Behice Şebnem Sesalan

Behice Şebnem Sesalan serves as a Docent (Associate Professor) in the Department of Chemistry at Istanbul Technical University, specializing in the design and application of phthalocyanine-based compounds for biomedical and environmental solutions. Her work bridges synthetic chemistry with practical implementations in photodynamic therapy and pollutant remediation.

Her research centers on Phthalocyanine Chemistry, DNA Binding mechanisms, Photochemical properties, and Photodynamic Therapy development. She pioneers water-soluble phthalocyanine derivatives for targeted applications, emphasizing their catalytic efficiency and biological compatibility. Key contributions include elucidating DNA-small molecule interactions and engineering PEG-conjugated systems for enhanced therapeutic efficacy.

Recent publications (2018-2025) demonstrate a cohesive trajectory toward biomedical innovation—particularly in anticancer photodynamic therapy using zinc/cobalt phthalocyanines—and environmental applications like silicon-phthalocyanine-catalyzed dye degradation. This dual focus highlights her commitment to solving healthcare and ecological challenges through molecular design.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Department First Place (1997)

Dr. Sesalan has supervised five graduate researchers and secured four major grants from Istanbul Technical University's Scientific Research Projects unit. Key projects include "Synthesis of New Macromolecules and Investigation of Their Biological Properties" (2021-2022), "Synthesis of New Macrocyclic Compounds and Investigation of Their Catalytic Effects" (2021-2022), and biotechnological liquid crystal research (2016-2018).

Her collaborative network spans computational chemists and biophysicists, driving interdisciplinary advances in macromolecular science. Current work focuses on quaternized phthalocyanines for improved DNA targeting and antibacterial phototherapy, supported by institutional grants and international partnerships.