Synthesis of Multifunctional Polyacrylates and a Binding Group to Hemoglobin for the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Name

Marina Michaud, Georgia Southern UniversityFollow

Publication Date

2017

Major

Chemistry (B.S.)

Document Type and Release Option

Thesis (open access)

Faculty Mentor

Hans J. Schanz

Abstract

Hemoglobin based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) hold promise as an effective emergency treatment of severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI). In the latest generation of HBOCs, polynitroxyl-pegylated hemoglobin (PNPH), cell-free hemoglobin is modified with TEMPO and PEG which reduce the toxicities associated with earlier generations of HBOCs. In our efforts to optimize the economic and therapeutic impacts of PNPH’s we have synthesized polydimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (poly-DMAEMA) under controlled living conditions via reverse addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The poly-DMAEMA was then successfully functionalized via quaternization of its NMe₂ groups using chloroacetate derivatives of the TEMPO and PEG. This process was quantitative and the ratio of the functional groups could be controlled. In order to bond the functionalized poly-DMAEMA to the hemoglobin protein, we have explored the synthesis of maleic acid based derivatives. These binding groups contain a maleic acid and benzyl bromide functionalities to link the cysteine mercaptan groups of the hemoglobin shell to the NMe₂ groups of the functionalized poly-DMAEMA, respectively.

Recommended Citation

Michaud, Marina, "Synthesis of Multifunctional Polyacrylates and a Binding Group to Hemoglobin for the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injuries" (2017). Honors College Theses. 290.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/honors-theses/290