Digital Commons Network^™

Synthesis And Characterization Of Near-Infrared Fluorescent Dye Cy7-2 For Targeted Cancer Imaging, Eleanor Yerkin

Summer Research Showcase

The growing demand for real-time, precise, cancer diagnostics and treatment has driven the development of targeted near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent biosensors. Traditional visible-range fluorophores, such as Boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) dyes are well-known for their high quantum yields, photostability, biocompatibility, and sharp absorption and emission peaks, making them widely used in fluorescence imaging (Nisar and Sui). However, Cyanine dyes offer some advantages over visible-range dyes, such as deeper tissue penetration due to their near-infrared (NIR) absorption and emission, significantly reduced background autofluorescence, and improved signal-to- noise ratios in vivo (Zhang et al.). This project explores the synthesis and characterization of the NIR fluorescent …

Efficient Decontamination Of Organophosphate-Based Pesticides And Nerve Agent Simulants Mediated By N-Containing Nucleophiles, Emmanuel Kingsley Darkwah, Puspa Aryal, Saidulu Todeti, Jared Kenik, Samuel Insall, V. Prakash Reddy, Chariklia Sotiriou-Leventis

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

There is a growing interest in developing safer and more effective decontaminating agents for organophosphate-based pesticides and nerve agents. In this study, we present an effective method for the nonaqueous decontamination of these compounds using small-molecule-based decontaminating agents under ambient conditions. Our approach utilizes aryl and heteroaryl carboxaldehyde hydrazones and hydrazides to effectively hydrolyze nerve agent simulants into their nontoxic degradation products. The effectiveness of this method was evaluated using a range of nerve agent simulants, including dimethyl 4-nitrophenyl phosphate (DMNP), dimethyl methyl phosphonate (DMMP), and triphenyl phosphate (TPhP). In the presence of the heteroaryl hydrazone, the rate of hydrolysis …

New Precipitation Is Scarce In Deep Soils: Findings From 47 Forest Plots Spanning Switzerland, Emily I. Burt, Scott T. Allen, Sabine Braun, Simon Tresch, James W. Kirchner, Gregory R. Goldsmith

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

As precipitation infiltrates into soils, it can recharge them, displace previously stored waters, or bypass already-filled pores. Using 3,697 δ2H and δ18O measurements of water collected nearly monthly over >3 years in 47 forest plots across Switzerland, we present a systematic investigation of the controls on mobile soil water transport. We quantified the lags and damping of water as it percolates downward using young water fraction analysis (Fyw), and the fractions of soil water composed by precipitation that fell within the previous month (new water fractions, Fnew). The Fnew of water sampled in surface soils ranged …

Comprehensive Study Of Imidazole-Based Hydrazones: From Design, Synthesis, And Characterization To In Vitro And In Silico Antiproliferative Activity Analysis, Ömer Di̇lek

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

The aim of this study was to synthesize novel imidazole-cored hydrazones and investigate their cytotoxic activities against human breast and lung cancer cell lines using in vitro and in silico techniques. For this purpose, 5 novel compounds (6 and 7a–7d) were synthesized. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed using spectroscopic methods. The cytotoxic effects were evaluated against human lung (A549) and breast (MCF-7) cancer cell lines using the MTT assay. All synthesized compounds had higher cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 cells (IC50 < 9.262 μM) than the control drug cisplatin. However, their cytotoxic activity against A549 cells (IC50 > 2.605 μM) was lower than that of cisplatin. Except for compound 7d in the A549 cell line, …

A Decision Model For Enhancing Reaction Yield: Pd(Ii) And Pt(Ii) Metal Insertion To Free Porphyrin, Özay Özaydin, Emel Önal

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

Chemical synthesis experiments are crucial for developing new materials, yet their inherent complexity and variability often lead to suboptimal results, causing significant resource and time wastage. This study proposes a novel decision support model to enhance the success rate of macromolecule synthesis experiments for sensor applications. The model leverages principles of experimental design and decision-making. We identified synthesis alternatives through a literature review and expert consultations, narrowing it down to 6 alternatives for metal salts, 3 for reactant mole ratios, 5 for organic solvents, 3 for reaction temperatures, and 4 for reaction times. Considering the time and cost constraints, this …

