Digital Commons Network^™

Design And Synthesis Of Novel Peptide-Metal Organic Frameworks, Moustafa Mahmoud Abdel Wahid Hamaad

Theses and Dissertations

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of crystalline porous materials with extended network structures formed through the reticular assembly of inorganic and organic molecular building blocks through strong coordination bonds. Compared to other porous materials, MOFs offer a high degree of structural diversity as their shape and pore size as well as functionality can tuned by the precise selection and design of their metal centers and organic struts. Due to their high surface areas, pore volumes, and the possibility of introduction of a myriad of chemical functionalities in their structures, MOFs have gained popularity for applications in many fields such …

Anti-Doping Crisis In Sports, What's Next? Ion Mobility-Mass Spectrometry For The Study Of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids, Diana Constanza Velosa

Theses and Dissertations

The main objective of this work is to augment both qualitative and quantitative measures of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) with ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IM-MS), laying the foundation for implementation into analytical drug testing laboratories. AAS testing requires high sensitivity and specificity. IM-MS is presented as an emerging technology workflow capable of targeted quantification of AAS and structural elucidation for potential unknowns, allowing ions to be separated and characterized based on their rotationally averaged collision cross section (CCS). Chapter 1 provides a background of the basic principles of IMS and the different types of analytical methods used for doping analysis currently …

Analysis Of Steroid Hormone Isomers Using Ion Mobility-Mass Spectrometry, Shon Paul Neal

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents a comprehensive study on the analysis of steroid hormone isomers using liquid chromatography-ion mobility-mass spectrometry (LC-IM-MS). The dissertation is divided into three main parts: the first part focuses on research using different drift gases and ion adducts to modify the mobility separations allowing for resolution between the isomers. The second part focuses on research exploring derivatization reactions that target structural differences between the steroid hormone isomers to amplify the differences and resolve the isomers in the ion mobility region. The final part covers a proposal on future study directions to include simultaneous derivatization reactions, mass spectrometry fragmentation, …

1. Influence Of Metal Ions And Solvents On The Photo-Generation Of Reactive Oxygen Species In Mesoporous Silicate Embedded Porphyrins 2.Water-Soluble Rhodium(Iii) Porphyrin Complex For The Biological Inactivation Of Fentanyl, Hemant Pal

Theses and Dissertations

Porphyrins are differentiated π-conjugated compounds with unique photochemical and redox properties. The tetrapyrrole macrocycle core of porphyrins is extremely favorable for the complexation of metal ions, resulting in hybrid metal-organic molecules with good catalytic properties. Porphyrin-based systems are known for their oxidative properties and are frequently utilized as bio-mimicking catalysts and environmental remediation agents. My current research aims at both of these aspects. One of the most efficient methods to create photocatalytic systems with outstanding features and applicability is the use of porphyrins on supported solid materials. A series of novel mesoporous silicate-embedded metalloporphyrins were prepared via conjugation of novel …

Water-Soluble Iron Porphyrin Complex For The Catalytic N-Dealkylation Of Fentanyl, Amanda Pitt

Theses and Dissertations

An increase in the misuse of opioids in the United States and the increasing potency of analogs necessitates novel treatments of opioid overdose. The chemical structure of synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, carfentanil, and morphine possess a trialkyl amine functional group (-NR3) which makes for a promising target for potential catalysts. Iron (III)-tetrasulfonatophenyl porphyrin (complex 9) was synthesized as a potential catalyst for degradation of fentanyl. Complex 9a was prepared from the direct reaction of the free porphyrin and FeSO4. Complex 9b was prepared from the direct reaction of the free porphyrin and FeCl2 in refluxing DMF. The complexes were …

Recent Advances Of Functional Electrolyte Additives For Lithium-Sulfur Batteries, Xiu-Qing Zhang, Shuai Tang, Yong-Zhu Fu

