Synthesis of Argemone mexicana Inspired Antimicrobial Agents
Level of Education of Students Involved
Undergraduate
Faculty Sponsor
Jeffrey Pruet
College
Arts and Sciences
Discipline(s)
Chemistry, Biology
ORCID Identifier(s)
0000-0002-6100-4633, 0000-0003-3381-0504
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Symposium Date
Spring 4-25-2024
Abstract
Pathogenic bacterial and fungal infections are some of the leading causes of death in the population at large. Antimicrobial-resistant “superbugs” have become a growing issue worldwide as well as on the International Space Station, and there is a great need to explore new and alternative pathways for fighting these diseases. Through a collaborative project, we explored extracts of the Argemone mexicana plant to isolate antimicrobial agents found within this plant. We already identified three key molecules, notably berberine, which give this plant antimicrobial properties. Guided by the structures of these plant-derived molecules, our work focused on designing and synthesizing new variants of these bioactive molecules in the hopes of discovering new, more potent, drugs. Several of our synthetic variants showed promising activity over the original phytochemicals isolated from the plant. Specifically, we identified improved bioactivity in the variants after reduction of the cationic iminium group. Our work has expanded to include enamine reactions and aldol-type condensations using the central nitrogen. These results may pave the way for the development of new antimicrobial drugs.
Recommended Citation
Bhakta, Hannah; Ostos Hernandez, Juan; Ferkull, Brooke; Orozco-Nunnelly, Danielle; and Pruet, Jeffrey, "Synthesis of Argemone mexicana Inspired Antimicrobial Agents" (2024). Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 1324.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/cus/1324
Biographical Information about Author(s)
Hannah Bhakta is a senior biochemistry major who plans on attending Vanderbilt University in the fall to pursue a PhD in Chemistry, focusing on bioorganic research. Juan Ostos is a junior biology and chemistry major who plans on attending graduate school to continue organic synthesis research. Brooke Ferkull is a junior chemistry major looking to use her skills in industry to create new useful compounds.