and Derivatization as Luminescent Labeling Probes for Proteins , In: Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, 2-Goukan, Lecture Room 130, Second Asian Symposium on Advanced Organic Synthesis, Kyoto, Japan, 9 November. 2006.

Zhi Y.G., Lai S.W., Chan K.W.Q., Law Y.C., Tong S.M. and Che C.M., Systematic Studies on Photoluminescence of Oligo(arylene-ethynylene)s: Tunability of Excited States, and Derivatization as Luminescent Labeling Probes for Proteins, European Journal of Organic Chemistry. Wiley-VCH, 2006, 3125-3139.

Researcher : Zhou C

List of Research Outputs

Zhou C. and Che C.M., Highly Efficint Au(I)-Catalyzed Intramolecular Addition of b-Ketoamide to Unactivated Alkenes , Journal of the American Chemical Society. 2007, 129: 5828-5829.

Researcher : Zhu D

List of Research Outputs

Sun H., Mo Z., Zhu D. and Fung Y.S., Development of Piezoelectric Quartz Crystal Sensor Array for Sensing Taste-Causing Compounds in Food , Proceedings of International Symposium on Olfactory and Electronic Noses (ISOEN 2007), St Petersburg, Russia, May 3-5, 2007. pp39-40.

Zhu D. and Fung Y.S., Electrodeposition of Nano Sn Particles in Room Temperature Molten Salts and their Electrochemical Performance in Lithium Battery Application , Abstract of Joint International Meeting (210 Meetings of Electrochem. Soc and XXI Congress de la Sociedad Mexicana de Electroquimica), Cancum, Mexico, October 29 -November 3, 2006,. 2006, Number 2004, p1.

Researcher : Zhu N

List of Research Outputs

Huang J.S., Yu G., Xie J., Zhu N. and Che C.M., One-Pot Synthesis of Metal Primary Phosphine Complexes from O=PCl₂R. Isolation and Characterization of Primary Alkyphosphine Complexes of a Metalloporphyrin , Inorganic Chemistry. 2006, 45: 5724-5726.

Kui C.F., Sham I.H.T., Cheung C.C., Ma C.W., Yan B., Zhu N., Che C.M. and Fu W.F., Patinum(II) Complexes with p-Conjugated, Naphtyl-Substituted, Cyelometalated Lignds (RC^N^N): Strutctures and Photo- and Electronluminescence, Chemistry - A European Journal. 2007, 13: 417-435.

Kui C.F., Huang J.S., Sun R.W.Y., Zhu N. and Che C.M., Self-assembly of a highly stable, topologically interesting metallamacrocycle by birdging gold(I) ions wiht pyridyl-2, 6-diphenyl^2-and diphosphanes , Angewandte Chemie International Edition. 2006, 45: 4663-4666.

Lai S.W., Chan K.W.Q., Zhu N. and Che C.M., cis-Dicyano Osmium(II) Diimine Complexes: Solvatochromic And Luminescent Signaling Studies, XXII International Conference on Organometallic Chemistry, Zaragoza, Spain, 23-28 July. 2006.

Lee H.M., Ko C.C., Zhu N. and Yam V.W.W., Metal Coordination-Assisted Near-Infrared Photochromic Behavior: A Large Perturbation on Absorption Wavelength of N,N-Donor Ligands Containing Diarylethene Derivatives by Coordination to the Rhenium(I) Metal Center , Journal of the American Chemical Society. 2007, 129: 6058-6059.

Lee K.W., Ko C.C., Wong M.C., Zhu N. and Yam V.W.W., A Photochromic Platinum(II) Bis(alkynyl) Complex Containing a Versatile 5,6-Dithienyl-1,10-phenanthroline , Organometallics. 2007, 26: 12-15.

Li M., Chu B.W.K., Zhu N. and Yam V.W.W., Synthesis, Structure, Photophysics, Electrochemistry, and Ion-Binding Studies of Ruthenium(II) 1,10-Phenanthroline Complexes Containing Thia-, Selena-, and Aza-Crown Pendants , Inorganic Chemistry. 2007, 46: 720-733.

Li X., Shen B., Yao X.Q., Zhu N. and Yang D., A Small Synthetic Molecule Self-Assembles to form Chlordie Channels in Cell Membranes , The 14th Symposium on Chemistry Postgradate Research in Hong Kong, Hong Kong, April 28, 2007.

