About

Jovica Badjic received his diploma in Chemistry in 1994 from the University of Belgrade in Serbia and earned his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Iowa State University in 2001. He was a postdoctoral research fellow in the group of Nobel Laureate J. Fraser Stoddart at UCLA from 2001 to 2004. He joined The Ohio State University faculty in 2004, was promoted to associate professor in 2010, and to full professor in 2014. His research focuses on supramolecular chemistry, organic chemistry, and medicinal chemistry, with a particular emphasis on discovering new types of antidotes based on designed, bowl-shaped organic molecules called molecular baskets. These molecular baskets are developed to selectively encapsulate toxic substances, reducing their harmful effects by shuttling them toward natural clearance pathways. His team employs computational chemistry, organic synthesis, and various characterization techniques to design, develop, and test these host structures for potential use as smart, selective antidotes to poisonings from drugs, pesticides, and other micropollutants. He is dedicated to training students and postdoctoral researchers in cutting-edge methods of organic synthesis and self-assembly, fostering professional growth and addressing pressing problems in modern medicine.

Research topics

• Chemistry
• Organic chemistry
• Medicine
• Crystallography
• Medicinal chemistry
• Inorganic chemistry
• Pharmacology
• Polymer chemistry
• Biochemistry

Selected publications

• A Bolaamphiphilic and Nanoparticulate Pillar[6]arene for Noncovalent/Inclusion Complexation of Doxorubicin and Mitoxantrone in Water

  ACS Omega · 2026-04-17

  articleOpen access

  Pillar[6]arene 12– is a dianionic and accessible host, possessing a cylindrical cavity composed of six benzene rings with ten ethoxy and two carboxylic acid groups at the top/bottom portals. The results from 1H NMR spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements of bolaamphiphilic 12– in 30 mM phosphate buffer (PBS) at pH = 7.4 are in line with its self-association into spherical nanoparticles at concentrations up to 200 μM. At lower concentrations (<25 μM), nanoparticles of 12– are smaller (D = 150 nm, DLS), while at the 25–100 μM concentration range, they grow bigger (D = 330 nm, DLS). With computational studies (molecular mechanics) revealing the electronic and shape complementarity of the cavity of 12– and anticancer drugs mitoxantrone (MTO2+) and doxorubicin (DOX+), 1H NMR spectra of equimolar drug/pillararene mixtures resulted in a severe broadening of all signals. The formation of drug/pillararene noncovalent complexes was further confirmed by the pH-triggered precipitation of both drugs and pillararene from their mixtures. The results from UV–vis supramolecular titrations were in line with two equilibria characterizing noncovalent complexations and corresponding to the formation of (a) multimeric [drugx⊂y] complexes (x > y) along with (b) binary and inclusion [drug⊂pillararene] complexes. The existence of the latter was corroborated with mass spectrometry (ESI/TOF MS). Importantly, multimeric [drugx⊂pillarareney] and binary [drug⊂pillararene] complexes constitute sizable and spherical nanoparticles (600 nm–1 μm; DLS and TEM). With the biocompatibility of nanoparticulate 12– toward HeLa cells and its capacity to capture toxic anticancer agents used in clinics thereby forming larger nanoparticles, we reason that the nanosystem described here could be developed into a platform for effective sequestration or delivery of anticancer drugs.

  PublisherDOI

• Dendritic Pillar[6]Arenes with Fixed Planar Chirality for Stereoselective Inclusions in Water: A Case of Facile Differentiation of Cocaine Adulterants, Levamisole and Dexamisole

  Angewandte Chemie International Edition · 2025-09-01 · 2 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  Abstract We describe the preparation, conformational dynamics, and stereoselective recognition characteristics of water‐soluble pillar[6]arenes pS – 2 12− and pR – 2 12− . These two novel and diastereomeric cavitands comprise a 2,5‐ bis (ethoxy)pillar[6]arene core with one of six phenylene ring conjugated to two hexaanionic dendrons. Each dendron includes an ( S )−glutamic acid amidated with two tris ‐carboxylic Behera's amines. Cavitands pS – 2 12− and pR – 2 12− were obtained in six synthetic steps and resolved by column chromatography. The results of 1 H NMR and circular dichroism spectroscopic measurements are in line with pS / pR – 2 12− having unidirectional orientation of alkoxy substituents (i.e., planar chirality) and no observable interconversion for, at least, 2 weeks. Computational studies supported with 1 H DOSY NMR measurements revealed that sufficiently bulky dendrons require high activation energy to pass through the pillararene's cylindrical cavity therefore inhibiting rotation of the phenylene holding them. With the unique and chiral binding pocket, pS – 2 12− ( pR – 2 12− ) formed inclusion complexes with cocaine adulterants levamisole and dexamisole ( K d &gt; mM), with their racemic mixture showing separate 1 H NMR spectroscopic resonances. In this way, dendritic pillar[6]arenes can be used as chiral shift reagents for determining enantiopurity of pharmaceuticals but also for examining a variety of chiral recognition processes, sensing of chiral molecules, and stereoselective sequestrations in aqueous media.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• O-GlcNAc transferase plays dual antiviral roles by integrating innate immunity and lipid metabolism

