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Articles 1 - 30 of 149

Full-Text Articles in Inorganic Chemistry

Antioxidant Potential Of A Non-Heme Iron Complex: Mitigating H2O2-Induced Cellular Damage, Magy A. Mekhail, David M. Freire, Cameron Bowers, Grant Elam, Nora Del Bosque, Hannah K. Pyle, Sarah K. Dunn, Spencer Lanyon, Timothy J. Hubin, Giridhar Akkaraju, Kayla N. Green Jun 2026

Antioxidant Potential Of A Non-Heme Iron Complex: Mitigating H2O2-Induced Cellular Damage, Magy A. Mekhail, David M. Freire, Cameron Bowers, Grant Elam, Nora Del Bosque, Hannah K. Pyle, Sarah K. Dunn, Spencer Lanyon, Timothy J. Hubin, Giridhar Akkaraju, Kayla N. Green

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Iron complexes with antioxidant activity have garnered significant interest for both general and medical applications, yet few studies have yielded functional nonheme iron-based mimics for H2O2 mitigation in aqueous environments. Here, we investigate water-soluble nonheme iron complexes derived from 12-membered pyridinophanes (CF3PyN3, PyN3, NMe2PyN3, and Py2N2) to evaluate the impact of ligand scaffolds on H2O2 decomposition activity both in vitro and in a cellular model. Speciation and kinetic analyses reveal that both electronic and geometric modulation of the macrocyclic …


The Extraction And Chemical Characterization Of The Avian Pigments Turacin And Turacoverdin, Sarah R. Bekkali May 2026

The Extraction And Chemical Characterization Of The Avian Pigments Turacin And Turacoverdin, Sarah R. Bekkali

Honors Scholar Theses

Bird coloration is a trait that extends beyond mere aesthetics as it has an extensive range of biological significance. Plumage patterns and hues can influence camouflage, mate choice, social dominance, and physiological performance. Bird fitness, their ability to survive and reproduce, is greatly dependent on color. Melanins, carotenoids, and pterins are well-studied pigment systems that are commonly found across many avian species’. Alternatively, porphyrin-based pigments are rare and less-studied as they only found in turacos a sub-Saharan African bird belonging to the family Musophagidae. This thesis focuses on two pigments of interest: turacin, the deep crimson-red pigment found in …


Virtualizing Practical Science Education: A Sociological Analysis Of Undergraduate Teaching And Learning, Sina J. Fakoyede, Femi E. Babalola, Oluwatoyin T. Obateru, Oluwayemisi D. Akomolafe, Deborah O. Alabi, Stella K. Ekundayo May 2026

Virtualizing Practical Science Education: A Sociological Analysis Of Undergraduate Teaching And Learning, Sina J. Fakoyede, Femi E. Babalola, Oluwatoyin T. Obateru, Oluwayemisi D. Akomolafe, Deborah O. Alabi, Stella K. Ekundayo

Higher Learning Research Communications

Objectives: The study aims to investigate the perspectives of university teachers and students on integrating practical science teaching with virtual learning in a multicultural and diverse society, specifically within the context of southwestern Nigeria.

Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving data collection from 100 university lecturers and 400 undergraduate students across 10 universities. Qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with lecturers and focus group discussions with students. Quantitative data were obtained via structured questionnaires, allowing for triangulation and comprehensive analysis.

Results: Findings revealed that certain lecturers showed preferential support influenced by students’ cultural backgrounds or academic behavior during …


Tissue-Specific Heavy Metal Accumulation And Sediment–Mangrove Dynamics In Port Everglades, Florida, Dimitrios Giarikos, Amy Hirons, Jason Gershman, Sophie Welch May 2026

Tissue-Specific Heavy Metal Accumulation And Sediment–Mangrove Dynamics In Port Everglades, Florida, Dimitrios Giarikos, Amy Hirons, Jason Gershman, Sophie Welch

SECLER Data

Coastal wetlands near industrialized waterways face increasing heavy metal contamination, yet the role of mangroves as biogeochemical buffers remains poorly understood. This study quantified 16 heavy metals in sediments and red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) tissues (roots, branches, and leaves) across four sites near Port Everglades, Florida, examining tissue-specific partitioning, contamination patterns, and sediment-to-plant transfer. The South Turning Basin (STB) was the principal contamination hotspot, with geometric mean (GM) concentrations of arsenic (As; 27.8 µg/g) and zinc (Zn; 203 µg/g) exceeding threshold effect levels, while Cu exceeded its probable effect level (PEL; 193 µg/g). Mercury (Hg) exceeded its PEL …


