Date

5-9-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Many diseases are caused or worsened by the formation of insoluble aggregates inside the human body, most of which are currently treated by maintenance medication or surgery. Biocompatible Ionic Liquids (ILs) have been explored for use as therapeutic agents, and are also excellent solvents, due to their versatile physical and chemical properties. The aim of this project was to conduct a preliminary exploration of the use of ILs to dissolve different types of depositions, such as kidney stones and crystal-induced arthropathies, and plaques. An imidazolium-based IL and four biocompatible choline amino acid-based ILs ([Ch][AA]-ILs) were synthesized, which are 1-methyl-3-butyl-methylimidazolium iodide (BMIM-I), [Ch][Ala], [Ch][Ser], [Ch][Cys], and [Ch][His], respectively. The ILs were subsequently characterized using TLC, IR, and NMR spectroscopies. The solubility of commercial cholesterol was determined in the synthesized ILs by measuring fluorescence using a quantitative enzyme-based assay. The solubility of cholesterol in [Ch][Ser], [Ch][Cys], and [Ch][Ala] was determined to be 12.5 ±1.95, 136.3 ±42.3, and 4.95 ±0.855 ug/mL, respectively. The assay results show indiscernible solubility in BMIM-I and [Ch][His]. This suggests that the thiol group on [Ch][Cys] plays an important role in enhancing the solubility of cholesterol in that IL. This is a promising prospect in the treatment of atherosclerosis, and a potential treatment avenue for other diseases that are characterized by the formation of depositions or plaque. Lastly, these ILs can be integrated as a part of a more complex theragnostic drug delivery system, aiding in better understanding diseases while treating them. This project was supported by the BSU Department of Chemical Sciences, and by a summer 2022 grant from the BSU Adrian Tinsley Program.

Department

Chemical Sciences

Thesis Comittee

Dr. Edward J. Brush, Thesis Advisor
Dr. Sarah R. Soltau, Committee Member
Dr. Cielito DeRamos King, Committee Member

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