Journal of Electrochemistry

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries have become one of the most promising next-generation battery systems due to their high energy density and low cost. However, the application of Li-S batteries still faces critical challenges, such as the low conductivities of S and Li₂S, shuttle effect of polysulfides and dendrite growth of Li, etc. The optimization of the electrolyte can ameliorate the electrolyte|electrode interphase, conveniently regulating the parasitic reaction and improving the performance of the resultant batteries. The functional additives in electrolytes provide chances to tune the interphase and even the redox mechanism to improve the performance of the batteries. In …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Rhenium 2,2′-Pyridylnaphthyridine Metal Complexes, Benjamin F. Solomon

Honors Theses

Rhenium (Re) is a group 7 heavy 5d transition metal in the same family as manganese (Mn) and technetium (Tc). Re-carbonyl complexes are known to be catalysts for many different kinds of reactions from C-C bond formation to reduction reactions like CO₂ reduction (CO₂RR)^1,2. With this in mind, we have prepared a set of six Re-carbonyl complexes of 2,2′-pyridyl-1,6-naphthyridine (1,6- pynap) and 2,2′-pyridyl-1,8-naphthyridine (1,8-pynap), a redox non-innocent ligand containing a bpy moiety as well as an additional aryl nitrogen binding location at which another metal-ligand bond could form. We have synthesized these complexes as precursors …

Synthesis And Evaluation Of 1-Substituted Imidazo[4,5-C] Quinoline Tlr7 Agonists With Improved Potency, Emma Grace Deyoung

Undergraduate Honors Theses

TLR7 agonists are small molecules that are useful within cancer immunotherapy due to their ability to stimulate the TLR7 pathway resulting in NFκB activation, and cytokine release.1 Due to the risk of toxicity when delivered systemically, our team has employed a particular type of drug-delivery technology, Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs) to deliver these payloads directly to tumor tissue. The initial focus of this work was on E104 (8a), an imidazoquinoline TLR7 agonist, which was synthesized by the Tumey lab.1 However, the agonist was not sufficiently potent for many of the proposed applications of this technology, prompting a need to develop …

The Role Of Sars-Cov-2 Orf8 Protein Arks Motif On Novobiocin Binding, Si Chun Chiu, My T. Nguyen

Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)

The discovery of the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the COVID-19 pandemic required scientists to develop medical solutions to reduce infectivity, severity of symptoms, and death. Although vaccines and drugs provided urgent assistance, the need to continue developing better drugs is necessary long term, and understanding the structure of the virus and finding potential inhibitors would prove vital to discovering solutions to this worldwide health problem. This experimental project focuses on targeting the unique accessory protein, Open Reading Frame 8 (ORF8) in SARS-CoV-2 through studying its interactions with a repurposable drug, novobiocin. Importantly, ORF8 specializes in helping evade immune system checks by …

Protein Engineering Of A Fluorescent Watermelon Malate Dehydrogenase, William Yu

Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)

Malate dehydrogenase (MDH) is an enzyme that is prevalent in many metabolic processes, such as the Krebs cycle and the citric acid cycle4. It reversibly forms oxaloacetate and NADH from (S)-malate and NAD+,1. Tryptophan fluorescence would be ideal to monitor conformational changes of MDH, but watermelon glycosomal MDH does not contain any tryptophan amino acids4. The research question being tested here is whether or not it is possible to mutate MDH to contain a tryptophan while still retaining native-like specific activity. This research question has not been addressed as a literature search has shown no research has been done to …

Chemically Responsive Hydrogels, Properties, Pharmaceuticals, And Agricultural Applications: A Review, Mohammad Alrbaihat, Qusay Abu-Afifeh, Firas Al-Zeidaneen

Al-Bahir

A review of the literature on chemically responsive hydrogels about the selection of selectivity based on classification, properties, and application is presented in this article. Chemically responsive hydrogels are a type of hydrogel that undergo changes in their properties in response to specific stimuli. These hydrogels have attracted significant attention due to their potential applications in various fields, including pharmaceuticals and agriculture. Chemically crosslinked hydrogels are synthesized by covalent crosslinking of end-functionalized macromeres. Currently, a great deal of research is being conducted on hydrogel networks, also known as smart networks or hungry networks. This is owing to their potential use …

Ab Initio Calculations Of Vibrational Spectra Of Model Peptides, Katheryn Foust, Martina Kaledin

Symposium of Student Scholars

The function of biological molecules is closely related to their spatial structure and conformational dynamics. Therefore, understanding the structure and functions of small peptides contributes to gaining insight into the behavior of more complex systems. The peptide bond (-CO-NH-) is among the very important binding patterns in biochemistry. It links amino acids together, specifies rigidity to the protein backbone, and includes the two essential docking sites for hydrogen-bond-mediated protein folding and protein aggregation, namely, the C=O acceptor and the N-H donor parts. Therefore, the C=O (amide-I) and N-H (amide-A) vibrations provide sensitive and widely used probes into the structure of …

Chemical And Biological Investigation Of Sambucus Canadensis And Salvia Officinalis, Elizabeth Martin, Harley Hines, Amber Parnell

ATU Scholars Symposium

New treatments for cancer and bacterial infections are needed, especially because most patients acquire resistance to conventional first-line treatments. Many natural product metabolites exhibit potent activity. Sambucus sp.,elderberry, and Salvia sp., or sage, are well-known shrubs for their therapeutic benefits. This study aims to analyze how secondary metabolites are extracted from the Native American Elderberry, Sambucus canadensis, and Sage, Salvia officinalis. It also aims to investigate the process of vinegar baking of medicinal plants to enhance the chemical space and increase the biological properties. Vinegar-baked and non-vinegar-baked elderberries and sage were utilized to test this theory. A Soxhlet …

Actualistic Testing Of The Influence Of Groundwater Chemistry On Degradation Of Collagen I In Bone, Paul Ullmann, Kristyn K. Voegele, Kenneth Lacovara

School of Earth & Environment Departmental Research

Recent experiments have heightened our understanding of reactions which can stabilize biomolecules during early diagenesis, yet little remains known about how groundwater chemistry can aid or hinder molecular preservation within a bone through geologic time. To elucidate this issue, we conducted actualistic experiments of bone decay employing varied fluid compositions to simulate a suite of groundwaters. Modern domestic chicken (Gallus gallus) femora were placed in a matrix of compositionally- and texturally-mature, fluvially-deposited sand. To simulate groundwater flow, deionized water or solutions enriched in calcium carbonate, phosphate, or iron were percolated through separate trials for a period of 90 days. After …

Toward The Design, Synthesis, And Characterization Of Abiotic Coiled-Coil Peptides Via Solid-Phase Copper-Catalyzed Azide-Alkyne Cycloaddition (Sp-Cuaac) Click Reaction For The Preparation Of Controlled Self-Assembly Molecular Building Block, Liaquat Ali

Chemistry Theses

The production of cutting-edge materials, the development of novel medications, drug delivery systems, technological advancements, and biosynthesizing all depend on molecular building blocks. Proteins are required for the creation of intricate, well-organized structures, and coiled-coil protein domains are vital subunits for the oligomerization of protein complexes, gene expression, and the structural components of biological materials. The numerous interactions between a wide variety of amino acids make it difficult to assemble protein complexes with a particular shape. In the current study, we successfully designed and synthesized four different 32-residue peptides, each of which had two modified amino azide residues. These peptides …

Surface Characterization Of Mixed-Mode Adsorbents Using Bet C-Constant Energy Scale, Dinah C. Lee

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Mixed-mode chromatography is a chromatographic method in which solutes interact with stationary phase through more than one interaction mode or mechanism. It is because of these multiple complex interactions, which makes it difficult to predict chromatographic behavior of analytes on Mixed-mode columns. In order to fully understand the retention mechanisms on Mixed-mode columns, the packing material properties must be well characterized since each characteristic may contribute to the overall chromatographic performance of the column. Many non-chromatographic and chromatographic techniques are available to characterize and compare Mixed-mode columns in terms of their interaction abilities, retentivity, surface chemistry, chemical properties and geometry. …