  Nature Communications · 2025-08-19 · 6 citations

  articleOpen access

  Viral infection induces robust reprogramming of metabolic pathways in host cells. However, whether host metabolic enzymes detect viral components remains unknown. Our group and others previously identified O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), an important glucose metabolic enzyme, as a crucial mediator of the antiviral immune responses. Here, by studying a mouse model with a catalytically impaired OGT, we discover a catalytic activity-independent function of OGT in restraining influenza A virus (IAV) infection in addition to its catalytic activity-dependent effect on MAVS-mediated antiviral immunity. Biochemical studies reveal a critical antiviral effect based on OGT interacting with IAV genomic RNA that requires its N-terminal tetracopeptide repeat-4 motif. This interaction causes the translocation of nuclear OGT to cytosolic lipid droplets (LDs) to destabilize LDs-coating perilipin 2, thereby limiting LDs accumulation and in turn virus replication. In sum, our findings reveal OGT as a multifaceted metabolic sensor that integrates MAVS signaling and lipid metabolism to combat viral infection. O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) mediates antiviral host immune response. Here, the authors identify a catalytic activity-independent function of OGT in restraining influenza A virus replication by translocating to lipid droplets and limiting their accumulation following interaction with viral RNA.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Correction: Molecular bowls for inclusion complexation of toxic anticancer drug methotrexate

  Chemical Science · 2025-01-01

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  Correction for ‘Molecular bowls for inclusion complexation of toxic anticancer drug methotrexate’ by Pratik Karmakar et al. , Chem. Sci. , 2024, 15 , 10155–10163, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC05627A.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Dendritic Pillar[6]Arenes with Fixed Planar Chirality for Stereoselective Inclusions in Water: A Case of Facile Differentiation of Cocaine Adulterants, Levamisole and Dexamisole

  Angewandte Chemie · 2025-09-01

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Abstract We describe the preparation, conformational dynamics, and stereoselective recognition characteristics of water‐soluble pillar[6]arenes pS – 2 12− and pR – 2 12− . These two novel and diastereomeric cavitands comprise a 2,5‐ bis (ethoxy)pillar[6]arene core with one of six phenylene ring conjugated to two hexaanionic dendrons. Each dendron includes an ( S )−glutamic acid amidated with two tris ‐carboxylic Behera's amines. Cavitands pS – 2 12− and pR – 2 12− were obtained in six synthetic steps and resolved by column chromatography. The results of 1 H NMR and circular dichroism spectroscopic measurements are in line with pS / pR – 2 12− having unidirectional orientation of alkoxy substituents (i.e., planar chirality) and no observable interconversion for, at least, 2 weeks. Computational studies supported with 1 H DOSY NMR measurements revealed that sufficiently bulky dendrons require high activation energy to pass through the pillararene's cylindrical cavity therefore inhibiting rotation of the phenylene holding them. With the unique and chiral binding pocket, pS – 2 12− ( pR – 2 12− ) formed inclusion complexes with cocaine adulterants levamisole and dexamisole ( K d &gt; mM), with their racemic mixture showing separate 1 H NMR spectroscopic resonances. In this way, dendritic pillar[6]arenes can be used as chiral shift reagents for determining enantiopurity of pharmaceuticals but also for examining a variety of chiral recognition processes, sensing of chiral molecules, and stereoselective sequestrations in aqueous media.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Dendritic Molecular Baskets for Selective Binding of Toxic Methotrexate

  Angewandte Chemie · 2024-11-12

  articleOpen accessCorresponding

  Abstract We describe the preparation, assembly, recognition characteristics, and bioactivity of dendritic basket 6 12− . This novel cavitand has a deep aromatic pocket with three ( S )‐glutamic acid dendrons at the rim to amplify water solubility and prevent self‐association. 1 H NMR spectroscopy, calorimetry (ITC), and mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) measurements validate the formation of an inclusion complex between 6 12− and anticancer drug methotrexate (MTX 2− ) in water ( K d =9.2 μM). To identify the docking pose, a comparison of computed (DFT and MM) and experimental 1 H NMR chemical shifts suggests that MTX 2− folds inside 6 12− (π⋅⋅⋅π), forming HBs with the peptidic dendrons while anchoring (C−H⋅⋅⋅π) to the aromatic pocket through its N‐methyl group. In consequence, 6 12− selectively binds MTX 2− in competition with structurally similar folic acid and leucovorin (reversal poisoning agent). While the host is biocompatible (HEK293; IC 50 &gt;150 μM) and produces inclusion complex [MTX⊂ 6 ] 14− in cell media, it experiences limitation in pharmacokinetic sequestration of MTX 2− as dihydrofolate reductase's affinity to the drug is suggested to prevail over that of 6 12− . Nonetheless, considering the basket's biocompatibility, tunability, and chemoselectivity, it stands as the leading candidate in the pursuit of an effective abiotic antidote for methotrexate poisoning.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Arginine Acts as both Co‐Solvent and Catalyst in Regioselective Eutectic‐Mediated Dimerization of Levulinic Acid

