Organic Synthesis of Trehalose analog for Cell Preservation
Document Type
Event
Faculty Mentor
Peter Woodruff
Abstract
Trehalose is a naturally occurring compound found in plants and bacteria. It consists of two simple sugars stuck together head-to-head. It is used in plant and bacterial cells to protect delicate structures from harsh conditions, such as extreme changes in temperature and moisture levels. [5] In mammalian cells, trehalose can accumulate in very large doses without becoming toxic. Trehalose cannot cross the cell wall of mammalian cells; it must be altered, changing its charge and allowing for endocytosis. Currently, the methods of inoculating mammalian cells with trehalose are toxic over time. [4] This project aims to develop trehalose analogs that are able to pass the cell wall and, once there, revert back to free trehalose, in a manner that would not cause the cell harm over time. This could allow for the dehydration and safe storage of the cells, allowing for the preservation of said cells.
Organic Synthesis of Trehalose analog for Cell Preservation
Trehalose is a naturally occurring compound found in plants and bacteria. It consists of two simple sugars stuck together head-to-head. It is used in plant and bacterial cells to protect delicate structures from harsh conditions, such as extreme changes in temperature and moisture levels. [5] In mammalian cells, trehalose can accumulate in very large doses without becoming toxic. Trehalose cannot cross the cell wall of mammalian cells; it must be altered, changing its charge and allowing for endocytosis. Currently, the methods of inoculating mammalian cells with trehalose are toxic over time. [4] This project aims to develop trehalose analogs that are able to pass the cell wall and, once there, revert back to free trehalose, in a manner that would not cause the cell harm over time. This could allow for the dehydration and safe storage of the cells, allowing for the preservation of said cells.