Synthesis, Characterization, And Drug Release Properties Of Enzyme-Responsive Oxamide-Bridged Mesoporous Organosilica Nanoparticles, Yaşar Gök, Hali̇l Zeki̇ Gök, Osman Tayyar Arli, Tuğçe Türkaslan

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

In this study, we report a novel enzyme-responsive mesoporous organosilica nanocarrier (MON) and its drug delivery properties in the presence of the trypsin enzyme. The mesoporous organosilica nanocarrier was synthesized by using the oxamide bridged bissilyl compound (2) and 1,4-bis(triethoxysilyl)benzene (BTSB). To compare the enzyme responsiveness of MON, the reference periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) nanocarrier was also synthesized using BTSB only. The structural determinations of the synthesized organic compounds were carried out by 1H, 13C-NMR, FT-IR, and MS, while FT-IR, XRD, SEM, EDS, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), TGA, and N2 sorption analyses were used for the characterization of MON and …

A Disposable Biosensing System For Analysis Of Ca125 In Real Human Serum Samples, Meltem Afşar, Berfi̇n Vural, Meli̇ke Bi̇lgi̇ Kamaç, Mustafa Kemal Sezgi̇ntürk

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

Several biomarkers have been developed to track the development of ovarian cancer and identify the illness at an early stage. A promising development for ovarian cancer is using cancer antigen 125 (CA125). The objective of this work is to identify the CA125 marker by utilizing an indium tin oxide polyethylene electrode. The advantage of the designed biosensor is that it is very cheap, disposable, practical, and easy to use. The necessary parameters for the developed biosensor have been optimized in detail. Repeatability, reproducibility, regeneration, storage, and selectivity studies have been completed to characterize the proposed biosensor. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and …

Theoretical Study On Electronic And Optoelectronic Properties Of Some C^N^N- And C^C^C-Chelated Iridium(Iii) Complexes For Oleds, Ayhan Üngördü

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

The electronic and optoelectronic properties of 8 C∧N∧N- and C∧C∧C-chelated Ir(III) complexes were investigated using density functional theory at the Becke-style 3-parameter Lee-Yang-Par and triple zeta plus polarization level. Based on reorganization energy calculations, complex 7 was identified as a promising ambipolar material, while complexes 1 and 2 had efficient hole transport properties. Complex 8 had low ionization potential and is therefore a strong candidate for hole transport applications. Complex 4 had high electron affinity and therefore has potential as an effective electron acceptor material. Photophysical analysis showed that all complexes had phosphorescent properties, with complexes 5 and 6 showing …

Sulfur Fluoride Exchange With Carbon Pronucleophiles, Joseph R. Novicki, Matthew D. Teeter, Neil J. Baldwin, Christopher W. Am Ende, Alistair D. Richardson, Thomas R. Puleo, Nicholas Ball

Pomona Faculty Publications and Research

Aryl alkyl sulfones are an important class of compounds in drug discovery; thus, new methods toward their synthesis are desirable. A general sulfur fluoride exchange (SuFEx) method to couple aryl sulfonyl fluorides with alkyl carbon pronucleophiles to make aryl alkyl sulfones is described. The reaction was applied to a diverse set of pronucleophiles, including esters, amides, heteroarenes, nitriles, sulfones, sulfoxides, and sulfonamides, at room temperature under mild conditions. We highlight the application of this transformation in parallel medicinal chemistry for the high-throughput generation of a broad array of aryl alkyl sulfones. Lastly, we apply this method to the late-state SuFEx …

Techno-Enviro-Economic Approach For Electrification Of Rural And Shrimp Farming Regional Development Of An Isolated Island In Indonesia By Utilizing Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems, Fiqih Akbar Wijaya, Mohammad Akita Indianto

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

One of the challenges in developing and archipelagic countries such as Indonesia is maintaining energy demand in rural and isolated areas due to difficulties in electrical distribution. For instance, in areas like Bawean Island, no additional electricity capacity has been introduced in the past year, leading to an unmet potential customer demand. One of the possible options is by utilizing Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRES) that are integrated with existing fossil fuel-based energy systems to support the growing energy demand in the remote island. A case study in Bawean Island is conducted with the projected energy demand covers the energy …

