41st Senior Technical Meeting - Book of Abstracts - ACS Puerto Rico Local Section
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41st SENIOR TECHNICAL MEETING
AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
PUERTO RICO SECTION
NSF-CREST-CIRE2N and NSF-PREM-CIE2M
Biomaterials in Applied Chemistry
PROGRAM AND ABSTRACTS
NOVEMBER 10 and 11, 2018
COSTA BAHIA HOTEL AND CONVENTION CENTER
GUAYANILLA, PUERTO RICO
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CONTENT
PAGE
IN MEMORIAM 5
MESSAGE FROM ACS-PR CHAIR 10
MESSAGE FROM ACS-PR PAST CHAIR 12
2018 CHEMICAL EDUCATION AWARD 16
ACS PUERTO RICO BOARD OF DIRECTORS 17
SENIOR TECHNICAL MEETING ORGANIZING COMMITTEE 18
GENERAL PROGRAM 19
SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM 22
SPEAKERS BIOSKECTCHES 28
PLENARY LECTURES 37
ABSTRACTS
ORAL PRESENTATIONS 42
POSTER PRESENTATIONS 78
ST
41 SENIOR TECHNICAL
MEETING
In Memoriam
5
Carlos Ruiz Martínez, Ph.D.
Dr. Carlos R. Ruiz Martínez was born on July 25, 1974 in the city of San Juan, Puerto
Rico. His father was Mr. Carlos Manuel Ruiz Santos and his mother is Mrs. María Celia
Martínez Negrón. He attended school at the Reverend Isidro Díaz López Disciples of
Christ Academy in Santurce, Puerto Rico. He culminated his studies with academic
excellence, with high honors.
He began his university studies in 1992 at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez
Campus (UPR-RUM), where he received his Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry in 1996. His
leadership highlighted him as a leader in several organizations (presided over the Student
Chapter of the American Chemical Society, member of the Organizing Committee of the
International Congress on global warming "CO2 Congress", active member of the
Educational Center Science on Wheels, and President of the Organizing Committee of
Expo Chem 1996).
He began his master's studies at the same university institution. His thesis entitled:
Femtosecond spectroscopy studies of carbonmonoxy Hemoglobin I complex from Lucina
pectinata, under the supervision and mentoring of Dr. Juan López Garriga, is one of the
first in Puerto Rico on Femtosecond Time Resolved Spectroscopy. Part of the work was
carried out at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne in Switzerland in
collaboration with Dr. Majed Chergui. He continues to emphasize his leadership as
President of the Graduate Student Association and member of the Curriculum Committee
of the Department of Chemistry. He obtained his degree in the year 2000.
In 2004, he began his doctoral studies in Applied Chemistry in the area of Biophysics at
the UPR-RUM. He presented his thesis entitled: New Crystallographic Structures of Oxy-
HbII-III and CN-HbII-III forms from Lucina pectinata, under the tutelage of his mentor and
friend Dr. Juan López Garriga. He traveled to different parts of the world. He was in
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Granada, Spain in the Laboratory of Crystallographic Studies assigned to the Andalusian
Institute of Earth Sciences of the Higher Council for Scientific Research and the University
of Granada, where he worked in collaboration with Dr. Juan García García Ruiz.
While in Spain, he participated in an international collaboration experience of the
European Space Agency, Foton-M3 Mission 2007, sending proteins from different
laboratories in Europe to the space from the Republic of Kazakhstan to carry out
crystallization processes in micro gravity. The X-ray radiation experiments were carried
out on the protein crystals in the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) BM-16
Line, located in Grenoble, France, obtaining crystallography data that made it possible to
elucidate the crystallographic structure of the proteins sent to space, including
hemoglobin HbII-III of the clam Lucina pectinata, these works allowed him to obtain his
doctoral degree in the year 2011.
