Stimuli-responsive molecules and materials are species capable of a specific response to an external stimulus by a predictable and controlled change(s) in some of their fundamental properties. The research in Anzenbacher research group is, in general, focused on the development of advanced photonic molecules and materials in two main areas: supramolecular materials for molecular sensing and materials that can be used in organic electronics, e.g., fabrication of flat displays and energy-efficient interior lights, solar cells (photovoltaics) or field-effect transistors (FETs). Specifically, we study supramolecular aspects of anion binding, we design, synthesize and study molecular receptors for pharmaceuticals and drugs. The gained knowledge is utilized in the development of new bioassays, sensors for pharmaceuticals and drugs and in fabrication of fluorescence-based optical sensors and sensor arrays useful in high-throughput screening (HTS). Part of this work is also the synthesis of various fluorophores and dyes and method of their conjugation with targeting (affinity) moieties, for example, for bioassays.
Recently, we have started developing sensor chips utilizing conjugated and/or conductive polymers and other smart materials capable of signaling the presence of ions by change in color and/or luminescence. The research in the field of optical sensing led us also to synthesize materials that react to the presence of explosives such as RDX or TNT. We design and synthesize materials (chromophores and charge-transport materials) for use in OLEDs, organic photovoltaics (OPV) and Organic Thin-Film Transistor (OTFT) based sensors. These materials are mostly of the small-molecular nature such as organometallic complexes and organic chromophores, and semiconductor materials for charge transport. We have been blessed with a number of collaborations with other scientists; Together we are capable of increasing the footprint of our research and increase our knowledge.
As a departing platform for our research, we utilize methods of organic and organometallic synthesis to prepare new photonic materials. We use methods of organic synthesis and materials chemistry, molecular spectroscopy to investigate the properties of prepared compounds and materials (NMR, MS and IR spectroscopy). We also utilize optical spectroscopy (absorption and fluorescence/luminescence, both steady state and time-resolved) as well as optical microscopy to investigate the materials but also induce or observe chemical and photophysical changes in the investigated materials.