Physical And Chemical Study Of Interaction In The Urea–Valine System For The Creation Of Modified Liquid Nitrogen Fertilizers, Suvonkul Erkhanovich Nurmonov, Saydullo Khamidovich Azimov Mar 2026

Physical And Chemical Study Of Interaction In The Urea–Valine System For The Creation Of Modified Liquid Nitrogen Fertilizers, Suvonkul Erkhanovich Nurmonov, Saydullo Khamidovich Azimov

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

This study reports the results of a comprehensive physicochemical investigation of the urea–L-valine binary system, conducted to validate its potential as a modified base for liquid nitrogen fertilizers.

By utilizing the methods of isomolar series, visual-polythermal analysis, X-ray phase (XRD) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD), synchronous thermal analysis (TGA/DTA), and FT-IR spectroscopy, it was determined that the interaction between components in both aqueous solutions and the solid phase results in the formation of molecular associates stabilized by hydrogen bonds, without the formation of new stoichiometric compounds.

The concentration and temperature limits of the system's stability were defined, revealing a reduction …


The Chemistry Of Red Lipstick: The Impact Red Lipstick Has On Society, Lilliana Weldeslassie Jan 2026

The Chemistry Of Red Lipstick: The Impact Red Lipstick Has On Society, Lilliana Weldeslassie

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Cosmetic chemistry is deeply embedded in everyday life, shaping the products people use from morning to night. Among these, red lipstick stands out as a formulation that blends complex chemistry with a cultural meaning. This thesis examines the scientific foundations of red lipstick through its chemical composition, pigment structure, toxicological history, analytical methods, and evolving sustainability practices. Historically, red lipsticks relied on high-risk ingredients such as lead, mercury, and other toxic metals, reflecting an era before chemical safety and regulatory oversight were incorporated.21 Modern formulations have established safer synthetic dyes, natural waxes, plant-based oils, and stabilizers created to optimize …


Bio-Based Composites With Enhanced Mechanical Strength And Flame Retardancy, Riya Patel May 2025

Bio-Based Composites With Enhanced Mechanical Strength And Flame Retardancy, Riya Patel

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

Composites are versatile and useful in many fields, including aerospace, automotive, construction, and healthcare, due to their high mechanical strength. It is common practice to synthesize these materials using petroleum-based chemicals. Nonetheless, in the twenty-first century, scientists are more interested in using renewable resources to create composites. The greatest substitute for petroleum-based chemicals is vegetable oil. It has unsaturated double bonds that are modifiable chemically. In the present study, bio-polyol was synthesized using castor oil, an inedible vegetable oil. A ring-opening process was used to modify it and produce castor oil-based polyol. The synthesized castor oil-based polyol was characterized by …


Trade-Off Between Limonene & Geraniol-Based Reprocessable And Non-Reprocessable Epoxy Thermosets: Role Of Aliphatic Diamines In Polymer Networks Design, Priyankkumar Kanubhai Patel May 2025

Trade-Off Between Limonene & Geraniol-Based Reprocessable And Non-Reprocessable Epoxy Thermosets: Role Of Aliphatic Diamines In Polymer Networks Design, Priyankkumar Kanubhai Patel

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

The growing demand for sustainable materials, driven by environmental concerns and the rapid depletion of fossil fuels, has garnered significant attention in the fabrication of bio-based epoxy thermosets as renewable alternatives to petroleum-derived thermosetting polymers. The present study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of epoxy prepolymer resins derived from limonene and geraniol via a two-step process, followed by the fabrication of thermally cross-linked flexible epoxy thermoset films using various traditional aliphatic diamine curing agents, namely 1,2-ethylenediamine (EDA), 1,4-butylenediamine (BDA), and 1,6-hexamethylenediamine (HDA). Additionally, the incorporation of cystamine, a disulfide-containing diamine, enabled the formation of a covalent adaptable network through …


Structure Disorder And Magnetic Behavior Of An Olivine-Type Cathode Material, Hamida Hassan, Madalynn Marshall Apr 2025

Structure Disorder And Magnetic Behavior Of An Olivine-Type Cathode Material, Hamida Hassan, Madalynn Marshall