Li X., Shen B., Yao X.Q., Zhu N. and Yang D., A Small Synthetic Molecule Self-Assembles to form Chloride Channels in Cell Membranes , Nature China Forum, Hong Kong, March 5-6, 2007.

Lo H.S., Yip S.K., Wong M.C., Zhu N. and Yam V.W.W., Selective Luminescence Chemosensing of Potassium Ions Based on a Novel Platinum(II) Alkynylcalix[4]crown-5 Complex , Organometallics. 2006, 25: 3537-3540.

Lo K.K.W., Lam J.S.Y. and Zhu N., Synthesis, Crystal Structures, Electrochemical and Protein-binding Properties of Ferrocene-indole Conjugates , New Journal of Chemistry. 2006, 30: 1567-1575.

Ngan T.W., Ko C.C., Zhu N. and Yam V.W.W., Syntheses, Luminescence Switching, and Electrochemical Studies of Photochromic Dithienyl-1,10-phenanthroline Zinc(II) Bis(thiolate) Complexes , Inorganic Chemistry. 2007, 46: 1144-1152.

Sun Z., Shen B., Yao X.Q., Zhu N. and Yang D., Highly Selective Fluorescent Probe for Detection of Peroxynitrite , The 14th Symposium on Chemistry Postgradate Research in Hong Kong, Hong Kong, April 28, 2007.

Tang H.S., Zhu N. and Yam V.W.W., Tetranuclear Macrocyclic Gold(I) Alkynyl Phosphine Complex Containing Azobenzene Functionalities: A Dual-Input Molecular Logic with Photoswitching Behavior Controllable via Silver(I) Coordination / Decoordination , Organometallics. 2007, 26: 22-25.

Wong M.C., Hung L.L., Lam S.W.H., Zhu N. and Yam V.W.W., A Class of Luminescent Cyclometalated Alkynylgold(III) Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization, and Electrochemical, Photophysical, and Computational Studies of [Au(C^N^C)CºC-R] (C^N^C = k³C,N,C Bis-cyclometalated 2,6-Diphenylpyridyl) , Journal of the American Chemical Society. 2007, 129: 4350-4365.

Wong M.C., Zhu N. and Yam V.W.W., Unprecedented Formation of an Acetamidate-bridged Dinuclear Platinum(II) Terpyridyl Complex - Correlation of Luminescence Properties With the Crystal forms and Dimerization Studies in Solution , Chemical Communications. 2006, 3441-3443.

Yang D., Yan Y., Zheng B., Gao Q. and Zhu N., Copper(I)-Catalyzed Chlorine Atom Transfer Radical Cyclization Reactions of Unsaturated a-Chloro b-Keto Esters, Organic Letters. 2006, 8: 5757-5760.

Yang M., Yip P.K.T., Pan J., Chen Y.C., Zhu N. and Yang D., A Sterically Bulky Cyclic Thiourea as an Efficient Ligand for Palladium-Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidation of Alcohols , Synlett . 2006, 18: 3057-3060.

Yip S.K., Lam S.W.H., Zhu N. and Yam V.W.W., Synthesis, Characterization, Structure and Luminescence Studies of Dinuclear Gold(I) Alkynyls of Bis(diphenylphosphino) Alkyl- and Aryl-amines , Inorganica Chimica Acta. 2006, 359: 3639-3648.

Researcher : Zu Y

Project Title:	Development of a New Class of Chemosensor Based on the Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence of Metal Complex with Crown Ether Moiety
Investigator(s):	Zu Y, Yam VWW
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	10/2004

Abstract:

To design and synthesize a series of luminescent metal complexes with crown ether moieties; to investigate the photophysical, electrochemical and ECL properties of the new compounds and their responses upon binding with various metal cations.

Project Title:	Study on a Novel Type of Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence: Characterization and Applications in Bioanalysis
Investigator(s):	Yam VWW
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	10/2005

Abstract:

The main objective of this project is to investigate the characteristics of a new type of ECL, i.e. low-oxidation-potential (LOP) ECL based on metal complex systems, and explore the strategies of utilizing the LOP ECL signal in bioanalysis.

