Synthesis of Carbonic Anhydrase Mimic For Environmental and Therapeutic Applications
Discipline: Chemical Sciences
Subcategory: inorganic
Session: 1
Room: 1 - Hanover DE
Aarthika Nagarajan - University of California Merced
Co-Author(s): Magy A. Mekhail, and Jenny Y. Yang, Department of Chemistry, UC Irvine
Carbonic anhydrase (CA) is a highly efficient metalloenzyme that catalyzes the hydration of CO2. It is essential for maintaining homeostasis and proper functioning of the human body including the regulation of respiratory gas exchange, acid-base balance, fluid secretion in the digestive system, and medical treatments. Synthetic CA mimics aim to replicate the properties of naturally occurring carbonic anhydrase enzymes found in organisms. These mimics have been investigated in literature for environmental applications like carbon capture and therapeutic applications for CA deficiency disorder. In this study, we outline the synthetic approach and characterization of a CA mimic, a water-soluble salen ligand synthesized through condensation and sulfonation reactions. The ligand was then s-metalated with Zn, Ni, and Cu salts to form active metal-ligand complexes. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Mass spectrometry, and UV-vis analyses, as well as thermodynamic, and kinetic techniques, were used to confirm the structure, coordination, and catalytic activity of these complexes. This mimic offers insight into the reactivity of CA mimics with different metal centers and allows for access to further modifications on a water-soluble complex.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): Office of Naval Research, UC LEADS
Faculty Advisor: Jenny Y. Yang, j.yang@uci.edu
Role: In this study, my primary role focused on synthesizing and characterizing a carbonic anhydrase (CA) mimic designed for environmental and therapeutic applications. I conducted the synthesis of a water-soluble salen ligand through condensation and sulfonation reactions, followed by s-metalation with Zn, Ni, and Cu salts to form active metal-ligand complexes. I utilized Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and Mass Spectrometry to confirm the structure and coordination environment of each complex. This work contributes insights into the reactivity of various metal centers in CA mimics and provides a platform for further functional modifications of water-soluble complexes.