Ultrafast Dynamics Of Photosynthetic Light Harvesting: Strategies For Acclimation Across Organisms, Olivia C. Fiebig, Dvir Harris, Dihao Wang, Madeline P. Hoffmann, Gabriela S. Schlau-Cohen

Chemistry: Faculty Publications

Photosynthetic light harvesting exhibits near-unity quantum efficiency. The high efficiency is achieved through a series of energy and charge transfer steps within a network of pigment-containing proteins. Remarkably, high efficiency is conserved across many organisms despite differences in the protein structures and organization that allow each organism to respond to its own biological niche and the stressors within. In this review, we highlight recent progress toward understanding how organisms maintain optimal light-harvesting ability by acclimating to their environment. First, we review the building blocks of photosynthetic light harvesting, energy transfer, and time-resolved spectroscopic techniques. Then, we explore how three classes …

Transannular Functionalization Of Multiple C(Sp3)-H Bonds Of Tropane Via An Alkene-Bridged Palladium(I) Dimer, Ellen Y. Aguilera, En Chih Liu, Scott M. Thullen, Melanie S. Sanford

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

This Communication describes the Pd-catalyzed C(sp³)-H functionalization of a tropane derivative to generate products with functionalization at two (β/γ) or three (β/γ/β) different sites on the alicyclic amine core. These reactions proceed via an initial dehydrogenation to generate an alkene product that can react further to form a Pd(I) alkene-bridged dimer. Functionalization of this dimer affords β/γ/β-functionalized allylic arylation and allylic acetoxylation products.

Computational Study Of The Rotational Barrier In Indole Derivatives, Javaughn Martinez

Honors Theses

The purpose of this computational study is to understand the rotational barrier in indole derivatives, leading to stereoisomers, specifically atropisomers, which will impact the research direction focused on the development of a porphyrin hosts in Professor Starnes’s group. The Starnes research group is working to synthesize a porphyrin host that can function as a sensor or to remove harmful and deleterious anions such as phosphate and nitrates (Busschaert, et al, 2015). We will utilize the data provided to understand the required energy to restrict a rotation around the indole-benzene bond. To do so, the indole derivatives will be studied using …

Computational Design And Molecular Modeling Of Morphine Derivatives For Preferential Binding In Inflamed Tissue, Makena Augenstein, Nayiri Alexander, Matthew Gartner

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

The opioid epidemic has impacted over 10 million Americans in 2019. Opioids, like morphine, bind non-selectively in both peripheral tissue, leading to effective pain relief, and central tissue, resulting in dangerous side effects and addiction. The inflamed conditions of injured tissues have a lower pH (pH = 6–6.5) environment than healthy tissue (pH = 7.4). We aim to design a morphine derivative that binds selectively within inflamed tissue using molecular extension and dissection techniques. Morphine binds to the μ-opioid receptor (MOR) when the biochemically active amine group is protonated. Fluorination of a β-carbon from the tertiary amine group led to …

Hplc And Cms Analysis Of Clomipramine Metabolism: A Multi-Drug Study, Tess E. Buescher, Tu Khiem Ho, Kyler Ford

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Daily use of multiple medications is commonplace for many Americans. While pharmacists monitor prescriptions for drug interactions, consumers rarely check the possible side effects when using an over-the-counter product. In this fictional case study, Sam is prescribed clomipramine and ciprofloxacin, while also taking Tylenol PM. All three medications are orally administered, and drug metabolism is catalyzed in the liver by cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP450). CYP isoenzymes CYP1A2, CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 are responsible for clomipramine metabolism and formation of major bioactive metabolite desmethylclomipramine, while CYP2D6 hydroxylates clomipramine and metabolite into hydroxyclomipramine and hydroxydesmethylclomipramine, respectively. Multi-drug use can inhibit or induce metabolic …

Utilizing Macroinvertebrate Communities And Chloride Levels To Evaluate Water Quality In Three Streams Near Winona, Minnesota, Amelia Engman, Izabella Setla

