The innovative FENG project uses advanced technology like photodynamic therapy (PDT). The aim of the project is to develop light-activated plant protection agents. Due to PDT, it is possible to develop plant protection agents without toxic e.g. photosynthesis disorders. FENG includes synthesis of the compounds, microbiological and ecotoxic studies. The research covers fight with bacterial and fungal diseases, impact on plant growth and development. Project fits into the modern agricultural model, focuses on the growth and ecology. Initiative addresses the needs of farmers and food producers who use plant protection technology.

Scientific research on light-activated plant protection agents is important for medicine, society and public health. It leads to using innovative and controlled methods of plant protection. Expanding the scope of use PDT will reduce using traditional pesticides, which contaminate the soil, water and food. It fosters sustainable agriculture and consumer safety. From a medical standpoint innovative light-activated plant protection agents will reduce health risk related to chemical residue in food. It improves quality of life and food security the entire community.

Axially disubstituted silicon(IV) phthalocyanine as a potent sensitizer for antimicrobial and anticancer photo and sonodynamic therapy.

Authors: Wysocki Marcin, Ziental Daniel, Biyiklioglu Zekeriya, Józkowiak Małgorzata, Długaszewska Jolanta, Piotrowska-Kempisty Hanna, Guzel Emre, Sobotta Łukasz.

Year: 2025

Journal: Int. J. Mol. Sci.

N-methylpyridinium porphyrin complexes as sensitizers for sonodynamic therapy against planktonic and biofilm-forming multidrug-resistant microbes.

Authors: Ziental Daniel, Giuntini Francesca, Wysocki Marcin, Talarska-Kulczyk Patrycja, Kubicka Agata, Długaszewska Jolanta, Sobotta Łukasz

Year: 2025

Journal: Int. J. Mol. Sci.

Quaternized phthalocyanines as a tool against melanoma and a broad spectrum of bacteria and fungi.

Authors: Ziental Daniel, Anaya-Plaza Eduardo, Talarska-Kulczyk Patrycja, Kubicka Agata, Żurawski Jakub, Długaszewska Jolanta, de la Escosura Andrés, Torres Tomas, Sobotta Łukasz.

Year: 2025

Journal: J. Photochem. Photobiol. B

Versatile porphyrin arrangements for photodynamic therapy - a review.

Authors: Głowacka-Sobotta Arleta, Czarczyńska-Goślińska Beata, Ziental Daniel, Wysocki Marcin, Michalak Maciej [A.], Guzel Emre, Sobotta Łukasz

Year: 2024

Journal: Nanomaterials

International Photodynamic Association (IPA) 2025 World Congress in Shanghai

Participant: Ziental Daniel

Liposomal delivery of violacein for enhanced sonodynamic therapy

CRS DeChAt Local Chapter Meeting. Bern, Switzerland, 13th-14th February 2025

Authors: Ziental Daniel, Janiak Dominika, Czajkowski Mikołaj, Majchrzak-Celińska Aleksandra, Długaszewska Jolanta, Wysocki Marcin, Krajka-Kuźniak Violetta, Sobotta Łukasz

Quaternized phthalocyanines as a powerful tool against a broad spectrum of pathogenic microorganisms and melanoma.

Eurestop General Meeting (Grant Period 3). Seville, Spain, 30-31 January 2025

Authors: : Ziental Daniel, Anaya Plaza Eduardo, Talarska-Kulczyk Patrycja, Kubicka Agata, Żurawski Jakub, Długaszewska Jolanta, de la Escosura Andres, Torres Tomas, Sobotta Łukasz

Violacein and liposomal violacein as sonosensitizers: applications in antimicrobial resistance and melanoma.

32nd Young Research Fellows Meeting. Paris, France, 26th-28th February 2025

Authors: Pawska Aleksandra, Ziental Daniel, Janiak Dominika, Majchrzak-Celińska Aleksandra, Długaszewska Jolanta, Wysocki Marcin, Krajka-Kuźniak Violetta, Sobotta Łukasz

Pyrene-Modified Phthalocyanines as a Potential Powerful Tool Against Melanoma and a Broad Spectrum of Bacteria and Fungi

32nd Young Research Fellows Meeting. Paris, France, 26th-28th February 2025

Authors: Ziental Daniel, Anaya Plaza Eduardo, Talarska-Kulczyk Patrycja, Kubicka Agata, Żurawski Jakub, Długaszewska Jolanta, Andrés de la Escosura, Torres Tomas, Sobotta Łukasz, Szymczyk Jakub

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an effective light-based method that is applied not only in cancer treatment but also in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In this therapy, a photosensitizer (PS) plays a key role – a chemical compound that, upon activation with light of an appropriate wavelength, generates reactive oxygen species (ROS). The ROS produced cause damage to bacterial cell structures (such as membranes, proteins, and DNA), leading to their effective elimination.

In our laboratory, we investigate not only the activity of photosensitizers and their ability to generate reactive oxygen species under biological conditions, but we also focus on the synthesis of novel macrocyclic compounds with photosensitizing potential. Particular attention is devoted to structures inspired by natural porphyrins, which, through appropriate modifications, may exhibit enhanced selectivity toward bacteria and improved efficiency in ROS generation.

Organic synthesis in this context relies on advanced methods for constructing macrocycles, including both classical approaches (such as condensation and cyclization reactions) and modern techniques, e.g., organometallic catalysis. Thanks to innovative strategies, it is possible to precisely design molecules with desired photophysical and biological properties.

Such developed photosensitizers can be applied in antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (aPDI), which represents a promising alternative, particularly in the face of the growing problem of multidrug resistance.

The biological part of the experiment has been divided into two stages. In the first stage, carried out under controlled conditions, an in vitro culture of selected plant species has been prepared. The in vitro cultures have been inoculated with specific pathogens and subsequently treated with photoactive compounds. During this stage, the toxicity of the tested substances to plants and their selective biocidal activity against pathogens have been evaluated. In the second stage, we have transferred the study into field conditions, which has enabled the evaluation of the developed photoactive compound under natural conditions.

The project stands out from previous research through the innovative application of photodynamic therapy (PDT), which represents a groundbreaking approach to plant protection. So far, this method has been applied mainly in medicine, making this project potentially pioneering in agriculture. In contrast to conventional protection methods, which often rely on toxic chemical compounds, PDT provides a more sustainable and ecological alternative for combating fungal and bacterial plant diseases. The innovativeness of the project lies in the use of light-activated photosensitizers to achieve precise and selective elimination of plant pathogens, while ensuring the safety of both plants and the environment.

The project is being carried out in collaboration with the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding at the University of Life Sciences in Poznań, where laboratory experiments on the effects of photoactive compounds on plant development are conducted. The combination of the team’s expertise in photodynamic therapy with the knowledge of experts in genetics, plant resistance and breeding allow for assessing the effectiveness of this method, as well as verification of its potential applications in agricultural practice.