Location
Turner Gymnasium
Access Type
Open Access
Presentation Type
Printed poster
Entry Number
44
Start Date
4-16-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
4-16-2026 1:15 PM
School
School of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Department
Chemistry
Keywords
Gold(III) complexes, Proline ligands, Fluorinated proline, Organometallic chemistry, Coordination chemistry, Metal-based anticancer agents, Ligand modification, Spectroscopic characterization, Kirby–Bauer assay, Structure–activity relationship (SAR)
Abstract
Synthesis and Biological Activity of Gold(III) Complexes with Proline and Fluorinated Proline Ligands
Gold(III) amino acid complexes are an important area of research because metal complexes can provide chemical and biological activity that typical carbon-based drugs cannot. These complexes can form structures that interact with different parts of the cell, such as DNA or proteins, allowing them to disrupt harmful cells. Modifying the ligands in these complexes can improve stability and influence how the metal interacts with biological systems. With growing interest in metal-based anticancer agents, further understanding of gold(III) complexes containing proline-derived ligands is needed. The goal of this study was to synthesize and characterize gold(III) complexes containing proline and fluorinated proline ligands and evaluate their biological activity. Complexes were synthesized from gold(III) precursors and purified by recrystallization. The compounds are being characterized using ¹H, ¹³C, and ¹⁹F nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, and X-ray diffraction to confirm structure and coordination. Biological activity is being evaluated using the Kirby–Bauer antibacterial disk diffusion method, and selected compounds will be submitted for cancer screening through the National Cancer Institute. One synthesis has been completed so far, producing a stable yellow- orange solid consistent with the formation of a gold(III) complex. The sample has been submitted for further structural confirmation and analysis. Additional syntheses and characterization are ongoing, and biological testing results are pending. This research demonstrates how proline and fluorinated proline ligands influence the structure and stability of gold(III) complexes. Understanding these effects may contribute to the development of metal-based compounds with potential antimicrobial and anticancer applications. Faculty Mentor:
Dr. David Hobart
Primary Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. David Hobart
Primary Faculty Mentor(s) Department
Chemistry Department
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Synthesis and Biological Activity of Gold(III) Complexes with Proline and Fluorinated Proline Ligands
Turner Gymnasium
Synthesis and Biological Activity of Gold(III) Complexes with Proline and Fluorinated Proline Ligands
Gold(III) amino acid complexes are an important area of research because metal complexes can provide chemical and biological activity that typical carbon-based drugs cannot. These complexes can form structures that interact with different parts of the cell, such as DNA or proteins, allowing them to disrupt harmful cells. Modifying the ligands in these complexes can improve stability and influence how the metal interacts with biological systems. With growing interest in metal-based anticancer agents, further understanding of gold(III) complexes containing proline-derived ligands is needed. The goal of this study was to synthesize and characterize gold(III) complexes containing proline and fluorinated proline ligands and evaluate their biological activity. Complexes were synthesized from gold(III) precursors and purified by recrystallization. The compounds are being characterized using ¹H, ¹³C, and ¹⁹F nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, and X-ray diffraction to confirm structure and coordination. Biological activity is being evaluated using the Kirby–Bauer antibacterial disk diffusion method, and selected compounds will be submitted for cancer screening through the National Cancer Institute. One synthesis has been completed so far, producing a stable yellow- orange solid consistent with the formation of a gold(III) complex. The sample has been submitted for further structural confirmation and analysis. Additional syntheses and characterization are ongoing, and biological testing results are pending. This research demonstrates how proline and fluorinated proline ligands influence the structure and stability of gold(III) complexes. Understanding these effects may contribute to the development of metal-based compounds with potential antimicrobial and anticancer applications. Faculty Mentor:
Dr. David Hobart