He received several distinctions and scholarships, such as the National Science
Foundation GK-12 Fellowship, the International GK-12 Fellowship of the National Science
Foundation 2008” that allowed him to establish an international project, an initiative of the
RUM Sciences on Wheels program in collaboration with the Science Park of Granada,
and the National Institutes of Health Fellowship and the NIH RISE-2-BEST: RISE
Enhancing Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering in Science and Technology
Scholarship
He was the architect of the first didactic kits for students to learn fundamental concepts
on crystallization with the Triana Science & Technology company, together with Dr. Juan
Manuel García Ruiz. He was also the coordinator of the Crystallization Competitions for
schools in Spain and Puerto Rico.
As researcher, he was able to collaborate and obtain several research grants and
published in several peer-reviewed journals. He was part of the collaborative group that
certified six new crystallographic structures published and uploaded to the Research
Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatic Protein Data Bank (RCSB-PDB). He has also
collaborated in doctoral thesis on education in the area of chemical research. He made
scientific presentations in different congresses and local, national, and international
conferences.
He was Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs and Associate Professor in the Department
of Natural Sciences of UPR-Aguadilla (UPRAg). Among his duties, he oversaw the work
of the teaching staff, administrative staff and students. He was Chairman of the Personnel
Committee and Assistant Director of the Department of Natural Sciences. He was
member of the Systemic Committee for the improvement of the Chemistry programs of
the Office of Academic Affairs of the Vice Presidency of the UPR (2004-2007, 2010-2012,
and 2014-2016) and Director of the Proposal "Centers for Education and Training in
Agriculture and Related Science".
His commitment to the development of young professional leaders was his inspiration,
which led him to establish in 2003 the Student Chapter of the ACS in the Aguadilla
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Campus, consisting mainly of young students studying in the area of Biology. His work as
Founding Counselor of the Student Chapter of the ACS in the UPRAg has been
highlighted. Under his leadership this Chapter was recognized with the highest awards
that the ACS grants for the management of excellence as a Chapter for thirteen (13) years
and with the awards in the Division of "Green Chemistry" for eight (8) years. For twenty
(20) years he was a distinguished member of the ACS as Chemistry Ambassador for his
voluntary dedication in spreading the transforming power of Chemistry.
In the ACS Puerto Rico Section, he continuously showed his commitment as an active
member in the Board of Directors occupying various positions: Secretary for several
consecutive years, President 2012, Coordinator of the ACS-Puerto Rico Section Senior
Technical Meeting (2006, 2010, 2016) and Alternate Councilor of the National ACS until
2017. All these activities were always guided by his philanthropic and humanistic work,
palpable in each of his experiences as a human being.
His work had a national and international impact by being: Floor Coordinator for
SERMACS, South-East region (2009), part of the "Team Achievement Award from the
European Space Agency for the Photon Mission-3 (2007)", Co-ordinator of the 1st
Crystallization Competition between Spain and Puerto Rico for high school students -
2008, President of the Volunteers Committee at the IUPAC Congress held in Puerto Rico
- 2011, International Judge at the Crystallization at School Competition, Madrid - Spain -
2013, organizer and lecturer in the First Congress of Crystallography, organizer of the
Food Symposium, organizer of the Symposium of Education in PRChem 2016 and
participated in the recently created Latin American Crystallography Association of
Crystallography (LACA) - 2014.
The contribution of Dr. Ruiz Martinez to the Colegio de Químicos de Puerto Rico is
incalculable and endless. He felt an immense love and commitment for the Colegio. He
participated in activities of the Colegio de Químicos even before graduating. He joined
the CQPR in the hands of the very dear Lcdo. Graham Castillo. He was always willing to
collaborate on what was needed even when he was not part of the committee where the
need aroused. He contributed to the Colegio as: Delegate of the Academy to the
Governing Board 2002-2003, 2003-2004, 2011-2012, and 2015-2016, Member of the
Informatics Committee (2012-2016), Member of the Ad-Hoc Review Committee of the
Reválida (2012-2016), President of the Organizing Committee of the Conference,
Exhibition and Annual Convention PR-CHEM 2013, Manager of the 1st School of Leaders
(2014), President Elect 2012-2013, President 2013-2014, Past President 2014-2015,
Organizing Committee of the Conference, Exhibition and Convention PR-CHEM 2015-
2016, Member of the Student Awards Committee 2015-2016, Member of the Ad-Hoc
Committee of the 75 years Celebration, and Member of the Finance Committee 2015-
2016. His commitment with our country was evident when he became part of the Advisory
Committee in the fight against NALED that the Colegio presented in the public hearings
of the Puerto Rico’s Senate.
