Chemistry Newsblog

Category: News

Kiteplatin: A Rediscovered Antitumor Drug

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Dr. Emanuele Petruzzella
epetruzz@emich.edu
Postdoctoral Researcher Scholar, Chemistry Department, Eastern Michigan University 09/26/2014 – 3:00 pm – Room 101, Chemical Sciences and Engineering Bldg

Abstract:

The antitumor activity of kiteplatin was reported for the first time twenty years ago. Recently, kiteplatin was investigated as potential antitumor drugs for the treatment of cisplatin- and oxaliplatin-resistant tumors.

Resistance to Pt-based antitumor drugs can involve different processes, such as the binding of S-donor biomolecules, like glutathione, cysteine and methionine, to the Pt metal center. This interaction prevents Pt drugs to react with DNA, i.e. the event triggering the antitumor effect. Kiteplatin showed an unique reactivity with these S-donors biomolecules and, for the first time, it was found that, also after reaction with glutathione, kiteplatin is still able to react with a DNA model. This unique behaviour could explain the activity of kiteplatin in cisplatin- and oxaliplatin-resistant tumors.

In recent years, several research groups investigated Pt(IV) derivatives of Pt-based anticancer drugs as pro-drugs for oral administration. The axial dihydroxido Pt(IV) derivative of kiteplatin undergoes a spontaneous thermal- and/or photoinduced reduction process. This Pt(IV) complex can be suitable for photo-therapy.

 

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Dow Corporate Venturing-Accelerating Dow’s Innovation Agenda

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Mr. Stephen Hahn, Research Fellow

Dow Corporate Venturing
09/25/2014 – 1:00 pm – Room 101, Chemical Sciences and Engineering Bldg
Abstract:

Dow Corporate Venturing (DCV) serves to identify new technologies for Dow, to analyze and quantify new market opportunities enabled by these breakthroughs, and to capture their value by commercializing or participating in them. DCV serves as an innovation pipeline for Dow, supplying a continuous flow of new business options for the company. The Technology Scouting group within DCV seeks to identify and interact with emerging technology-based companies, and to connect directly with the sources of these innovations, with a focus on developing strategic relationships. Dow Technology Scouting group has established region-specific networks, enabling a global approach to innovation sourcing that meshes with the development and innovation targets of the Corporation, and encourages a Company-wide scouting mentality. Technology Scouting is Dow’s front line for identification and assessment of new opportunities and our Technology Scouts provide a conduit for innovation from the external marketplace of technology into Dow. Examples of recently analyzed, external, technology-based companies will be discussed.

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Molecular characterization of atmospheric organic matter in biogenic secondary organic aerosol, ambient aerosol and clouds

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Chemistry Seminar
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
EERC 314

Molecular characterization of atmospheric organic matter in biogenic secondary organic aerosol, ambient aerosol and clouds

Ms Yunzhu Zhao
(Advisor: Dr. Lynn Mazzoleni)
Doctoral Candidate
Department of Chemistry
Michigan Technological University

ABSTRACT

Atmospheric aerosol affects the Earth’s energy budget, reduces visibility and influences human health. The organic composition of aerosol is quite complex and continuously evolves through various atmospheric processes. To gain a deeper understanding of the molecular composition of atmospheric organic matter (AOM), chamber-generated biogenic secondary organic aerosol (SOA), ambient aerosol and cloud water samples were studied. Ultrahigh resolution Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry was used to provide detailed molecular characterization of the atmospheric samples. Due to the extremely high mass resolution and mass accuracy, thousands of individual molecular formulas were identified in all of the samples studied. Multivariate statistical analysis methods were evaluated to compare the similarities and differences of the sample compositions. The molecular characterization of biogenic SOA, ambient aerosol and clouds will be discussed. This study of the three types of atmospheric samples helps to understand the composition of AOM with respect to atmospheric processes.

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Poster Presentation: Ning Chen

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Dr. Pat Heiden’s student, Ning Chen, presented at the 42nd Central ACS Regional Meeting in Indianapolis IN in June 2011 as well as at the 243rd American Chemical Society (ACS) National Meeting in Anaheim CA in March 2011. Here are some photos of Ning with his poster:

42nd Central ACS Regional Meeting243rd American Chemical Society (ACS) National Meeting in Anaheim CA in March 2011

ACS meetings are an excellent opportunity for students! Reach 12,000 chemical professionals at each 2012 national meeting or at other events throughout the year, including regional meetings.

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Atmospheric Aerosols at PICO Mountain Research Observatory

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Dr. Lynn Mazzoleni, an assistant professor of chemistry, is currently at the top of Mt. Pico, an extinct volcano in the Azores. She’s working on understanding aerosols’ chemistry and how they interact with sunlight.

Dr. Mazzoleni checked with us recently and shared a photo she took from the ferry as she arrived on day one.  On that particular day the mountain was mostly free of clouds:

Mt. Pico

Learn more about the project by reading “Michigan Tech Researchers to Study Atmospheric Aerosols at PICO Mountain Research Observatory.”

Learn more about Dr. Mazzoleni and her research.

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Women of Tech—Lina Tormen Taskovich

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Lina Tormen Taskovich ’52 studied chemistry and chemical engineering at Michigan Tech almost thirty years before Sally Heidtke, and she has some words of wisdom for women students too: “Study a field you like—you have to spend all your life working in it. And go for the top degree in the field of your choice. Also, do not go for the most lucrative job, but for the job you would love to do.”

When Taskovich came to Michigan Tech, the male-to-female student ratio was about 50-to-1. Only a dozen or so women were in science and engineering. She majored in chemistry, and in her freshman class, there were eight women. Her sophomore year, there were four. During her third and fourth years, Taskovich was the only one.

For more information, read the Michigan Tech Magazine Spring 2012 article.

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