University of Sao Paulo | Brazil
AUTHOR PROFILE
Scopus
EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS
Professor Roberto S. da Silva embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in chemistry, graduating with a Bachelor's degree from UNAERP, Brazil, in December 1983. Building upon this, he pursued his Master's degree in Inorganic Chemistry at UNESP, Brazil, which he completed in November 1987. His dedication to academic excellence led him to attain a Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry from UNESP, Brazil, in December 1993. These formative years laid the groundwork for his future contributions to the field.
PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS
Following his academic pursuits, Professor da Silva delved into postdoctoral training, enhancing his expertise in spectroscopy at York University, Canada, from 1994 to 1996. Subsequently, he furthered his knowledge in at UC-Santa Barbara, USA, in 2006. These experiences broadened his understanding of specialized areas within his field. Moreover, his appointment as a visiting professor in Photobiology at NIH/Bethesda in 2009 and at Harvard Medical School in 2017-2018 enriched his professional portfolio, fostering collaborations and expanding his research horizons, photochemistry.
CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON PHOTOCHEMISTRY
Throughout his career, Professor da Silva has been dedicated to fundamental chemical and photochemical studies, particularly focusing on systems based on ruthenium compounds. These investigations serve as models for bioinorganic chemistry, inorganic chemical biology, and the development of new drugs. His research emphasizes the design and chemical mechanisms of action of therapeutic metal complexes, with a particular interest in ruthenium bonded to nitric oxide derivatives and catecholamine ligands. Notably, his work has identified these compounds as potent vasodilators and anticancer agents. Additionally, his exploration of photoactivated metal compounds has unveiled opportunities to enhance Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), a clinical anticancer process involving light irradiation. Beyond synthesis, his research encompasses the study of interactions with biological targets such as RNA, DNA, and proteins, often through interdisciplinary collaborations.
ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION
Professor da Silva's contributions to the field have been recognized through numerous awards and honors. Noteworthy among these is the selection of his article titled "Photocytotoxic activity of a nitrosyl phthalocyanine ruthenium complex" by ELSEVIER as one of the TOP 25 HOTTEST ARTICLES in 2011. Additionally, he has received Best Poster Awards at various conferences, highlighting the significance of his research findings. These accolades underscore the impact of his work within the scientific community.
IMPACT AND INFLUENCE
Professor da Silva's research has made a significant impact on the understanding and application of ruthenium-based compounds in various fields, including cancer therapy and photodynamic therapy. By elucidating their chemical mechanisms of action and exploring their therapeutic potential, his work has paved the way for the development of novel treatment strategies. Moreover, his collaborations and contributions to scientific literature have fostered knowledge dissemination and inspired further research in the field.
LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS
As a seasoned academic and researcher, Professor Roberto S. da Silva leaves behind a legacy of excellence in scientific inquiry and innovation. His dedication to advancing knowledge in bioinorganic chemistry and related disciplines has established him as a prominent figure in the field. Looking ahead, his continued contributions are poised to shape the future of drug development and therapeutic interventions, with a focus on harnessing the potential of metal-based compounds for combating diseases and improving human health.
NOTABLE PUBLICATION
In vitro anti-tumoral activity of two versatile cationic porphyrins on melanoma cells 2023 (1)
Thiopyridinium phthalocyanine for improved photodynamic efficiency against pathogenic fungi 2022 (7)
RuBPY decreases intracellular calcium by decreasing influx and increasing storage 2022 (1)