Le, Andrea; Nguyen, An; Nguyen, Christopher
College of Science and Mathematics
Professor: Dr. Robert Towery
ABSTRACT:
A di-ruthenium complex with four equatorial acetate groups and one axial chlorine, Ru2(acetate)4-Cl, and a di-ruthenium complex with three equatorial acetate groups and one Fap, Ru2(acetate)3Fap-Cl, were investigated by reacting the compounds with the amino acid, tryptophan. Previous results indicate di-metal complexes of rhodium provide possible anti-cancer and antiviral therapeutic agents. However, compounds of ruthenium have been overlooked by the scientific community. This project addresses that deficiency by investigating a novel class of antitumor di-ruthenium molecules. The di-ruthenium molecules were reacted in deionized water and pH 5.0 acetate buffer at room temperature and at 50°C. Results indicate a reaction of tryptophan with the four acetate di-metal complex in water while no significant reaction of tryptophan with the three acetate and one Fap di-metal complex in water occurred. Various instrumental techniques such as UV-vis spectroscopy, fluorescence, cyclic voltammetry, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were performed in order to elucidate the reactivity of the di-metal complexes with the amino acid. There is anticipation that this research forms a framework for a new class of drugs which can combat cancer.