Analysis Of Leak Testing Planning For Carbon Dioxide Piping Systems In The Development Of Carbon Capture, Utilization, And Storage Facilities In The Bintuni Basin, Devi Sentiani, Akhmad Herman Yuwono Professor

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technologies have become a key strategic response to global efforts to reduce CO₂ emissions. This study presents a leak testing strategy designed for a carbon dioxide (CO₂) piping system as part of a Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) project in the Bintuni Basin, West Papua, Indonesia. This study aims to ensure the system is properly prepared before commissioning by designing a leak test plan that is both practical and technical, based on ASME B31.3, ASME PCC-2, and API STD 520 Part 1. We conducted the process, which involves identifying the system boundaries, …

Using The Epic (Exposure, Persuasion, Identification, And Commitment) To Develop A Measure Of Student Buy-In To Laboratory Learning Goals, Elizabeth Blanche Vaughan, A. Montoya-Cowan, Jack Barbera

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Buy-in has been described as the series of judgements students make when deciding to engage with a pedagogical practice. Buy-in to pedagogical practices is known to have a meaningful impact on students’ engagement in learning environments, making it a construct of interest for researchers and practitioners. This study develops a measure of student buy-in to faculty defined laboratory learning goals by adapting an existing measure which operationalizes the construct in terms of Exposure, Persuasion, Identification, and Commitment (EPIC). The adapted measure presented in this study, deemed the EPIC-LaG (Laboratory Goals), was developed using learning goals for general and organic chemistry …

Developing A Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience For Chem 122, Melanie J. Harvey Phd

Sabbatical Projects

Sabbatical presentation from a 2022 Sabbatical

Identification Of Alkynyl Nicotinamide Hsn748 As A Ret Solvent-Front Mutant Inhibitor With Intracranial Efficacy, Ujjwol Khatri, Neetu Dayal, Kofi B Owusu, Mandeep Kaur Hunjan, Shriya Pandey, Haley Anne Harper, Carli Mcmahan, Bennett D Elzey, Tao Shen, Xueqing Hu, Kurt W Evans, Ahmed El-Sheikh, Seong Jun Jo, Frederick W Holtsberg, M Javad Aman, Funda Meric-Bernstam, Sukyung Woo, Herman O Sintim, Jie Wu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

RET solvent-front G810C/R/S mutations confer resistance to the currently approved RET protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) selpercatinib and pralsetinib. Moreover, RET fusion-positive lung adenocarcinoma frequently metastasizes to the brain. To address these challenges, it is imperative to develop a RET TKI that is effective against solvent-front mutations and exhibits intracranial activity. We synthesized alkynyl nicotinamide-based RET TKIs and tested their efficacy in cell cultures in inhibiting selpercatinib/pralsetinib-resistant RET solvent-front mutants G810C/R/S found in cancer patients, and in BaF3/KIF5B-RET(G810C) cell-derived subcutaneous and intracranial tumors in vivo. We also evaluated alkynyl nicotinamide RET TKIs in KIF5B-RET-induced lung tumors in immune competent …

Computational Investigation Of The Structural And Electronic Effects Of Phenyl, Alkyl, And Halogen Fully Substituted Acenes, Emily A A Jarvis, Viraj Jain, Georgia Grace Tully, Peter W. Jarvis

Chemistry and Biochemistry Faculty Works

Acenes are a class of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that may hold promise as organic semiconductors (OSCs) in solar cells and electronic devices. Their instability and poor solubility present challenges that may be improved by replacing the hydrogens with phenyl, halogen or alkyl substituents to sterically induce a helical twist to these otherwise planar molecules. This twisted structure also impacts the optical properties of these molecules. We employ time-dependent density functional theory (TD DFT) to investigate acenes spanning from naphthalene to heptacene. We focus on the structural and electronic effects of fully substituting these molecular backbones to create seven distinct substituent …

Growth Of Cylindrical Micelles And Their Use To Prepare Porous Materials With Tailored Dimensions And Alignment, Mengxue Zhang, Xiaomeng Li, Chuanbing Tang, Morgan Stefik

Faculty Publications

Materials with cylindrical pores are optimal for electrochemical devices and filtration due to their straight paths with minimal tortuosity when aligned. Polymer templates have led to many individual cylindrical architectures however the independent tailoring of pore and wall dimensions has remained elusive. Here short cylindrical micelle templates (PEO-b-PS) with glassy cores enabled the fabrication of sample series with constant cylindrical pore diameter (∼63 nm) and tailored wall thickness (TiO₂, ∼45–100 nm). This ShortCyl series (aspect ratio 4.25) had modest alignment that was attributed to the low free-energy cost for misalignment. Though the plasticized micelles (DCM present) …

Magnetospectroscopic Studies Of A Series Of Fe(Ii) Scorpionate Complexes: Assessing The Relationship Between Halide Identity And Zero-Field Splitting, Daniel J. Santa Lucia, Laxmi Devkota, Sergey Lindeman, Andrew Ozarowski, J. Krzystek, Mykhaylo Ozerov, Samuel M. Greer, Daniel C. Cummins, Klaus H. Theopold, Mihail Atanasov, Joshua Telser, Adam T. Fiedler

Chemistry Faculty Research and Publications

Ferrous ions in four-coordinate environments are common in protein structures, synthetic catalysts, and molecular magnets. The 3d⁶ configuration of high-spin Fe(II) imparts an S = 2 ground state, whose analysis using conventional spectroscopic methods is often hindered by substantial zero-field splitting (ZFS). Herein, we provide detailed electronic-structure descriptions for [Fe^IIX(Tp^tBu,Me)] (1-X; X = F, Cl, Br, I), where (Tp^tBu,Me)− is hydrotris(3-tert-butyl-5-methyl-pyrazol-1-yl)borate. The three pyrazolyl N-donors of the “scorpionate” ligand facially coordinate to Fe(II), giving idealized C_3v symmetry with the halide occupying the axial position. Although originally reported …

64th Annual Rocky Mountain Conference On Magnetic Resonance

Rocky Mountain Conference on Magnetic Resonance

Final program, abstracts, and information about the 64th annual meeting of the Rocky Mountain Conference on Magnetic Resonance. Held in the Snowbird Resort and Conference Center, Snowbird, Utah, August 3-7, 2025.

Developing Microelectrode Arrays As Multiplex Point-Of-Care Diagnostics, Yu-Chia Chang

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Antibiotic resistance poses a significant global health challenge, particularly in urinary tract infections (UTIs), where 92% of cases exhibit resistance to at least one antibiotic, causing over 260,000 deaths annually. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and growing awareness of the adverse effects of unnecessary antibiotic use highlight the urgent need for better UTI diagnostics. Current state-of-the-art methods are either expensive and time-consuming, or they lack specific details about the nature of the antibiotic and only determine inflammation. This hinders timely and effective treatment decisions regarding whether an antibiotic is actually necessary. Given this backdrop, there is a demand for a …

An Enzyme-Coupled Isotope Dilution Mass Spectrometry Assay For Non-Adjacent Dna Photoproducts As Intrinsic Probes For G-Quadruplexes In Vitro, Savannah Sharee Scruggs

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

G-quadruplexes are noncanonical secondary structures that form in guanine-rich nucleic acid sequences and are thought to be involved in the control of gene expression.1 Unfortunately, it has been difficult to prove that these structures exist in vivo because of their dynamic nature. Rather than try to develop G-quadruplex specific binders as others have done,2 our idea is to photochemically trap certain types of G-quadruplexes by irreversible photoproduct formation3–5 and then detect the stable G-quadruplex-specific photoproducts by Isotopic Dilution Mass Spectrometry (IDMS).6 This IDMS method could then be used to unambiguously confirm the presence of specific types of G-quadruplexes in vivo …

