Our research group is focused on synthesizing and purifying novel paraben derivatives. Parabens, which are simple ester derivatives (e.g. methyl, ethyl, propyl) of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, are anti-microbial preservatives found in cosmetics, toiletries, and pharmaceuticals. Studies have shown that these compounds may be toxic to mammalian cells by acting as hormone agonists or antagonists or cellular enzyme inhibitors. Our research group attempts to synthesize and purify unnatural parabens with controllable physical and chemical properties. This poster will describe efforts to synthesize larger, more lipophilic parabens, and will also describe collaborative efforts within our department to study the toxicity and phototoxicity of these paraben derivatives on healthy and cancerous skin cells.

Synthesis and toxicity studies of novel parabens

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.