Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

1-1-2012

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Department

Biomolecular Sciences

First Advisor

John Williamson

Second Advisor

Mark Hamann

Third Advisor

Mitchell A. Avery

Relational Format

dissertation/thesis

Abstract

We examined fungal endophytes for their ability to inhibit bacterial, fungal and protozoal pathogens. Once antimalarial activity was discovered and confirmed, we sought to isolate and identify the active constituent(s) of our extracts. Bioassay-guided fractionation techniques were used to isolate our active compound, the structure of which was elucidated using 1H- and 13C-NMR. 2D-NMR and LC-MS analyses helped confirm that our endophytes were indeed producing artemisinin. Growth versus production studies were conducted to optimize our growth and extraction conditions while several other variables, like temperature and culture medium, were evaluated in an effort to improve our yields. Artemisinin production under both light and dark conditions was evaluated to determine if our production was the result of enzyme activity. In addition, labeling studies were conducted using 13C-labeled glucose.

Concentration/Emphasis

Emphasis: Medicinal Chemistry

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