Celebration of Scholars
P43 - Synthesis of Amino Acid Surfactants to Examine Antimicrobial Properties
Name:
Iman Deanparvar
Major: Chemistry
Hometown: Mt. Pleasant, WI
Faculty Sponsor: David Brownholland
Other Sponsors:
Type of research: Independent research
Funding: Student Research, Scholarship, and Creativity Grant
Name:
Frannie Drake
Major: Neuroscience
Hometown: Naperville, IL
Faculty Sponsor: David Brownholland
Other Sponsors:
Type of research: Independent research
Funding: Student Research, Scholarship, and Creativity Grant
Abstract
Bacteria are rapidly evolving towards antibiotic resistance, necessitating the need for alternative antimicrobial agents. Amino-acid surfactants have generated interest as potential agents due to their biodegradability and effectiveness against bacteria. An ester-linked leucine-based surfactant was previously synthesized by the Brownholland Group, and found to exhibit antimicrobial properties. The synthetic procedure for this molecule is being optimized to improve purity and yield. However, the ester linkage is susceptible to hydrolysis. To address this limitation, the surfactant was redesigned with a more stable amide linkage. The synthesis of this amide-linked surfactant is being optimized to improve percent yield. In conjunction with the biology department, the amide-linked surfactant is being analyzed for its antimicrobial properties, and the results will be used to help design new generations of antimicrobial surfactants. Submit date: March 17, 2025, 3:37 p.m.