Tetra-stranded metallo-supramolecular cylinders. Design, synthesis and DNA binding studies

Calle Alonso, Natalia (2013). Tetra-stranded metallo-supramolecular cylinders. Design, synthesis and DNA binding studies. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

The work described in this thesis concerns the design, synthesis, DNA binding and biological activity of palladium(II) supramolecular cylinders that might be capable of recognizing a DNA four-way junction.

An introduction to DNA structure will be presented, as well as the different binding modes of natural and synthetic agents that can recognise and bind to DNA. Since this work is focused on the design of large metallo-structures, the general principles of supramolecular chemistry will be summarised with particular emphasis on metallo-supramolecular structures.

Palladium(II) supramolecular cylinders have already been reported and these show promising cytotoxicity against different cancer cell lines. However, these complexes present poor solubility in aqueous solutions. It is therefore the aim of this thesis to improve the water solubility of palladium(II) supramolecular cylinders without significantly changing their structure or quenching their cytotoxic activity.

The DNA binding properties of the newly synthesised palladium(II) complexes will be presented. Several spectroscopic techniques, such as circular and linear dichroism and ethidium bromide displacement assays, as well as electrophoresis experiments were carried out and these will be discussed.

Initial DNA four-way junction experiments and cytotoxicity studies will also be discussed.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):