RESEARCH IN CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY

Synthesis of Isatisindigoticanine G and its Analogues for Candida auris inhibition

By Kerolos Markos

OBJECTIVE: 

The objective of this research is to develop novel inhibitors for Candida auris based on quinazolinone natural product. This would require developing a novel and efficient synthetic method for the synthesis of pyrido quinazoline natural product and its analogues for screening. We propose to develop a modular approach for the same from piperidones.

LAB WORK:

1. Working with Methyl piperidone

Fig. 1.1 — Methyl piperidone with indole.

In this experiment I set up a table as follows:

Vol. (ml)  Mass (g)  Molar Mass (g/mol) Density

(g/ml)

Moles Eq. Moles
Indole 3 g 117.15 0.0256 1
Methyl piperidone 2.96 ml 2.898 g 113.16 0.98 0.0256 1
Reagent 2.1 ml 1.82 g 71.11 0.866 0.0256 1

Table 1.2 shows the reactant used in the experiments.

Synthesis of 3-(1-methyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl)-1H-indole: A solution of 1H-indole, 1-methylpiperidone, pyrrolidine in ethanol (30 mL) was refluxed for an additional 24 hours. The reaction was brought to room temperature, then cooled to 0C, stirred for 30 minutes. The solid was filtered, washed with cold ethanol (2×15 mL), and dried under high vacuum to obtain the title compound as a white solid t as shown in figure 1.3. Total mass is 1.3607 g.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fig. 1.3 — White Solid Obtained.

H-NMR was conducted to the white solid using DMSO as a solvent (figure 1.4).

Fig. 1.4 — H-NMR for 1-methyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl

2. Adding N-Phenylmaleimide

Mass Molar Mass Moles
3-(1-methyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl)-1H-indole 1 g 212.29 g/mol 0.0047
N- phenylmaleimide 0.8157 g 0.8157 g 0.0047

Table 2.1 — Reactant for the Experiment.

Fig. 2.2 — Reaction Scheme.

Synthesis of 5-methyl-2-phenyl-5,6,7, 12-tetrahydropyrido[3,4-c]pyrrolo[3,4-a]carbazole-1,3(2H,4H)-dione: A solution of 3-(1 -methyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl)-1H-indole, N- phenylmaleimide in toluene (10 mL) was refluxed for additional 16 hours. The reaction was brought to room temperature, then the solid was filtered, washed with cold methanol (15 mL) and dried under high vacuum to obtain the title compound as a red solid t as shown in figure 2.3. Total mass is 1.745 g.

The product got purified again by using 50%/50% hexane and ethyl acetate as a solution and added the red solid to the solution. We started boiling the solution and then let it cool on room temperature for 5 days. Then obtained the crystals again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fig. 2.3 — Red Solid Obtained.

H-NMR was conducted to the red solid using CDCl4 as a solvent (figure 2.4).

Figure 2.4 HNMR for the 5-methyl-2-phenyl-5,6,7, 12-tetrahydropyrido[3,4-c]pyrrolo[3,4-a]carbazole-1,3(2H,4H)-dione

3. Using 2,4-Piperidinedione

We started doing the same experiments as in 1 and 2 using 2,4-piperidinedione instead of methyl piperidone.

Mass Molecular Weight Moles
2,4-piperidinedione 1 g 113.11 g/mol 0.00884
Indole 1.0356 g 117.15 g/mol 0.00884

Table 3.1 — Reactant for the Experiment.

A solution of 2,4-piperidinedione in methanol (20 mL) was refluxed for an additional 24 hours. The reaction was brought to room temperature.

Fig. 3.2 — Reaction Scheme.

Doing TLC for the product by adding the product liquid into air vacuum, after 15 minutes it turned into solid. Then add Na2CO3, H2O then ethyl acetate in test tube; the top layer (the organic layer) was isolated and added to the TLC plate. The TLC plate was put in a solution of 100% ethyl acetate for 1 minute and then observed under UV light.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fig. 3.3 — TLC Plate.

Unfortunately, the 2,4 piperidinedione as a reactant didn’t get involved in the reaction because the initial spot didn’t move.

Another experiment was conducted using 2,4 piperidinedione and isatoic acid but unfortunately we didn’t have enough time because of the finals.

RESEARCH IN ART HISTORY

Artemisia Gentileschi: Forgotten Italian Renaissance Artist

By Caitlyn Haley

I was inspired by the Boston MFA’s exhibition “Strong Women in Renaissance Italy.” Most of the work in the exhibition was done by women. In my project funded by an OUR Student Research Grant, I did what the Boston MFA did not. I picked a single woman artist from Italian Renaissance and produced a self-portrait of her life and her work. I chose Artemisia Gentileschi because her work was the most featured in the exhibition.

I compiled data from books written about Gentileschi with personal observations from the exhibit to create a poster highlighting vital information about an artist that history forgot. Gentileschi’s contributions were important. Combining my majors—Art History and Graphic Design—I created a visual résumé about her life, the subjects of her work, what she painted, and her achievements.

Poster designed by Caitlyn Haley

Rather than bog down the audience with pages of details, the poster conveys vital information in a visual one-punch. My hope is to make the information accessible to everyone, regardless of discipline or interest. Not everyone is a history buff. However, I think everyone deserves to have their story told. The aim of the project is to correct history’s failure to inject Artemisia Gentileschi into the mainstream consciousness alongside her contemporaries like Leonardo da Vinci.

RESEARCH IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Presentation at the 76th Annual Meeting of the Division of Fluid Dynamics in Washington D.C., November 19-21, 2023.

By Jordan I Breveleri

I attended the 76th Annual Meeting of the APS Division of Fluid Dynamics in Washington D.C. from November 19-21, 2023, where I presented my research on drag reduction in marine vessels using porous superhydrophobic surfaces (SHS). The conference served as a dynamic platform for researchers to exchange ideas and advancements in the field. The APS (American Physical Society) Division of Fluid Dynamics Conference provided an excellent platform for researchers to discuss and share their findings in fluid dynamics.

My presentation focused on the innovative use of porous SHS to reduce drag in marine vessels. By injecting gas through the porous surface, an air layer can be sustained, effectively minimizing drag. The presentation primarily showcased the results of my research and highlighted its potential applications in fluid dynamics. The surreal atmosphere of Washington D.C., steeped in history, offered an inspiring setting for scientific discourse. The city’s rich cultural and national significance added an extra layer of depth to the conference experience, making it both professionally and personally enriching.

Photo of Jordan I Breveleri in Washington D.C. 

Presenting in front of a diverse audience was initially nerve-wracking, but with the support of my professor and peers, I successfully navigated the challenge. The engaging discussions and feedback further enhanced the presentation experience, providing valuable insights into my work. Aside from presenting my research, I attended various talks during the conference, gaining diverse insights into fluid dynamics. One particularly intriguing presentation focused on aurora lights, offering a fascinating perspective on the broader spectrum of research within the field.

The conference was an invaluable experience. Presenting my research and attending other panels created a memorable professional journey. The conference not only provided a platform for knowledge exchange but also fostered connections and collaboration within the fluid dynamics community. Overall, it was a rewarding experience that contributed significantly to my understanding of the field.