Dr. Ruiz Martinez was recognized for his contributions to Chemistry and Society by
receiving a variety of awards such as: Outstanding Award for the Development in ACS-
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1996:, National Science Foundation, Puerto Rico Alliance for Minority Participation (NSF-
PR-AMP) Research Fellowship - 1996, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Scholarship (2004-
2008), National Action of Minorities in Engineering Fellowship (NACME) - 2004, Fogarty
Minority International Research Training (MIRT), Salute to Excellence for this Leadership
Commitment, Interest and the Constant Dedication shown in Guiding the Student
Affiliated Chapter and their outstanding students during their professional development -
2006, NIH RISE-2BEST: RISE Enhancing Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical
Engineering in Science and Technology Scholarship, UPR Rio Piedras - 2010, Dedication
of the 2nd (2003) and the 10th (2011) Initiation of the ACS-UPRAg Student Affiliate and
the Dedication of the Initiation of the University Environmental (SAU) of the UPRAg
(2016). The Colegio de Químicos recognized him as: Most Outstanding Member of the
Governing Board of the Colegio de Químicos de Puerto Rico in 2003-2004 and 2014-
2015, Member of the Committee of the Year 2003- 2004 - Committee on Continuing
Education, Chairman of the 2011-2012 Committee of the Year - Student Awards
Committee of the President of the Colegio de Químicos de Puerto Rico 2013-2014, and
gave him the highest honor given by the Colegio, the Osvaldo Ramírez Torres Award in
2016.
Upon receiving this award, Dr. Ruiz Martínez expressed: “"This award represents for me
a gratitude for the lives that I have touched and transformed throughout my professional
career. It is a trajectory in which I have maintained three basic rules: respect for the
profession, respect for the student and humility. Serving is my vocation, and the award
gives a distinction to that service that I have been doing for more than 24 years. My
educational philosophy is based on serving." Dr. Nelson Arnaldo Vera Hernández,
Chancellor of the UPR-Aguadilla campus, expressed: “For the campus it is an honor and
an immense pride to have professors like Dr. Carlos Ruiz, as they distinguish the UPR-
Aguadilla. I describe Carlos Ruiz as a brilliant young man, prepared and with an
extraordinary human quality. He is a true professor, he makes the University. All the
contributions he has made to our campus demonstrate his human and professional
quality." One of his students, Reynath Jiménez, a student of the Department of Natural
Sciences of the UPRAg and President of the ACS Student Affiliate in that campus,
expressed: “If I describe Professor Ruiz in a single word it would be challenging;; with his
teaching method he took us to prepare each day and arrive alert to the classroom. He is
a professor who, beyond just going to the classroom, cares about his students and exerts
pressure so that they can do well in the courses and achieve their professional goals.” In
July 2004 he was named Assistant Professor, in 2012-13 Associate Professor and in
2017 he was named Full Professor (posthumously). He was Assistant Dean of Academic
Affairs in the Department of Natural Sciences of UPR-Aguadilla (UPRAg) in 2014-2016
and in 2016 became Interim Dean of Academic Affairs.
Dr. Carlos R. Ruiz Martinez was a leader with a vision of the future and the highest sense
of service that manifested in his actions and opinions to collaborate with the ACS. He was
an impeccable professional who strived to achieve excellence in everything he did. He
will be deeply missed.
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41st SENIOR TECHNICAL MEETING
AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
PUERTO RICO SECTION
NSF-CREST-CIRE2N and NSF-PREM-CIE2M
MESSAGE FROM ACS –PUERTO RICO LOCAL SECTION CHAIR
Carlos Cabrera-Martínez, Ph.D.
