F. Richard Keene

F. Richard Keene is a Professor at James Cook University (JCU), specializing in coordination chemistry and the design of metal complexes for biological applications. His research focuses on ruthenium-based compounds, exploring their interactions with DNA, antimicrobial properties, and applications in drug delivery and diagnostics. Key areas include supramolecular assemblies, intervalence charge transfer phenomena, and the development of novel agents for cancer and parasitic diseases.

His work spans over four decades, with a strong emphasis on understanding the structural and electronic properties of metal complexes and their biological implications. He has collaborated extensively with researchers in chemistry, biology, and pharmacology, contributing to advancements in materials science and medicinal chemistry.

Notable contributions include studies on dinuclear and polynuclear ruthenium complexes as antimicrobial and anticancer agents, their mechanism of action, and their interactions with nucleic acids. His research also delves into the use of ruthenium complexes as probes for DNA/RNA structures and for targeting extracellular vesicles in cancer biology.

Dr. Keene’s publications highlight a consistent focus on interdisciplinary approaches, combining synthetic chemistry with advanced spectroscopic and computational techniques to unravel complex molecular behaviors. His work has implications for drug development, diagnostics, and fundamental understanding of metallo-supramolecular systems.