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Certain water quality and chloride levels are ideal for specific macroinvertebrate species. This study evaluates the water quality of three streams in and around Winona, Minnesota, using the macroinvertebrate communities present and chloride levels as indicators. Three upstream samples were taken and thoroughly examined at three different locations: Garvin Brook, Gilmore Creek, and Pleasant Valley Creek. During the snowmelt season, four sets of upstream and one set of downstream water samples were taken from each. The samples were analyzed using a Vernier chloride ion-selective electrode. The Izaak Walton League of America's Save Our Streams invertebrate classification system was used to …

Temperature Dependent Esterification Of Free Fatty Acids In The Presence Of Triglycerides, Megan Mccoy, Margaret Tyler

Liberty University Research Week

Undergraduate

Basic

Using 3d Printing To Illustrate Protein Modularity And Dynamics, Joanna M. Dinesen

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Many important enzymes are part of multi-subunit complexes that involve complex movements and interactions that are difficult to visualize via traditional 2-dimensional diagrams or in visualization software. Physical, 3-dimensional models are an especially effective way to illustrate abstract concepts within the curriculum, including about protein dynamics, subunit functions, pathway architectures, and the nature of protein-protein interactions. The usage of physical models in the classroom has been successful when teaching concepts such as enzyme catalysis and protein refolding, quantized by increased exam scores and positive student feedback. Here, we present work done to 3D print publicly available protein structures of the …

Purification And Characterization Of Vrk2 For Further Research, Steven Richter

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Kinases represent a vast and varied group of proteins, having more than 500 members in human beings alone. They have been found to be involved in various signal transduction pathways, ranging from embryonic development to apoptosis. The vaccinia-related kinases (VRKs) are a small sub-group of kinases containing three members: VRK1, VRK2, and VRK3. These proteins are involved in the cell cycle, cellular proliferation, chromatin condensation and gene transcription. VRK1 has been extensively studied not only for its normal biological roles, but also for its link to cancer. VRK2 is not as well studied as VRK1. However, the two kinases are …

Volume 14, Ireland Seagle, Dalton C. Whitby, Cassandra Poole, Rachel Cannon, Heidi Parker-Combes, Devon G. Shifflett, Antonio Harvey

Incite: The Journal of Undergraduate Scholarship

Table of Contents:

• Introduction: Dr. Amorette Barber
• From the Editor: Dr. Larissa "Kat" Tracy
• From the Designers: Rachel English, Rachel Hanson
• Hungry Like the Wolf: The Wolf as Metaphor in Paramount Network’s Yellowstone: Ireland Seagle
• “Floating Cities”: Illustrating the Commercial and Conservation Conflict of Alaskan Cruise Ship Tourism: Dalton C. Whitby
• What Can You Do When Your Genes are the Enemy? Current Applications of Gene Manipulation and the Associated Ethical Considerations: Cassandra Poole
• La doble cara: un tema romántico en las obras de Larra y Hawthorne: Rachel Cannon
• Resolving a Conflict: How to …

School Of Arts And Sciences, Alexandre Volkov

Annual Faculty Research Symposium

Multielectron Redox Reactions at the Plasma/Water Interphase

Study Of Protein Extraction Techniques For M. Foliorum Phages, Lola Sibaud, Anna Elgersma

Student Academic Conference

Characterizing phages is becoming increasingly important in biochemistry and biotechnology due to their potential to treat bacterial infections without need for antibiotics. Last year, students attempted to isolate proteins from Microbacterium foliorum infecting phages Babydotz and Rosadiaz. Proteins were successfully extracted; however, after further analysis it was shown that the obtained proteins belonged to the host bacteria and not the phages. The purpose of this study was to find a method to separate phage from host bacterial debris to successfully isolate phage proteins and analyze them later. Isolating phage proteins could help us characterize more phages and know more about …

Time Dependent Selective Esterification Of Free Fatty Acids For Algae Biofuel Testing, Margaret Tyler, Megan Mccoy

Liberty University Research Week

Undergraduate

Basic

Presumptive Color Testing Of Aspirin Using The Marquis Reagent, Lynza Osorio

Liberty University Research Week

Undergraduate

Basic