Title

Synthesis and Evaluation of Unsymmetrical Curcuminoid Ferrocenyl Derivatives as Novel Antimicrobial Agents

Creator

Lego, Erika

Abstract

The rise and escalating threat of antibiotic resistance has shifted the attention towards alternative antibacterial strategies, specifically natural compounds with antibacterial properties. Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is a yellow-colored, non-toxic polyphenol of hydrophobic nature which has been identified as the active compound of turmeric. Curcumin’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are well-studied, but its poor absorption and rapid metabolism limit its bioavailability. This project aims to examine the potential effects of different structural analogs of curcumin, the active compound of turmeric. Specifically, various curcuminoid derivatives bearing ferrocenyl groups were synthesized and evaluated for their antimicrobial potential. This approach is based on the pivotal role of iron in bacterial growth and proliferation, as bacteria rely on iron scavenged from their environment to survive during an infection when the host limits iron availability to suppress pathogen proliferation. These analogs were tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Bacterial culturing methods included quantitative plating, high-throughput screening assays, and antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) to evaluate growth inhibition and compound activity under light irradiation.

Keywords

antimicrobial

photodynamic

iron-targeting

Subject

Biomedical Sciences

Date Available

May 22, 2025

Type

Poster

Course

BMS 4055 Internship in Biomedical and Health Science

Instructor

Kythreoti, Georgia

Sangou, Marina

Session

Poster Session

Location

Deree Corridor

Event

Year 2025 | 9th Annual Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium