This Is AuburnElectronic Theses and Dissertations

Development and Synthesis of Mononuclear Superoxide Dismutase Mimics and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agents

Date

2021-04-26

Author

Hutchinson, Tessa

Type of Degree

Master's Thesis

Department

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Abstract

Over the past few years the Goldsmith group has reported mononuclear superoxide dismutase mimics and Mn(II) complexes with redox-active quinols that display rapid T1- weighted responses to H2O2. This dissertation will focus upon the development and synthesis of two mononuclear potential SOD mimics containing Fe(II) and Co(II) respectively; as well as, two manganese based MRI contrast agents. MRI is chosen as a spectroscopic technique due to its ability to non-invasively monitor biochemical processes in organs and whole-body subjects. The SOD mimics and contrast agents can be used to study a wide range of other health conditions that have been correlated to oxidative stress, heightening the extrinsic value of this work. Firstly discussed is the SOD activity of the new Fe(II) and Co(II) complexes. Prior Mn(II) complexes reported by the Goldsmith group were found to catalytically degrade superoxide. The greater stability of the developed compounds is anticipated to lengthen the lifetime of the catalyst in biological environments, yielding a much more effective anti-oxidant. Secondly discussed is the T1-related relaxivity (r1) of two manganese containing MRI contrast agents. H6qc1 showed a very strong binding affinity for Mn(II), but no response r1 response. It is thought that even with a strong binding affinity, upon oxidation the ligand and metal are both oxidized resulting in no response to H2O2. H3qpc, has been designed with ligands H4qp2 and H6qc1 in mind, and has shown no metal oxidation with promising responses to H2O2.