Exploration of Reduction-Activated Functional Groups in Fluorescent Probes and Prodrugs

The development of small molecules plays a vital role in advancing new medicines that can diagnose and treat diseases more effectively, ultimately improving public health. This thesis focuses on the use of nitroaromatic groups as biologically responsive triggers to create innovative chemical tools and therapeutic agents for cancer and tuberculosis research. Specifically, these groups were incorporated into the design of fluorescent probes for cancer detection and into therapeutic agents aimed at selectively targeting cancer cells and tuberculosis bacteria. Through the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of these compounds, their chemical properties and potential as diagnostic and therapeutic agents were systematically explored.