Date of Award
2017
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Chemistry
Committee Chair
Anusree Mukherjee
Committee Member
Bernhard Vogler
Committee Member
Carmen Scholz
Subject(s)
Ligands, Coordination compounds, Active oxygen, Superoxide dismutase
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) naturally occur as side products of oxidation reactions in aerobic organisms, however high concentrations of ROS can cause tissue damage and even cell death. Thus, aerobic organisms have developed several mechanisms of defense against ROS that include catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes. This thesis details the design and synthesis of novel nickel superoxide dismutase (NiSOD) and copper zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) biomimics which were probed for reactivity with superoxide and hydrogen peroxide. The metal complexes are supported by nitrogen rich, macrocyclic ligands that were designed to alter the electronic environment of the metal center in order to support superoxide dismutation. Experiments with KO2 and H2O2 monitored by absorption spectroscopy suggest the formation of a M-O2 adduct which is a key intermediate in the SOD enzyme mechanism. Both the nickel and copper complexes demonstrated superoxide reduction.
Recommended Citation
Snider, Victoria G., "Ni & Cu complexes supported by a family of pentadentate ligands for reactivity with activated oxygen species" (2017). Theses. 208.
https://louis.uah.edu/uah-theses/208