Symposium of Student Scholars

Our research investigates the structure disorder and magnetic behavior of Li(Mn,Fe)PO₄, an olivine-type material relevant for lithium-ion battery applications. Using single-crystal neutron diffraction at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, we precisely determined Mn and Fe occupancy, revealing a 56% Fe and 44% Mn distribution at the atomic 4c site within the Pnma space group. Additionally, we observed significant lithium site vacancies (78% occupied), influencing the material's electrochemical and magnetic properties. The varying Mn/Fe ratio affected spin reorientation transitions, shifting from antiferromagnetic alignment along the a-axis to the b-axis. Our findings provide crucial insights for optimizing olivine-based cathodes, enhancing energy …


Salmon As An Ecological Pathway Of Contaminants Into Alaskan Food Webs, Miranda Brohman, Gretchen Roffler, Dimitri G. Giarikos, David Kerstetter, Amy C. Hirons Mar 2025

Salmon As An Ecological Pathway Of Contaminants Into Alaskan Food Webs, Miranda Brohman, Gretchen Roffler, Dimitri G. Giarikos, David Kerstetter, Amy C. Hirons

SECLER Data

Salmon are important fish taxa for humans and animals in hemiboreal and subarctic ecosystems. Trace elements and their marine food web bioaccumulation raises biomagnification and potential human health risk concerns. Sixteen trace element concentrations and their health risk assessments were determined in seven different tissues of two Southeast Alaska salmon species (chum, Oncorhynchus keta and pink, Oncorhynchus gorbuscha). Chum tissues had overall higher trace element concentrations compared to pink, which may be attributed to a difference of diets, generally longer-lived and spending more time in the open ocean. All kidney and liver samples exceeded the tolerable daily intake for …


Structural Impacts Of Canonical And Non-Canonical Oligonucleotide Modifications, Deepak Shrestha Jan 2025

Structural Impacts Of Canonical And Non-Canonical Oligonucleotide Modifications, Deepak Shrestha

Wayne State University Dissertations

Nucleic acids, including DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acids), are the fundamental building blocks of living organisms. The events that cause modification of DNA/RNA are of interest because they impact the nucleic acid function. Targeting DNA is important for treating diseases such as cancer. Cisplatin (cisPt) is a well-studied drug that targets DNA and blocks replication, but its use is limited by adverse side effects and cellular resistance. Prevoius research addressed some of these challenges through development of platinum analogues such as carboplatin and oxaliplatin. Amino acid-linked platinum analogues (AAPt) are the focus of this thesis work. AAPt complexes …


Potential Health Risks From Trace Elements In Four Commercially Important Fish Species From The Gulf Of Alaska And Bering Sea Excel Data Sheet, Miranda Brohman, Dimtirios Giarikos, Amy Hirons Dec 2024

Potential Health Risks From Trace Elements In Four Commercially Important Fish Species From The Gulf Of Alaska And Bering Sea Excel Data Sheet, Miranda Brohman, Dimtirios Giarikos, Amy Hirons

SECLER Data

Alaskan waters support a diverse array of fish species that are critical to apex predators and substantial commercial fisheries. Archived white lateral muscle tissue for capelin, herring, walleye pollock, and Pacific cod, from 1993 to 1996 were analyzed for 15 trace elements using induced coupled plasma mass spectrometry. This analysis serves as a proxy for assessing trace element concentrations in the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea. The highest concentrations of eight of the 15 elements (cadmium, chromium, cobalt, iron, manganese, selenium, vanadium, and zinc) were found in fish from the central Gulf of Alaska, while capelin showed the …


Development Of Platinum(Iv)-Gold(I)-Based Anticancer Agents, Javier E. Lopez-Hernandez Jun 2024

Development Of Platinum(Iv)-Gold(I)-Based Anticancer Agents, Javier E. Lopez-Hernandez

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Heterometallic compounds have emerged as prospective multitarget anticancer drugs. These species may display improved efficacy and physicochemical properties compared to the individual metallic fragments, while helping combat drug resistance by exerting effects on multiple pathways. In this thesis we describe the synthesis of new bi- and tri-metallic compounds based on platinum(IV) compounds containing FDA-approved platinum agents, and gold(I) derivatives with known anticancer properties. We demonstrate their toxicity and selectivity against a small panel of renal, bladder, ovarian, and breast cancer cell lines, as well as their synergistic effects. We have selected a trinuclear PtAu2compound containing the Pt(IV) core …


