Authors: Alexzandria Sheppard, Jack Sylvester, Katarina Jović, Krisztina Varga* University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH *Corresponding author Lyophilization, or freeze-drying, is an important preservation method for protein-based products, such as protein pharmaceuticals. However, lyophilization subjects proteins to both freezing and drying stresses, which can be harmful to their stability and their function. In this work we are investigating whether AnAFP, a dehydrin-like antifreeze protein isolated from the broadleaf desert shrub Ammopiptanthus nanus can protect the cold-sensitive enzyme lactate dehydrogenase from lyophilization damage, as this enzyme is known to be sensitive to both freezing and dehydration. We anticipate that this study will contribute to the broader understanding of how dehydrins can serve as effective additives for protecting proteins during lyophilization, and their potential future applications may include prolonging the shelf life of protein pharmaceutical drugs and enhancing the quality of lyophilized food products.

Vinyl sulfones are functional groups that are composed of a vinyl group bound to a sulfone molecule. These small molecules are versatile for their non-covalent and covalent interactions with a multitude of biomolecules, making them ideal building blocks for the organic synthesis of potential drugs. The current synthesis of our vinyl disulfone targets involves the use of hazardous DMF solvent and a long tedious reaction set-up. With this in mind, we aim to provide a greener alternative for synthesizing the disulfone reagent as well as expanding the current library of vinyl sulfone compounds. Several green methodologies were explored such as the use of green solvents, ultrasonication and development of a one-pot synthesis. Three bis(bisphenylvinylsulfonyl)methane compounds were also synthesized via Horner-Emmons-Wadsworth reaction with E bis-addition selectivity using the disulfone reagent. As we continue to explore these substrate scopes using our optimized green HWE method, we hope to expand the applications of these compounds in drug development.

Polymers are the foundation of many widely used materials, particularly plastics. With their excessive use, there is particular concern about their impact on the environment due to their unsustainable synthesis process and inability to degrade. Because of this, current research efforts focus on finding alternate ways to create polymers in a more environmentally friendly way. One area that researchers have considered is using CO2 as a resource, as it is non-toxic and abundant. Other researchers have successfully polymerized CO2 with, for example, epoxides to make polyesters. My research project is particularly interested in using CO2 and terminal alkynes to synthesize polyesters. While other groups have attempted similar reactions, these polymerizations are uncontrolled and produce polymers with low molecular weight. My project aims to improve this process by using furan-derived monomers, as they are naturally derived and have better prospects for degradation. So far, there have been attempts to synthesize several different monomers, which has allowed us to figure out which reaction pathways are more efficient. With this acquired knowledge, we have moved forward with a new monomer synthesis plan using furfural as a starting reagent. As this process continues, products will be analyzed using tools such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and thin layer chromatography (TLC). A small molecule study is also underway to determine the mechanism by which these potential monomers react with CO2. If these monomers can be effectively polymerized with CO2, it will allow an increase in the percentage of materials made from sustainable resources.