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
It is with a great pleasure and enthusiasm that we welcome you to the 41st ACS-
Puerto Rico Senior Technical Meeting. As you may know, last year, 2017, was a non-
typical year for the ACS-PR. None of our main ACS-Puerto Rico activities, Junior and
Senior Technical Meetings, were done. This year, 2018, in all aspects, has been a
rejuvenating and enthusiastic year among the Chemistry community in Puerto Rico. Our
2018 ACS-PR Junior Technical Meeting was very exciting and productive. Now we have
the Senior, as we commonly call. This year we had a joined ACS-PR Board of Directors,
2017 and 2018, working together to bring the best opportunities and activities that our
ACS-PR colleagues deserve. For the Senior, we have invited a diverse group of Scientists
from Academia, the ACS, and NASA as distinguished Plenary Speakers, to present the
latest and cross cutting scientific research and facilities. This year we have as Plenary
Speakers: Dr. Jessica E. Koehne, from NASA Ames Research Center- Center for
Nanotechnology, Dr. Joel D. Brock, Director, Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source
(CHESS), Dr. Francisco Fernández-Lima from Florida International University, and Dr.
Manuel Guzmán, President of the ACS Chemical Abstract Services.
The ACS-PR Chemical Education Award has been awarded to our dear friend and
colleague, Dr. José A Prieto. After more than 30 years of continued contributions in
Research and Education at UPR, he has decided to retire. Nevertheless, we all know that
he will continue to contribute to the ACS-Puerto Rico for years to come.
The Senior will finish with a very important Sunday morning session in
entrepreneurship and innovation. An area very much needed in Puerto Rico. This session
will present ways to create a start-up and how to pursue SBIR and STTR funding
opportunities. A successful female entrepreneur, Dr. Ramonita Díaz-Ayala, will present
her experiences and hurdles. Nerma Albertorio and Elias D. Montañez-Carcana will talk
about their experiences working with entrepreneurs and Dr. Juan Figueroa will give us
the insides on successful SBIR funding applications. Thank you all for participating and
sharing your wonderful stories. Sunday will be an excellent opportunity to learn more
about an area of Chemistry needed for Puerto Rico.
Thanks to all the sponsors! The Senior has been partially sponsored by the ACS-
Chemical Abstract Services, Eli Lilly del Caribe, Mitel Distributing Corp., Florida
International University, JEOL USA, NASA-Ames Research Center, NuVant Systems
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Inc., and UPR’s NSF-CREST-CIRE2N and NSF-PREM-CIE2M Centers. The ACS-PR is
grateful to all for their kind and important contributions. For the first time we will have a
Poster Competition sponsored by NuVant Systems Inc.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge the 2017 and 2018 ACS-PR Board of Directors
for their hard work, motivation, and commitment to make the 41st ACS-Puerto Rico Senior
Technical Meeting an outstanding scientific and educational activity.
Enjoy the Senior!
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41st SENIOR TECHNICAL MEETING
AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
PUERTO RICO SECTION
NSF-CREST-CIRE2N and NSF-PREM-CIE2M
Message from ACS-Puerto Rico Past Chair
José Ramírez-Domenech, Ph.D.
Nature is perhaps the best manifestation of science integrations and questions.
Characteristically, it is the nature of nature to manifest itself as what it is, regardless of
what we are or what we wanted it to be. It is within these drives that the American
Chemical Society Puerto Rico section faced its goals during 2017. Hurricane Maria
challenged carrying out many activities as planned. However, we are standing stronger
and celebrating life within the strength, challenges, and manifestations of nature. Today
we celebrate.
During 2017 The American Chemical Society Puerto Rico Section engaged to
contribute to the development of a new generation of scientists integrating education,
research, and entrepreneurship. It was suggested to prepare a Puerto Rico Senior
Technical meeting to share significant innovative strategies incorporating a leadership
workshop in entrepreneurship as part of the program for the meeting. Finally, today we
can continue the integration of chemistry with other disciplines to better the future of
science in Puerto Rico. This meeting is conducive to the participation of college
professors and graduate students, members of the ACS, to share the most recent
advancements in research and development. The ACS Puerto Rico Section is honored
to enhance its vision and mission within the scientific community of PR by integrating
entrepreneurship as one of the most innovative strategies to integrate research and
development in the professional future of Puerto Rico.