Killing Cancer: Manipulating Hydrophobic Vanadium Complexes To Improve Anti-Cancer Activity, Levi Ausherman, Debbie C. Crans, Peter A. Lay, Maggi Braasch-Turi Apr 2024

Killing Cancer: Manipulating Hydrophobic Vanadium Complexes To Improve Anti-Cancer Activity, Levi Ausherman, Debbie C. Crans, Peter A. Lay, Maggi Braasch-Turi

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Hydrophobic vanadium complexes have recently shown improved anti-cancer activities compared to cisplatin. The hydrophobicity and anti-proliferative activity of [VO(Hshed)(dtb)] ([Hshed= N-(salicylideneaminato)-N’-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1,2-ethanediamine and dtb= 3,5-di(tert-butyl)catechol)]) have inspired the development of a library of hydrophobic vanadium complexes. Increasing the steric bulk of the catechol ligand has been shown to have a direct impact on hydrophobicity and anti-proliferative activities. Currently at Fort Hays State University, the Braasch-Turi group is synthesizing VO(HSHED)(dtb) to build up material to support the chemical analysis and biological assay performed by our collaborators at Colorado State University and the University of Sydney, Australia, respectively. In the future, we plan …


Synthetic Strategies Toward The Development Of Stable Gold-Based Anticancer Agents And Their Mechanistic Insight, Adedamola Arojojoye Jan 2024

Synthetic Strategies Toward The Development Of Stable Gold-Based Anticancer Agents And Their Mechanistic Insight, Adedamola Arojojoye

Theses and Dissertations--Chemistry

Despite notable advancements in the design and synthesis of novel chemotherapeutic drugs, cancer continues to be a leading cause of death in the United States. Metallodrugs, especially Au complexes, have played a prominent role in the search for the next generation of chemotherapeutic agents. Herein, I report on the synthetic strategies towards the rational design of stable Au (Au)-based agents, study their reactivity in biological environment, and offer insights into the cytotoxic mechanism of action in cancer. Chemotherapeutic Au compounds exist mainly in +I or +III oxidation states. Repurposing of the Au(I) FDA approved auranofin for the treatment of diseases …


Conversion Of Cellulose To 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural As Sustainable Energy: A Bibliometric Analysis By Vosviewer, Royyan Faradis, Ardiansyah Bagus Suryanto, Irmina Kris Murwani Dec 2023

Conversion Of Cellulose To 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural As Sustainable Energy: A Bibliometric Analysis By Vosviewer, Royyan Faradis, Ardiansyah Bagus Suryanto, Irmina Kris Murwani

Journal of Environmental Science and Sustainable Development

The developments of the global economy and society impact resources and the environment. This condition requires an alternative to find new, safe, and sustainable energy types. The conversion of cellulose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) has become a significant area of research interest. It has triggered the development of research directions related to biomass and energy because it can be an intermediary source for making polymers, solvents, pharmaceuticals, and biofuels. The primary objective of this study is to give a bibliometric analysis of 1753 reports on the development of research on cellulose conversion to 5-HMF from 1965 to 2021. The data were …


Deficiency Of Acute-Phase Serum Amyloid A Exacerbates Sepsis-Induced Mortality And Lung Injury In Mice, Ailing Ji, Andrea C. Trumbauer, Victoria P. Noffsinger, Luke W. Meredith, Brittany Dong, Qian Wang, Ling Guo, Xiangan Li, Frederick C. De Beer, Nancy R. Webb, Lisa R. Tannock, Marlene E. Starr, Christopher M. Waters, Preetha Shridas Dec 2023

Deficiency Of Acute-Phase Serum Amyloid A Exacerbates Sepsis-Induced Mortality And Lung Injury In Mice, Ailing Ji, Andrea C. Trumbauer, Victoria P. Noffsinger, Luke W. Meredith, Brittany Dong, Qian Wang, Ling Guo, Xiangan Li, Frederick C. De Beer, Nancy R. Webb, Lisa R. Tannock, Marlene E. Starr, Christopher M. Waters, Preetha Shridas

Saha Cardiovascular Research Center Faculty Publications

Serum amyloid A (SAA) is a family of proteins, the plasma levels of which may increase >1000-fold in acute inflammatory states. We investigated the role of SAA in sepsis using mice deficient in all three acute-phase SAA isoforms (SAA-TKO). SAA deficiency significantly increased mortality rates in the three experimental sepsis mouse models: cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), cecal slurry (CS) injection, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatments. SAA-TKO mice had exacerbated lung pathology compared to wild-type (WT) mice after CLP. A bulk RNA sequencing performed on lung tissues excised 24 h after CLP indicated significant enrichment in the expression of genes associated …