Dynamic Mutational Profiling Of Binding Interactions And Allosteric Networks In Conformational Ensembles Of The Sars-Cov-2 Spike Protein Complexes With Classes Of Antibodies Targeting Cryptic Binding Sites: Confluence Of Binding And Allostery Determines Molecular Mechanisms And Hotspots Of Immune Escape, Mohammed Alshahrani, Vedant Parikh, Brandon Foley, Gennady M. Verkhivker

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

The ongoing evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants has underscored the need to understand not only the structural basis of antibody recognition but also the dynamic and allosteric mechanisms that could underlie complexity of broad and escape-resistant neutralization. In this study, we employed a multi-scale approach integrating structural analysis, hierarchical molecular simulations, mutational scanning and network-based allosteric modeling to dissect how Class 4 antibodies (represented by S2X35, 25F9, and SA55) and Class 5 antibodies (represented by S2H97, WRAIR-2063 and WRAIR-2134) can modulate conformational behavior, binding energetics, allosteric interactions and immune escape patterns of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Using hierarchical simulations of the …

Antifungal Peptides From Casein Milk Of Etawa Crossbreed (Capra Hircus) As Biopreservation Agent For Bread And Molecular Docking Studies, Dian Riana Ningsih, Winarto Haryadi, Rachma Wikandari, Tri Joko Raharjo

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Bread without peptide fraction treatment started to grow mold on the fourth day with a total of 24x10⁷ fungi colonies/ml. Meanwhile, the addition of peptide fractions GMC5, GMC6, GMC7, and GMC8 effectively preserved bread for up to 4 days, indicated by no mold growth. The best treatment was the GMC6 peptide fraction on day 8 which grew the least amount of fungus at 7x10⁷ spores/ml. Peptide interaction with the CaATPase receptor Aspergillus sp. was carried out using HADDOCK 2.4. The 3D CaATPase structure prediction resulted in a model with good structural quality. This was supported by residues in …

Comparative Nitrene-Transfer Chemistry To Olefins Mediated By First-Row Transition Metal Catalysts Supported By A Pyridinophane Macrocycle With N4 Ligation, Himanshu Bhatia, Lillian P. Adams, Ingrid Cordsiemon, Suraj Kumar Sahoo, Amitava Choudhury, Thomas R. Cundari, Pericles Stavropoulos

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

A 12-membered pyridinophane scaffold containing two pyridine and two tertiary amine residues is examined as a prototype ligand (^tBuN4) for supporting nitrene transfer to olefins. The known [(^tBuN4)M^II(MeCN)2]²⁺ (M = Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni) and [(^tBuN4)Cu^I(MeCN)]⁺ cations are synthesized with the hexafluorophosphate counteranion. The aziridination of para-substituted styrenes with PhI=NTs (Ts = tosyl) in various solvents proved to be high yielding for the Cu(I) and Cu(II) reagents, in contrast to the modest efficacy of all other metals. For α-substituted styrenes, aziridination is accompanied by products of aziridine …

Electrochemical And Electrocatalytic Properties Of Screen-Printable Carbon Inks Featuring Pyridinic Nitrogen-Containing Polymeric Binder, Albert Sam Junior

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Screen-printable conductive inks have been widely applied to prepare electrodes for electrochemical sensing. These inks generally consist of conductive metal or carbon particles, solvents, and polymeric binders. Low-cost, carbon-based, screen-printable conductive inks are especially popular. However, screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) must often be modified after they are printed to impart the necessary characteristics (e.g., sensitivity, selectivity, stability) for the desired application. For example, nitrogen-doping of SPCEs, especially in ways that introduce pyridinic or pyrrolic nitrogen species, can impart electrocatalytic properties towards reduction of O₂, H₂O₂, and CO₂. While our previous work done …

Comparative Expression Of Cgmp-Dependent Protein Kinase G (Pkg) From Plasmodium And Toxoplasma, Tsopmo Asaah

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Malaria and Toxoplasmosis are life threatening diseases to humans. The search for a cure and control of these diseases is still one of the major challenges of scientists worldwide. In this research we focused on two Malaria species; Plasmodium bergei² (Pb) and Plasmodium falciparum¹ (Pf) and also on Toxoplasma gondii. Part of the life cycle of these organisms is regulated by the enzyme cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase G (PKG)⁴. This is our drug target in this research. We believe that inhibiting this enzyme will be a great step in fighting these diseases. In this research, we devised a comparative study …

