Porphyrins are heterocyclic organic molecules that can be used as highly specific fluorescent DNA probes due to their aromatic properties and planar structures. A series of water-soluble, non-aggregating porphyrins have been synthesized and characterized using NMR spectroscopy and silica gel thin layer chromatography. Previous synthesis methods have been improved using microwave irradiation to directly heat samples at the molecular level, rather than the reaction vessel, allowing for the reaction to be completed in less time. The porphyrins were used to detect G-quadruplexes, a guanine-rich form of DNA found in the telomeric region of the chromosome. G-quadruplexes inhibit the enzyme telomerase, which causes cancer cell proliferation, making them a target for cancer research. Interactions between porphyrins and G-quadruplexes have been characterized using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), UV-Vis, and fluorescence spectroscopy. Using fluorescent porphyrins to probe G-quadruplex DNA can further existing knowledge of cancer-causing agents and provide insight on possible treatment options.

Water-soluble porphyrins that show specificity towards G-quadruplex DNA: microwave synthesis, characterization and spectroscopic study

2019 Spring National Meeting

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