Synthesis of Argemone mexicana Inspired Antimicrobial Agents
Faculty Sponsor
Jeffrey Pruet
College
Arts and Sciences
Department/Program
Department of Chemistry
ORCID Identifier(s)
0000-0002-6100-4633, 0000-0003-3381-0504
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Symposium Date
Summer 7-26-2023
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 have explored extracts of the Argemone mexicana plant to isolate antimicrobial agents found within this plant. We have already identified three key molecules, notably berberine, which give this plant antimicrobial properties. Guided by the structures of these plant-derived molecules, our current work is now focused on designing and synthesizing new variants of these bioactive molecules in the hopes of discovering new, more potent, drugs. Thus far, several of our synthetic variants have shown promising activity over the original phytochemicals isolated from the plant. In continuing our work, we have performed a similar process with the Aronia melanocarpa plant and found that it shows excellent antimicrobial potential.
Recommended Citation
Ostos Hernandez, Juan; Bhakta, Hannah; Orozco-Nunnelly, Danielle; and Pruet, Jeffrey, "Synthesis of Argemone mexicana Inspired Antimicrobial Agents" (2023). Summer Interdisciplinary Research Symposium. 162.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/sires/162