Investigating The Influence Of Experimental Parameters On The Formation Of Gold Nanoparticles: A Green Synthesis And Design Of Experiments Approach, Isaac Opeyemi Subuloye

Master's Theses

This thesis examines the green synthesis of gold nanoparticles using catechin, a naturally occurring plant-derived compound, as both a reducing and capping agent. The synthesis process was guided by a structured Design of Experiments (DOE) methodology to ensure systematic investigation and optimization. A two-phase experimental approach was adopted. First, a full factorial screening design was used to evaluate the effects of catechin concentration, NaOH concentration, and pre-reaction time. This was followed by an optimization phase using a face-centered composite design to identify conditions that produce nanoparticles with ideal characteristics. The nanoparticles were analyzed using UV-visible spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering …

Visceral, Neural, And Immunotoxicity Of Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: A Mini Review, Pietro Martano, Samira Mahdi, Tong Zhou, Yasmin Barazandegan, Rebecca Iha, Hannah Do, Joel Burken, Paul Ki-Souk Nam, Qingbo Yang, Ruipu Mu

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have gained significant attention due to their widespread distribution in the environment and potential adverse health effects. While ingestion, especially through contaminated drinking water, is considered the primary route of human exposure, recent research suggests that other pathways, such as inhalation and dermal absorption, also play a significant role. This review provides a concise overview of the toxicological impacts of both legacy and emerging PFASs, such as GenX and perfluoro butane sulfonic acid (PFBS), with a particular focus on their effects on the liver, kidneys, and immune and nervous systems, based on findings from recent …

Progress Towards Uranium Isotope Ratio Measurements Directly From Cotton Swipes With The Liquid Sampling – Atmospheric Pressure Glow Discharge (Ls-Apgd) Ionization Source, Joseph V. Goodwin

All Dissertations

The liquid sampling – atmospheric pressure glow discharge (LS-APGD) ionization source is a novel microplasma ionization source capable of ionizing a diverse set of both inorganic and organic chemical species including, ionic metal constituents as well as ligated metallic species, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), halogens, proteins, and even per/poly fluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS). The ability to generate ions from diverse chemical species, known as combined atomic and molecular (CAM) ionization, is not found with traditional ionization sources. In addition, the LS-APGD is capable of coupling with mass spectrometer platforms typically reserved for “organic” mass spectrometry, such as the high-resolution Orbitrap mass …

Reductive And Nucleophilic Cleavage Of Peroxides And Synthesis Of Tocotrienols As Radioprotective Targets, Amber Marie Schuster

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

I. SET CLEAVAGE OF PEROXIDES: INFLUENCE OF REDUCTANT AND PEROXIDE ON THE RATE AND MODE OF ALKOXY RADICAL FORMATION

The reductive cleavage of organic peroxides to generate alkoxy radicals is frequently accomplished via single-electron transfer (SET) from a reductant. Previous reports employ either symmetrical peroxides or peroxides with predictable cleavage behavior, such as peresters. We were interested in how the structure of the peroxide and the nature of the reducing system combine to impact the rate of reaction and the selectivity for alkoxy radical formation during cleavage of unsymmetric peroxides. In this dissertation, one will find the reactions of a …

Aptamer Selection And Development Of Electrochemical Aptamer-Based Sensors For Neuropeptide Y, Evelyn Adela Carreto Guevara

Department of Chemistry: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

In this thesis, we report the results of four aptamers obtained from an aptamer selection process called the systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) with affinity to Neuropeptide Y (NPY). NPY is a highly abundant peptide transmitter with widespread distribution throughout the body which affects various physiological functions. These functions include energy homeostasis, appetite regulation, stress response, and anxiety regulation. Dynamic monitoring of NPY levels is crucial for better understanding behaviors in individuals with neurological disorders associated with NPY. Aptamers are synthetic oligonucleotides obtained through SELEX which have a binding affinity to a target of interest when in …