Syne1 Mutation Is Associated With Increased Tumor Mutation Burden And Immune Cell Infiltration In Ovarian Cancer, Laura M. Harbin, Nan Lin, Frederick R. Ueland, Jill M. Kolesar Sep 2023

Syne1 Mutation Is Associated With Increased Tumor Mutation Burden And Immune Cell Infiltration In Ovarian Cancer, Laura M. Harbin, Nan Lin, Frederick R. Ueland, Jill M. Kolesar

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

SYNE1, a nuclear envelope protein critical for cellular structure and signaling, is downregulated in numerous malignancies. SYNE1 alterations are found in 10% of gynecologic malignancies and 5% of epithelial ovarian cancers. Previous studies demonstrated an association between SYNE1 mutation, increased tumor mutation burden (TMB), and immunotherapy response. This study evaluates the SYNE1 mutation frequency, association with TMB, and downstream effects of SYNE1 mutation in ovarian cancer. Genetic information, including whole-exome sequencing, RNA analysis, and somatic tumor testing, was obtained for consenting ovarian cancer patients at an academic medical center. Mutation frequencies were compared between the institutional cohort and The Cancer …


Activation Of The Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone System Is Attenuated In Hypertensive Compared With Normotensive Pregnancy, Robin C. Shoemaker, Marko Poglitsch, Hong Huang, Katherine Vignes, Aarthi Srinivasan, Cynthia Cockerham-Morris, Aric Schadler, John Anthony Bauer, John O'Brien Aug 2023

Activation Of The Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone System Is Attenuated In Hypertensive Compared With Normotensive Pregnancy, Robin C. Shoemaker, Marko Poglitsch, Hong Huang, Katherine Vignes, Aarthi Srinivasan, Cynthia Cockerham-Morris, Aric Schadler, John Anthony Bauer, John O'Brien

UK CARES Faculty Publications

Hypertension during pregnancy increases the risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, but the mechanisms of pregnancy hypertension are not precisely understood. Elevated plasma renin activity and aldosterone concentrations play an important role in the normal physiologic adaptation to pregnancy. These effectors are reduced in patients with pregnancy hypertension, creating an opportunity to define the features of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) that are characteristic of this disorder. In the current study, we used a novel LC-MS/MS-based methodology to develop comprehensive profiles of RAAS peptides and effectors over gestation in a cohort of 74 pregnant women followed prospectively for the development …


Structures Of The Insecticidal Toxin Complex Subunit Xpta2 Highlight Roles For Flexible Domains, Cole L. Martin, David W. Chester, Christopher D. Radka, Lurong Pan, Zhengrong Yang, Rachel C. Hart, Elad M. Binshtein, Zhao Wang, Lisa Nagy, Lawrence J. Delucas, Stephen G. Aller Aug 2023

Structures Of The Insecticidal Toxin Complex Subunit Xpta2 Highlight Roles For Flexible Domains, Cole L. Martin, David W. Chester, Christopher D. Radka, Lurong Pan, Zhengrong Yang, Rachel C. Hart, Elad M. Binshtein, Zhao Wang, Lisa Nagy, Lawrence J. Delucas, Stephen G. Aller

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

The Toxin Complex (Tc) superfamily consists of toxin translocases that contribute to the targeting, delivery, and cytotoxicity of certain pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria. Membrane receptor targeting is driven by the A-subunit (TcA), which comprises IgG-like receptor binding domains (RBDs) at the surface. To better understand XptA2, an insect specific TcA secreted by the symbiont X. nematophilus from the intestine of entomopathogenic nematodes, we determined structures by X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM. Contrary to a previous report, XptA2 is pentameric. RBD-B exhibits an indentation from crystal packing that indicates loose association with the shell and a hotspot for possible receptor binding or a …


Photocatalyzed Hydrogen Evolution Using Nickel-Bound Metallothionein Protein, Windfield Swetman May 2023

Photocatalyzed Hydrogen Evolution Using Nickel-Bound Metallothionein Protein, Windfield Swetman