Project Title:	Nanoparticle-Based Postcolumn Detection Methods for Biothiols Separated by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography or Capillary Electrophoresis
Investigator(s):	Zu Y
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	02/2006
Completion Date:	02/2007

Abstract:

Biothiols, including cysteine, homocysteine, and glutathione, are of physiological importance as biological agents and metabolites. Abnormal amounts of these species in human plasma or urine are associated with a number of clinical situations. In this proposed study, we plan to employ gold nanoparticles in the postcolumn detection of the biothiols separated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or capillary electrophoresis (CE). The detection of specific biothiols is often carried out in conjunction with separations. Derivatization with fluorescent reagents is typically used. In recent years, the applications of metal and semiconductor nanoparticles in bioanalysis have been of great interest. The analyte-induced aggregation of gold nanoparticles shifts the surface plasmon absorption peak toward longer wavelength, which forms the basis of colorimetric sensing techniques for a variety of molecules such as DNA, proteins, and metal ions. The interactions of amino acids with gold nanoparticles have also been investigated, and the amino acids possessing additional (besides the a-amine) functional groups such as amine, imidazole, or thiol, could induce the aggregation of gold nanoparticles. Therefore, it is promising to detect biothiols by using gold nanoparticles. Recently, we synthesized gold nanoparticles capped with nonionic fluorosurfactant (Zonel FSN) ligands. Preliminary results indicate that rapid nanoparticle aggregation could be induced by cysteine, homocysteine, or glutathione under different experimental conditions, but not by other amino acids. The unique features of the FSN-capped gold nanoparticles make it attractive to employ these nanoparticles as the HPLC and CE postcolumn reagents. On the one hand, the high selectivity of the method for specific biothiols will significantly reduce background interference; on the other hand, the fast reaction kinetics will minimize sample processing prior to analysis. The key issues of this study are: 1. To synthesize of gold nanoparticles capped with fluorosurfactant ligands. The methods of synthesizing nanoparticles with different size and shape are well documented. We will synthesize gold nanoparticles in the presence of fluorosurfactant species. Due to the strong interaction between gold surface and fluorosurfactant molecules, the obtained gold nanoparticles will be capped by these ligands. Fluorosurfactant-capped nanoparticles with different size and shape will be produced. 2. To investigate the interactions between fluorosurfactant-capped gold nanoparticles and biothiols. Our preliminary study shows significant dependence of the interactions between FSN-capped gold nanoparticles and biothiols on solution pH, ionic strength, and temperature. We will conduct systematic investigations on these effects. The mechanism of amino acid-induced nanoparticle aggregation will also be explored. The mechanistic study may provide new insight into the analyte-induced aggregation processes and lead to strategies of inhibiting (to increase selectivity and suppress interferences) or accelerating (to increase sensitivity) the reactions. 3. To develop methods for HPLC and CE postcolumn detection of the biothiols using the fluorosurfactant-capped gold nanoparticles. Based on above studies, we will explore the strategies of using the nanoparticle-based detection method for biothiols separated by HPLC or CE. The postcolumn detection systems will be designed for the new sensing method. As indicated by our preliminary study, the interactions between nanoparticles and cysteine, homocysteine, and glutathione could be different in kinetics under various conditions. We will optimize the experimental conditions to achieve high sensitivity.

List of Research Outputs

Chen Z. and Zu Y., Detection of Cysteine Using Nonionic Fluorosurfactant-Modified Gold Electrode , 57th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Electrochemistry. Edinburgh, UK, 2006.

Chen Z. and Zu Y., Simultaneous Detection of Ascorbic Acid and Uric Acid Using a Fluorosurfactant-modified Platinum Electrode, J. Electroanal. Chem. Elsevier, 2007, 603: 281.

Lu C., Zu Y. and Yam V.W.W., Specific Postcolumn Detection Method for HPLC Assay of Homocysteine Based on Aggregation of Fluorosurfactant-Capped Gold Nanoparticles, Analytical Chemistry. 2007, 79: 666-672.

Xu N.X.H. and Zu Y., Electrochemiluminescence Detection in Bioanalysis, New Frontiers in Ultrasensitive Bioanalysis: Advanced Analytical Chemistry Applications in Nanobiotechnology, Single Molecule Detection, and Single Cell Analysis. USA, Wiley, 2007, 235-267.

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