Zinc Photocages with Improved Photophysical Properties and Cell Permeability Imparted by Ternary Complex Formation

(doi: 10.1021/jacs.9b05504)

Hallee Jade Boyd

Cal Poly Humboldt Chemistry Major

December 09th, 2022 2:00 – 2:50PM (SciA 564)

ABSTRACT

Zn(II) is involved in several extra- and intracellular processes, such as cell signaling and cell replication; thus, its detection and efficient delivery to cells are relevant to unravel cellular processes and preventing diseases. Among the different ways to deliver Zn(II) to cells, photocages are light-responsive complexes that can control the availability of metal ions to interrogate cellular signaling pathways. One of the challenges in this field is to shift the absorption wavelengths to the visible, a region that does not damage cells and has more penetrability in cells and tissues. In this talk, we will discuss the improvements in Zn(II) photocages and their application in organisms. The NTAdeCage is going to be used as a comparison to newer cages containing Xanthone and DPA, Dipicolylamine, ligands in order to find improvements in binding affinity, quantum yield, and absorption wavelength. These cages can be further used in Alzheimer's treatments and the detection of Zinc in blood.