Welcome to the DECHEM project website!

The general aim of the DECHEM project is in the application of results, methods and instruments of chemical research for improving the quality of life. Studies are focused on fields which serve this aim either directly (maintaining or/and restoring health) or indirectly (providing clean environment, use of sustainable energy sources). In support of health and welfare of society, we shall synthesize lead molecules for possible drug candidates (glycoenzime antagonists, multivalent carbohydrate derivatives, anticoagulant carbohydrates, new types of heterocyclic compounds, etc.) against epidemics (such as cardiac, oncologic, neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, etc.), identify enzymes as therapeutic targets and study their mechanism of operation.

Through studies of absolute spatial structure of bioactive molecules structure-activity correlations will be discovered. Macrocyclic metal complexes will be developed for diagnostic purposes, together with scrutiny of the most important parameters (e.g. stability under physiological conditions). Biocompatible hydrogenation catalysts will be obtained for MRI purposes based on hydrogenations with para-hydrogen under physiological conditions. Study of the interactions of pharmaceutically active compounds and nanoparticles will reveal suitability for possible theranostic applications. In the field of sustaining/restoring clean environment, peculiarities of reactions of strong oxidants (HOCl, H₂O₂) -often used in environmental chemistry- will be studied. Detailed knowledge of the reactions’ mechanisms will contribute to development of efficient and economic water treatment methods as well as to elaboration of high performance, environment-friendly oxidation technologies.

Chemically modified clays will be prepared for elimination of environmental phosphate and arsenate and for immobilization of the so-called „nasty” isotopes found in spent nuclear fuel. Carbon nanoparticles, functionalized nanosize graphene oxide and various macromolecules will be synthesized to be used in adsorption processes and as carrier particles; their hydrophylicity/hydrophobicity will be tuned by chemical modifications. High activity catalysts will be developed for aqueous reactions (such as hydrogenation and thevarious transformations of atmospheric carbon dioxide) and for elimination of organic solvents in chemical procedures. Glycoenzimes will be used in chemical syntheses and in processes of biomass valorization. New types of chemical hydrogen batteries, based on organometallic catalysis, will be developed for storage of energy from renewable sources in form of hydrogen.