Research Projects

Derivatized Nanoparticles as Potential Inhibitors
for Carbonic Anhydrase XII

Faculty Mentor: Prof. Sanku Mallik

Research Description

The enzyme Carbonic Aanhydrase XII is over-expressed on the surface of many cancer cells and contributes to the invasive ability of the cells. We have synthesized several potent inhibitors for this enzyme and recently, these compounds were demonstrated to be non-toxic to a variety of cells. In collaboration with Prof. Sudipta Seal, we plan to derivatize the surface hydroxyl groups of cerium oxide nanoparticles with the potent inhibitors of Carbonic Anhydrase XII. The resultant nanoparticles will be structurally characterized by a variety of analytical techniques and their inhibition property will be studies with Carbonic Anhydrase XII. It is anticipated that the inhibitor-decorated cerium oxide nanoparticles will be more potent inhibitor of the enzyme compared to the inhibitors in solution and the inhibitory potency will depend of the size of the nanoparticles. In addition, the ability of the nanoparticles to reduce the invasive potential of cancer cells will be tested.

The undergraduate students will be involved in:

• Organic Synthesis
• UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy
• X-ray Photoelectron spectroscopy