Grantham Scholar Gareth Williams is a PhD researcher in the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences.
Antimicrobial resistance is one of the key challenges of modern times, and photochemistry can contribute to the solution. Transition metal complexes have already been widely used in light-driven applications, such as photocatalysis, artificial photosynthesis and photodynamic therapies. Gareth’s PhD aims to develop complexes of cheap, available metals as photosensitisers for killing bacteria with light, thus contributing to UN SDGs 3 (Good health and well-being) and 6 (Clean water and sanitation).
The first example of a copper complex that kills bacteria in water under light has already been demonstrated to meet the World Health Organization’s classification as ‘highly protective’. Understanding the light-induced properties of these complexes and correlating them with their antibacterial activity will enable further development of this range of metal complexes as efficient photo-antibacterials.
You can connect with Gareth on LinkedIn.