My research interest lies in multiple fields that encompass organic-chemistry, biochemistry and novel targets in cancer. 

In the past, I have synthesized multiple photosensitive drug-release vehicles, drug-mimetics and photo-controlled peptides, which are intended to be used towards cancer chemotherapy. Recently, I got interested in developing small-molecule inhibitors intended to target the activity of transcriptional coregulators such as CtBP.

1. Light-enabled drug delivery. Inventors: Matthew Hartman, Martin Michael Dcona, Deboleena Mitra. (Patent:US20140236071).

2. Photocaged permeability: a new strategy for controlled drug release. Chem. Commun., 2012, 48, 4755-4757. M. Michael Dcona, Deboleena Mitra, Rachel W Goehe, David A Gewirtz, Deborah A Lebman and Matthew CT Hartman.

3. A new, highly water-soluble, fluorescent turn-on chemodosimeter for direct measurement of hydrogen sulfide in biological fluids. Analyst, 2012,137, 4910-4912. Matthew CT Hartman and M. Michael Dcona

4. Near infrared light mediated release of doxorubicin using upconversion nanoparticles. Chem. Commun., 2015, 51, 8477-8479.  M. Michael Dcona, Qing Yu, John A. Capobianco and Matthew CT Hartman.

5. Photoswitchable anticancer activity via trans–cis isomerization of a combretastatin A-4 analog. Org. Biomol. Chem., 2016,14, 40-49. Jonathon E Sheldon, M. Michael Dcona, Charles E Lyons, John C Hackett, Matthew CT Hartman

6. Light induced drug release from a folic acid-drug conjugate.Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters 27 (2017) 466–469. M. Michael Dcona, Jonathon E. Sheldon, Deboleena Mitra, Matthew C.T. Hartman

7. CtBP- an emerging oncogene and novel small molecule drug target: advances in the understanding of its oncogenic action and identification of therapeutic inhibitors: Cancer Biology and Therapy 18:6, 379-391 (2017) M. Michael Dcona, Benjamin L. Morris and Steven R. Grossman.