I want to acknowledge the outstanding efforts and dedication of so many members.
Advisors, students, volunteers are the heart and passion that values our goals. Thank
you so much for what you do.
Finally, I must extend my eternal gratitude to Dr. Carlos Ruiz for his advises and
commitment to ACS. I thank him for believing in me, that even when being a biologist he
took the hidden chemist from within. To our colleague, thank you very much and rest in
peace.
I want to thank ACS Puerto Rico for the opportunity I had within its leadership to
be part of their vision and mission. I am grateful for their appreciation, consideration, and
respect. If I were asked to send a message in a bottle it will read: THANK YOU!
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2018
Chemical Education Award
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José A. Prieto, Ph.D.
José Antonio Prieto de Jesús was born in the Bronx, New York on October 15,
1951. At age seven he moved to Coamo, Puerto Rico. At that early age, and with the help
of a small table in the back of his room with small science tools like prisms and magnets,
he discovered that science would become an integral part of his life. At the age of fifteen,
he moved to Río Piedras and in 1969 he graduated from the Gabriela Mistral High School.
In June 1973, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the
University of Puerto Rico (UPR), Río Piedras Campus. He worked as a chemist at Dupont
Company for two years. In 1975 he returned to the Río Piedras campus to complete the
master's degree and was sponsored as NIH Fellow of the MBRS-SUBE program during
his studies of organometallic chemistry. He obtained a Master's Degree in Organic
Chemistry from the same campus in December 1977. After a year and a half as an
instructor in general chemistry and organic chemistry in the Metro Campus of the Inter-
American University of Puerto Rico, he decided to pursue a Ph.D. in Chemistry in the Río
Piedras campus of the UPR and was awarded a MARC Fellowship of NIH-NIGMS. Dr.
"Tony" Prieto, as his friends and colleagues know him, completed his Ph.D. in Chemistry
in December 1981 under the supervision of Professor Gerald L. Larson. After a semester
as an instructor at Inter-Metro, he moved to the University of California at Berkeley to
pursue postdoctoral studies with Professor Paul A. Bartlett until December 1983. Upon
returning to Puerto Rico, he taught chemistry and biochemistry at the Universidad del
Sagrado Corazón, after which he started as professor of Organic Chemistry in August
1984 in the Department of Chemistry at UPR-Río Piedras where he is currently a
researcher and Professor of organic chemistry and synthetic organic chemistry, both at
the undergraduate levels and the graduate program. When he joined the UPR system,
he was appointed Director of the departmental facilities of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
(NMR) and was instrumental in the transition from a facility operated by a specialist
technician and instruments of 60 to 90 MHz, to an open user installation with modern and
impressive NMR instruments of 300 to 500 MHz. Recently he also collaborated with the
technical and scientific procedures to install and train the NMR laboratory in the Molecular
Sciences Research Center with new instruments of 500 and 700 MHz.
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His research interests are in the area of organic and organometallic synthesis, mainly
medicinal chemistry and the synthesis of biologically active compounds. He is the author
of numerous papers on scientific research and has actively participated as an evaluator
of proposals for both the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of
Health, as well as an evaluator of articles submitted to prestigious scientific journals in
the area of synthetic organic chemistry.
