Date of Award
6-19-2024
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Chemistry
First Advisor
Daniel Becker
Abstract
The exploitation of chemical synthesis exemplifies the notion of bridging both innovation and curiosity for the strategic assembly of sophisticated molecular infrastructures. By exerting this continuously evolving and versatile tool, synthesis has been applied in the development and influence of a myriad of ligands, biological probes, and persists to direct pharmaceutical innovation and modern medicine alike. Since pathogenic multidrug-resistant (MDR) microbial strains remain to be a persistent threat to both clinical healthcare and society, the need to develop selective and efficacious antibacterial agents that can impede microbe pathogenicity and regulate cellular mortality is paramount. In contrast to pharmaceutical development, organic synthesis has been at the forefront for the continued advancement of cutting-edge ligands for host-guest chemistry in addition to fluorescent probes that aid in the study and elucidation of multifaceted enzymatic systems. The molecular assembly, derivatization, and biological investigation of naphthoquinone and quinolone scaffolds are reported herein. These pharmaceutically active frameworks behave as biologically active antimicrobial agents that target the sodium-dependent NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase (Na+-NQR) in pathogenic bacteria which serve as optimal starting points for antibiotic development. Additionally, the target-oriented preparation of an intricate tridentate ligand referred to as the monophenyl triazacyclononane (MP-TACN) is also highlighted. Lastly, the preparation of a fluorescein-integrated aspartic acid derivative used for solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) and for the study of enzyme specificity is also described herein.
Recommended Citation
Liveris, Zachary Joseph, "Synthetic Assembly of Antibacterial Agents and Metal Chelating Ligands" (2024). Dissertations. 4080.
https://ecommons.luc.edu/luc_diss/4080
