Welcome to Supra-poly-chem Lab...
Research Interests in GG Lab
Research in the GG Lab integrates supramolecular chemistry, organic synthesis, materials science, and nanotechnology to develop functional molecular materials through programmed self-assembly. Our research focuses on understanding how molecular design governs self-assembly pathways, hierarchical organization, and emergent properties in soft materials. By combining synthetic chemistry with advanced spectroscopic, microscopic, and computational approaches, we aim to establish structure-property relationships that enable the rational design of next-generation functional materials.
Our research spans supramolecular polymerization, pathway complexity, peptide- and chromophore-based self-assembly, and stimuli-responsive materials. We are particularly interested in controlling kinetic and thermodynamic self-assembly pathways to generate nanostructures with tunable optical, electronic, chiroptical, catalytic, and mechanical properties.
The laboratory is organized into four major research themes that interact closely to address fundamental and applied challenges in supramolecular materials.
Synthesis of Functional Organic Luminiscent Materials and Peptide
This research area is devoted to the design and synthesis of chromophore-functionalized molecular systems, including peptide-π conjugates, donor–acceptor assemblies, and supramolecular polymers with tailored photophysical and electronic properties. By integrating aromatic chromophores such as pyrene, naphthalene diimide (NDI), perylene diimide (PDI), porphyrins, and related functional molecules, we develop materials for light harvesting, charge transport, sensing, chiroptical applications, photocatalysis, and optoelectronic devices.
Our report in the field:
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ACS Appl. Nano Mater., 2025, 8, 21748–21757.
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J. Mol. Liq., 2024, 416, 126506.
Supramolecular Self-Assembly and Controlling Pathway Complexity
The Supramolecular Self-Assembly research theme focuses on understanding the fundamental principles governing molecular organization through non-covalent interactions. We investigate hydrogen bonding, π-π stacking, electrostatic interactions, hydrophobic effects, and metal coordination to program molecular assemblies with controlled dimensions and functions. Particular emphasis is placed on pathway complexity, living supramolecular polymerization, seeded growth, hierarchical assembly, and stimuli-responsive transformations that provide precise control over nanoscale architectures.
We are interested in the pathway complexity of peptide self-assembly, focusing on how competing kinetic and thermodynamic factors influence the formation of diverse supramolecular structures. Our research explores the role of various external stimuli in directing the organization of peptide materials. By understanding and controlling these dynamic processes, we aim to design programmable peptide-based systems with applications in nanotechnology, biomaterials, and therapeutic delivery.
Our report in the field:
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Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2026, e3135255.
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Chem. Sci., 2024, 15, 16355-16366.
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ACS Applied Nano Materials, 2025, 8, 21748-21757.
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Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2025, pp. 67-137.
Control over nanostructure in supramolecular self-assembly is a critical focus in the GG Lab, enabling the precise design of functional materials with tailored properties. By modulating non-covalent interactions—such as hydrogen bonding, π-π stacking, metal coordination, and hydrophobic effects—we investigate strategies to guide molecular organization into well-defined nanostructures. This structural control allows for tunable morphology, including fibers, sheets, and micelles, which is essential for applications in drug delivery, catalysis, and electronic materials. The GG Lab integrates experimental techniques—including spectroscopy and microscopy—to investigate the relationship between molecular design and self-assembled architecture. By systematically varying molecular components and environmental conditions, the lab achieves predictable, reproducible control over nanoscale features, advancing the broader field of supramolecular chemistry
Control Over Nanostructure
Bioinspired and Energy Materials
The Bioinspired and Energy Materials research theme explores self-assembled molecular systems for sustainable energy conversion. Our research focuses on the development of supramolecular piezoelectric materials, supramolecular photocatalysts for photoelectrochemical water splitting, and multifunctional nanomaterials. We also investigate peptide-based biomaterials, supramolecular hydrogels, and biofunctional assemblies for applications in spintronics, sensing, and electrical conductivity.
Across these research areas, group members employ a multidisciplinary toolkit that includes organic synthesis, peptide chemistry, spectroscopy (UV-Vis, fluorescence, circular dichroism, FTIR, Raman, NMR), electrochemistry, microscopy (AFM, SEM, TEM), X-ray diffraction, computational chemistry, and theoretical modeling. Through the integration of molecular design with advanced characterization, the Ghosh Group seeks to uncover fundamental principles of supramolecular organization while creating functional materials for applications in energy, electronics, sensing, and spintronics.
Our report in the field:
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Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2026, e3135255.
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Chem. Sci., 2024, 15, 16355-16366.
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Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 2026. (Just Accepted)
Metal and Nanoparticle induced supramolecular self assembly of peptides
GG Lab is involved in studies of the metal- and nanoparticle-induced supramolecular self-assembly of peptides, focusing on how these inorganic components direct and modulate peptide organization. We investigate how metal ion coordination and nanoparticle surface interactions influence assembly pathways, leading to distinct nanostructures with tailored properties. By combining structural characterization and mechanistic insights, we aim to design hybrid peptide-inorganic materials for applications in biomaterials, catalysis, sensing, and nanomedicine.
Liquid Crystal
Our research explores the liquid crystalline behavior of small organic molecules, with a particular focus on understanding how kinetically trapped self-assembled states influence molecular packing and phase behavior. To investigate these systems, we employ polarized optical microscopy (POM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to characterize their liquid crystalline properties. Self-assembly is further examined using UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
Our primary objective is to establish structure-property relationships by capturing and characterizing different molecular states, particularly in the liquid crystalline phase, and to understand how self-assembly pathways and molecular packing govern the resulting liquid crystalline behavior.
