Translating Photoredox Catalysis to Biological Environments

Abstract

This thesis explores the feasibility of performing photocatalytic radical processes in biological media, employing homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis under a bioorthogonal context. First, we demostrated for the first time the photoredox activation of diazonium salts in biological and cellular environments, enabling radical transformations in cellulo. Subsequently, triazenes were introduce as stable precursors of diazonium salts, allowing the controlled generation of diazonium ion under aqueous and biocompatible conditions. As alternative radical precursors, we have explores the use of oximes for the generation of radical species under aqueoues conditions and within living cells. Finally, metal organic framewroks(MOF) were employeed as photocatalytic nanoreactors in aqueoues and biologically relevant environments.