Dr. Lorance
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Investigation of the Metal-binding properties of HypericinHypericin and related compounds are phenolic secondary metabolites of St. John’s wort. Phenolic compounds are known to complex a variety of transition and heavy main group metals, while St. John’s wort is a suspected hyperaccumulator of heavy metals. This project investigates whether heavy metals are efficiently complexed by phenolic secondary metabolites of St. John’s wort; the results would then be correlated with another project in which the phenolic secondary metabolite production of various strains of St. John’s wort is compared to the strains’ hyperaccumulation of heavy metals. (# of students = 1). |
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Acid-Catalyzed Decarboxylation of Substituted Phenylacetic acidsDecarboxylation is a key step in the proposed conversion of biological molecules into petroleum compounds within the earth. Recent discoveries in the geochemistry of organic molecules have suggested that decarboxylation of phenylacetic acids may be catalyzed by the high acidity of high-pressure, high-temperature (1021 atm, 300°C) water. These reactions may therefore also run in highly acidic media at lower temperatures. To investigate this possibility, we propose to study the decarboxylation of substituted phenylacetic acids in sulfuric acid solutions at temperatures up to 180°C. As the reactions are slow, periodic sampling and GC-MS analysis will be suitable to follow the kinetics of the reactions. (# of students = 2). |
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Professor J. Smith
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Analysis of NDGA in Larrea tridentata Using HPLCNordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) is a potent antioxidant shown to have anticancer properties and to extent life significantly in test animals. However, it has also been linked to liver damage in humans. While not currently approved for food use in the USA, it occurs in processed foods in many other countries and in many herbal preparations. In addition to its physiological properties, as a phenolic secondary metabolite it may be a metal chelator and may contribute to heavy metal hyperaccumulation. Creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) is a common desert plant found across the American southwest and far into Mexico. It can be up to 15% NDGA by dry weight. However, creosote bush is also extremely genetically variable. To begin to investigate the variability of NDGA production versus genetic variability, a reliable assay for NDGA in creosote tissue is needed. (# of students = 1). |
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Dr. Sirvent
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Genetic and chemical analysis of Melaleuca alternifoliaM. alternifolia, also known as tea tree produces several terpenoid compounds that are responsible for its potent anti-microbial activity. Although this plant is growing in popularity, not much is known about the specificity of its extract components in terms of biological activity as well as the influence of various environmental factors on the growth and production of its secondary metabolites. We are hoping to develop a fast screening method using GC/MS to analyze extracts. In addition, we aim to determine the relationship of environmental conditions and extract potency (# of students = 1). |
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Elucidation of PKSs in Hypericum perforatumH. perforatum (St. John’s wort) is an important phytopharmaceutical, especially for treatment of mild depression. After 7-14 days, the student will harvest and divide the plant tissue. The remaining tissue will be extracted with acetone, and the extract will be concentrated and analyzed via HPLC to determine the levels of hypericins and hyperforin present. (# of students = 1). |
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