TEMPO-Functionalized ROMP Monomers for Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Primary Faculty Mentor’s Name
Dr. Hans-Joerg Schanz
Proposal Track
Student
Session Format
Poster
Abstract
The poster focuses on the development of TEMPO-functionalized oxanorbornene and norbornene monomers intended for ring opening metastasis polymerization ROMP. TEMPO, which is a stable nitroxide radical has antioxidant properties. The goal of the research project is to develop a cell-free hemoglobin based treatment for traumatic brain injuries occurring in conjunction with hemorhagic shock. The cell-free hemoglobin is intended to carry oxygen to the injury site, however when tested, the oxygen was shown to be released as a superoxide radical. This radical form is highly reactive, and caused cellular damage to the neurons at the injury site. To combat this, a combination of TEMPO and polyethylene glycol (PEG) was bonded to the protein, providing antioxidant properties as well as a physical buffer.
Our research focuses on the development of a TEMPO and PEG functionalized polymer which should allow for the same antioxidant properties while being more economical, and easier to characterize. The monomer synthesis is the start of this process, and a modular approach is being taken.The current strategy is to synthesis an azide functionalized monomer, then couple that monomer to an alkyl functionalized TEMPO molecule through a 1,3 cycloaddition using a copper (I) catalyst. This strategy can also be applied to the synthesis of a PEG functionalized monomer, and lends a large amount of flexibility to the project, allowing the polymer system to be adapted to other purposes in the future. This coupling reaction can be performed prior to polymerization, or as a post-polymerization step.
As research progresses, the final polymer and monomers will be analyzed using electron resonance spectroscopy through collaboration with the physics department at Georgia Southern University. This analysis will insure that the radical functionality of the TEMPO is retained through the polymerization process. Additional toxicity and biological trials will be performed once the synthesis and characterization of the polymer is completed.
Keywords
Chemistry, Traumatic brain injury, ROMP, Polymer, Hemoglobin
Location
Concourse/Atrium
Presentation Year
2014
Start Date
11-15-2014 2:55 PM
End Date
11-15-2014 4:10 PM
Publication Type and Release Option
Presentation (Open Access)
Recommended Citation
Feriante, Cameron H., "TEMPO-Functionalized ROMP Monomers for Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injuries" (2014). Georgia Undergraduate Research Conference (2014-2015). 100.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/gurc/2014/2014/100
TEMPO-Functionalized ROMP Monomers for Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Concourse/Atrium
The poster focuses on the development of TEMPO-functionalized oxanorbornene and norbornene monomers intended for ring opening metastasis polymerization ROMP. TEMPO, which is a stable nitroxide radical has antioxidant properties. The goal of the research project is to develop a cell-free hemoglobin based treatment for traumatic brain injuries occurring in conjunction with hemorhagic shock. The cell-free hemoglobin is intended to carry oxygen to the injury site, however when tested, the oxygen was shown to be released as a superoxide radical. This radical form is highly reactive, and caused cellular damage to the neurons at the injury site. To combat this, a combination of TEMPO and polyethylene glycol (PEG) was bonded to the protein, providing antioxidant properties as well as a physical buffer.
Our research focuses on the development of a TEMPO and PEG functionalized polymer which should allow for the same antioxidant properties while being more economical, and easier to characterize. The monomer synthesis is the start of this process, and a modular approach is being taken.The current strategy is to synthesis an azide functionalized monomer, then couple that monomer to an alkyl functionalized TEMPO molecule through a 1,3 cycloaddition using a copper (I) catalyst. This strategy can also be applied to the synthesis of a PEG functionalized monomer, and lends a large amount of flexibility to the project, allowing the polymer system to be adapted to other purposes in the future. This coupling reaction can be performed prior to polymerization, or as a post-polymerization step.
As research progresses, the final polymer and monomers will be analyzed using electron resonance spectroscopy through collaboration with the physics department at Georgia Southern University. This analysis will insure that the radical functionality of the TEMPO is retained through the polymerization process. Additional toxicity and biological trials will be performed once the synthesis and characterization of the polymer is completed.