  ChemSusChem · 2024-04-04 · 2 citations

  articleSenior author

  A simple, solvent-free arginine-catalyzed aldol dimerization of levulinic acid was achieved via the simultaneous formation of a eutectic mixture. Dimers of levulinic acid are valued as biomass-derived fine chemical precursors, with potential to upgrade to bio-jet fuels or N-containing functional chemicals. Typically, these dimers are produced as isomeric mixtures using high temperatures and a variety of solid inorganic catalysts or mineral acids. In this study, an organocatalytic and regioselective dimerization was achieved at 22 % conversion on either a bench or kilogram scale using mild temperatures and only L-arginine as both a co-solvent and catalyst. The intricate H-bonding network comprising the eutectic solvent was harnessed to produce only one product, minimizing side reactivity and preserving the reactants for recycling.

  PublisherDOI

• Dendritic Molecular Baskets for Selective Binding of Toxic Methotrexate

  Angewandte Chemie International Edition · 2024-11-12 · 5 citations

  articleSenior authorCorresponding

  Abstract We describe the preparation, assembly, recognition characteristics, and bioactivity of dendritic basket 6 12− . This novel cavitand has a deep aromatic pocket with three ( S )‐glutamic acid dendrons at the rim to amplify water solubility and prevent self‐association. 1 H NMR spectroscopy, calorimetry (ITC), and mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) measurements validate the formation of an inclusion complex between 6 12− and anticancer drug methotrexate (MTX 2− ) in water ( K d =9.2 μM). To identify the docking pose, a comparison of computed (DFT and MM) and experimental 1 H NMR chemical shifts suggests that MTX 2− folds inside 6 12− (π⋅⋅⋅π), forming HBs with the peptidic dendrons while anchoring (C−H⋅⋅⋅π) to the aromatic pocket through its N‐methyl group. In consequence, 6 12− selectively binds MTX 2− in competition with structurally similar folic acid and leucovorin (reversal poisoning agent). While the host is biocompatible (HEK293; IC 50 &gt;150 μM) and produces inclusion complex [MTX⊂ 6 ] 14− in cell media, it experiences limitation in pharmacokinetic sequestration of MTX 2− as dihydrofolate reductase's affinity to the drug is suggested to prevail over that of 6 12− . Nonetheless, considering the basket's biocompatibility, tunability, and chemoselectivity, it stands as the leading candidate in the pursuit of an effective abiotic antidote for methotrexate poisoning.

  PublisherDOI

• Molecular bowls for inclusion complexation of toxic anticancer drug methotrexate

  Chemical Science · 2024-01-01 · 10 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  is the strongest binder of MTX reported to date, we envision it as an excellent candidate for further studies on the way toward developing an antidote capable of removing MTX from overdosed cancer patients.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Author response for "Molecular Bowls for Inclusion Complexation of Toxic Anticancer Drug Methotrexate"

  2024-04-14

  peer-reviewSenior author
  PublisherDOI

Recent grants

• Gated Molecular Baskets

  NSF · $390k · 2007–2010

• SusChEM: On the Role of Molecular Baskets in the Activation of Hydrocarbons and Stereoselective Recognition in Water

  NSF · $568k · 2016–2021

• Pillararene-Basket Conjugates, Deeper Cavity Baskets and Covalent Basket Cages for Allosteric Complexation of Toxicants

  NSF · $522k · 2023–2026

• CAS: Effective and Selective Sequestration of Functional Molecules with Baskets and Covalent Basket Cages

  NSF · $450k · 2020–2023

• Gated Molecular Encapsulation in Water

  NSF · $410k · 2013–2016

Frequent coauthors

• Christopher M. Hadad

  The Ohio State University

  57 shared

• Curtis E. Moore

  The Ohio State University

  57 shared

• Radoslav Z. Pavlović

  Northwestern University

  55 shared

• Tyler J. Finnegan

  The Ohio State University

  48 shared

• J. Fraser Stoddart

  UNSW Sydney

  45 shared

• Zhi‐Quan Lei

  The Ohio State University

  32 shared

• Vageesha W. Liyana Gunawardana

  The Ohio State University

  29 shared

• Stuart Cantrill

  Springer Nature (United States)

  23 shared

Awards & honors

• John S. Swenton Award for Outstanding Teaching