Honors Theses

The continued burning of fossil fuels is not only a cause of increasing deterioration of the environment but also a financially unsustainable source of energy. Advances in energy production must be investigated to avoid the long-term effects of this current main source of energy. One of the avenues being explored is the use of metalloenzymes to catalyze hydrogen evolution via water splitting that occurs during the reductive half of artificial photosynthesis. Metalloenzyme catalysts with a single Ni(Cys)4 active site have been previously studied, and this study explores the possibility of increasing hydrogen production by using metalloenzyme catalysts with multiple …


Synthesis, Characterization, And Cytotoxicity Studies Of A Copper(Ii) Complex With Vanillin 3-Ethyl-Thiosemcarbazone A Ligand, Novia Mann, Ifeoluwa Oyeyemi, Duaa R. Alajroush, Elizabeth A. Tonsel-White, Stephen J. Beebe, Alvin Holder Mar 2023

Synthesis, Characterization, And Cytotoxicity Studies Of A Copper(Ii) Complex With Vanillin 3-Ethyl-Thiosemcarbazone A Ligand, Novia Mann, Ifeoluwa Oyeyemi, Duaa R. Alajroush, Elizabeth A. Tonsel-White, Stephen J. Beebe, Alvin Holder

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most aggressive and challenging breast cancer subtypes to treat, as these cancer cells lack three common receptors: estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. The multiple oxidation states transition metals can occupy have made this narrowly explored group popular for anti-cancer research in recent decades. Furthermore, the success of cisplatin, which has platinum as a metal center, while being a cancer-fighting agent with serious side effects, has caused other metal centers to be investigated as possible alternatives as chemotherapeutic drugs. Copper, as a biologically essential metal, makes an attractive candidate …


Multiscale Molecular Modeling Studies Of The Dynamics And Catalytic Mechanisms Of Iron(Ii)- And Zinc(Ii)-Dependent Metalloenzymes, Sodiq O. Waheed Jan 2023

Multiscale Molecular Modeling Studies Of The Dynamics And Catalytic Mechanisms Of Iron(Ii)- And Zinc(Ii)-Dependent Metalloenzymes, Sodiq O. Waheed

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Enzymes are biological systems that aid in specific biochemical reactions. They lower the reaction barrier, thus speeding up the reaction rate. A detailed knowledge of enzymes will not be achievable without computational modeling as it offers insight into atomistic details and catalytic species, which are crucial to designing enzyme-specific inhibitors and impossible to gain experimentally. This dissertation employs advanced multiscale computational approaches to study the dynamics and reaction mechanisms of non-heme Fe(II) and 2-oxoglutarate (2OG) dependent oxygenases, including AlkB, AlkBH2, TET2, and KDM4E, involved in DNA and histone demethylation. It also focuses on Zn(II) dependent matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), which helps …


Designing And Synthesizing A Warhead-Fragment Inhibitory Ligand For Ivyp1 Through Fragment-Based Drug Discovery, Samuel Moore Dec 2022

Designing And Synthesizing A Warhead-Fragment Inhibitory Ligand For Ivyp1 Through Fragment-Based Drug Discovery, Samuel Moore

Symposium of Student Scholars

Fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) is a powerful tool for developing anticancer and antimicrobial agents. Within this, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) provides a comprehensive qualitative and quantitative approach to screening and validating weak and robust binders with targeted proteins, making NMR among the most attractive strategies in FBDD. Inhibitor of vertebrate lysozyme (Ivyp1) of P. aeruginosa serves as an excellent target because of its active cellular location and implications in clinical prognosis for cystic fibrosis and immunocompromised patients. This study uses current NMR and biophysical techniques to develop a covalent, fragment-linked warhead inhibitor for Ivyp1 through synthetic methods, warhead linking, and …


Mechanism Of Sila- And Germafluorenes For Biological Applications, Shelby Jarrett Jun 2022

Mechanism Of Sila- And Germafluorenes For Biological Applications, Shelby Jarrett

Dissertations

2,7-disubstituted silafluorenes and germafluorenes, originally designed for OLED applications, are a class of fluorescent dyes that have gained recent interest as probes for bioimaging and as biosensors to monitor cellular dynamics and interactions. Desirable biological probes absorb in the visible region, have high extinction coefficients, high quantum yield and excellent photostability. Here, their spectral properties are investigated under aqueous conditions for relevant biological applications. These molecules display intense blue fluorescence in the solid state and in solution, have high extinction coefficients, and exhibit appreciable solubility in aqueous solution. To better understand potential applications, the mechanism of fluorescence was investigated. It …


Cysteine Metallochemistry And Metal Binding: Quantification Of The Thermodynamic Foundations Of Cellular Homeostasis, Matthew R. Mehlenbacher May 2022

Cysteine Metallochemistry And Metal Binding: Quantification Of The Thermodynamic Foundations Of Cellular Homeostasis, Matthew R. Mehlenbacher

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

Metals are required for life. Many metalloproteins contain cysteine in their metal-binding site (MBS) and cysteines are unique in that they are reactive, and strongly bind certain metals, which aid in metal selectivity and specificity. Using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), the thermodynamic foundation for metal binding, cellular protection, and transcriptional regulation, which all utilize cysteines in their MBS, are quantified.

In bacteria there are metalloprotein pathways that actively uptake mercury, which are regulated by the metalloregulatory protein MerR. MerR de-represses the transcription of these mer proteins in a metal-dependent manner. Using ITC, the thermodynamic foundation of the negative allosteric coupling …


Analysis Of The Light Responsive Azobenzene Peptide Nucleic Acid Duplexes, Kat Nguyen May 2022

Analysis Of The Light Responsive Azobenzene Peptide Nucleic Acid Duplexes, Kat Nguyen

Honors College Theses

Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are oligonucleotide analogues in which the sugar-phosphate backbone has been replaced by a pseudopeptide skeleton. Since PNAs use the natural nucleobases (Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, Uracil, and Guanine) found in either DNA and/or RNA, they are able to hybridize according to Watson-Crick base-pairing to form duplexes. PNA is a promising therapeutic agent because they can function as antigene or antisense chemical agents. To further enhance their utility, we aim to incorporate a photoswitchable moiety using azobenzene. Here, we report the results of the synthesis and purification of a photoswitchable 11 mer PNA along with initial characterization efforts.


Biomimetic Synthesis Of Palladium Nanoparticles For Catalytic Application, Emily A. Groover Jan 2022

Biomimetic Synthesis Of Palladium Nanoparticles For Catalytic Application, Emily A. Groover

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The synthesis of palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) using materials-directed peptides is a novel, nontoxic approach which exerts a high level of control over the particle size and shape. This biomimetic technique is environmentally benign, featuring nonhazardous ligands and ambient conditions. Nanoparticles are extremely reactive catalysts, boasting a large surface-to-volume ratio when compared to their bulk counterparts. The rational design of these nanoparticles using peptides has been very successful in aqueous environments, but no research has been done to apply it in organic systems. As such, the biomimetic synthesis of Pd NPs in an organic system is here investigated, with ethanol …


Purification And Activity Assay Optimization Of Bacterial Catalase From Psychrobacter Koprana, Sydney Willis Jan 2022

Purification And Activity Assay Optimization Of Bacterial Catalase From Psychrobacter Koprana, Sydney Willis

Honors Program Theses

To date, catalase protein from bacterial species is not the most widely used commercial catalase. Catalase, the enzyme that breaks down hydrogen peroxide in most living organisms, is an invaluable enzyme in the food, agriculture, and pharmaceutical industries. In 2019, a novel species of a psychrotolerant bacterium was discovered in Cold Harbor, NY. This species, Psychrobacter koprana, exhibits highly active catalase. Preliminary data from activity assays demonstrates that P. koprana catalase has the same activity as commercially available catalase. After purification and activity assay optimization, the activity of this catalase has the potential to be more active than other easily …


Multilevel Computational Investigation Into The Dynamics And Reaction Mechanisms Of Non-Heme Iron And 2-Oxoglutarate Dependent Enzymes, Shobhit Sanjeev Chaturvedi Jan 2022

Multilevel Computational Investigation Into The Dynamics And Reaction Mechanisms Of Non-Heme Iron And 2-Oxoglutarate Dependent Enzymes, Shobhit Sanjeev Chaturvedi

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Computational chemistry methods have been extensively applied to investigate biological systems. This dissertation utilizes a multilevel computational approach to explore the dynamics and reaction mechanisms of two groups of enzymes belonging to non-heme Fe(II) and 2-oxoglutarate (2OG) dependent superfamily – histone lysine demethylases from class 7 and ethylene forming enzyme (EFE). Chapter 2 uncovers the role of conformational dynamics in the substrate selectivity of histone lysine demethylases 7A and 7B. The molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the two enzymes revealed the importance of linker flexibility and dynamics in relative orientations of the reader (PHD) and the catalytic (JmjC) domains. Chapter …