Chemistry and Chemical Biology ETDs

Ying Wang

Publication Date

9-5-2013

Abstract

My dissertation work focuses on recent progress made in elucidating the intermolecular interactions between a novel class of synthetic phenylene ethynylene (PPE)-based conjugated polyelectrolyte polymers (CPEs) and oligomers (OPEs) and multiscale cellular targets that give rise to their remarkable broad spectrum biocidal activity. We studied the interactions and self-assembly behaviors of the CPEs and OPEs with a set of vital biomolecules, including lipids, proteins and nucleic acids, that reveal the potential pathways by which the synthetic biocidal agents could exert toxicity. Then, we explored the antimicrobial effects and mechanisms of the CPEs and OPEs on multiple clinically relevant pathogens, with an emphasis on the morphological damages induced by the biocidal compounds towards the pathogens. The discussion about the cytotoxicity of these materials against mammalian cells and human tissues to can help us to explore the potential applications of the CPEs and OPEs as antiseptics. We also pose some unanswered questions about their antimicrobial mechanisms, which provide directions for the future study.

Language

English

Keywords

Antimicrobial agents and mechanisms

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Chemistry

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology

First Committee Member (Chair)

Keller, David

Second Committee Member

Cabaniss, Stephen

Third Committee Member

Grey, John

Fourth Committee Member

Chi, Eva

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