In 1995 Dr. Prieto was the main leader in the efforts to establish a new organization aimed
at developing Science, Technology and Innovation in Puerto Rico, product of a strategic
alliance between managers of the industrial sector, of pharmaceutical and biotechnology
manufacturing, of the government sector of economic development of Puerto Rico, and
scientific representatives of the academic sector of the University of Puerto Rico. This
organization is known as the Materials Characterization Center (MCC), which is currently
a nonprofit corporation affiliated with the University of Puerto Rico. Dr. Prieto was one of
the four founders of this Research and Services Center, which received a $4 million grant
from the Science and Technology Board of Puerto Rico to strengthen and improve the
scientific infrastructure of Puerto Rico, retaining private industry and improving the
scientific and technological climate in Puerto Rico and attract high-tech industries to
continue contributing to the socioeconomic development of Puerto Rico. Dr. Prieto was
the first director of the MCC, for five years and continues his leadership as Associate
Director of Scientific Affairs. He has also participated in several advisory committees,
including the Evaluation Committee of the FOMENTO Scholarship Program, the Advisory
Committee of the NIH MBRS Programs SUBE (of which he was director), SCORE, MARC
and RISE of the UPR-RP and the Scientific Affairs Committee of INDUNIV. In 1993, Dr.
Prieto received the INDUNIV Award from the University Industry Research Consortium.
Dr. Prieto has participated very actively in departmental and university affairs but has also
extended his participation outside the limits of the university. Dr. Prieto has been an active
member of the American Chemical Society, Puerto Rico Section (ACS-Puerto Rico) and
was treasurer in 2003. He has actively cooperated in the Junior Technical Meetings and
Senior Technical Meetings of the ACS-Puerto Rico. On November 8, 1996, he was
awarded the Leonardo Igaravídez Award of the ACS-Puerto Rico Section. He was a
member of the Scientific Committee of the "Southeastern Regional Meeting of the
American Chemical Society" (SERMACS) in 2009, a conference that was awarded as the
best regional conference of its kind by the ACS in that year. Starting in 2010 when the
Project SEED of the ACS began in the Río Piedras Campus, a summer research
internship for high school students with economic disadvantages, Professor Prieto has
been an active collaborator, so much so that he is called the "Dad of Project SEED" in
the Rio Piedras Campus.
Prof. Prieto has been active in the Colegio de Químicos de Puerto Rico in the area of
continuing education, participating in the preparation of the revalidation course of the
Puerto Rico Chemists Examining Board and the scientific meetings of the Colegio, as well
as designing and offering courses of continuing education on NMR spectroscopy, IR, and
materials characterization. He was awarded the Osvaldo Ramírez Torres Award of the
Colegio de Químicos in 2003. He was part of the Scientific Committee of the 2008 Latin
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American Chemical Congress of FLAQ and of the Scientific Committee of the World
Chemical Congress of IUPAC in 2011, held in San Juan and organized by the Colegio
during the International Year of Chemistry. He is a member of the Technical Committee,
the IUPAC Committee, and the Commission of Training Activities and Scientific Events
(CAFEC) of the Colegio de Químicos de Puerto Rico and alternate delegate for the Puerto
Rico IUPAC National Adhering Organization (NAO) that the Colegio de Químicos de
Puerto Rico holds. He was a member of the Organizing Committee and the Scientific
Program Committee of the 2nd International Conference on Global Challenges in
Neglected Tropical Diseases, carried out successfully at the end of June of this year in
San Juan. He was also organizer of the conference "Trends in Bio/Nanosciences: Energy,
Environment and Medicine (BINAEEM 2017) which had to be canceled due to the
passage of Hurricane Maria on the island.
Dr. Prieto has mentored ten (10) students who have graduated with Ph.D. and three (3)
who have graduated with M.S., as well as numerous undergraduate students and high
school students of the ACS Project SEED who have conducted research in their
laboratory. He has offered numerous workshops for students of the Chemistry Graduate
Program at the Río Piedras Campus to prepare them for their professional future. Among
the letters of support received for his nomination, one said about him "Dr. Prieto, besides
being a great colleague, is a great mentor for the professors who have been in the
chemistry department for a short time, educating us in effective science communication,
in our role as mentors and academics, and in obtaining external funds." and added "what
makes me to submit this nomination, outside of the extraordinary task performed by Dr.
Prieto in all his academic and research work with past generations, is the passion,
dedication and art in pedagogy that Dr. Prieto is able to inspire in the current generation
of students of the Chemical Graduate Program of the UPR-RP. Dr. Prieto currently offers
the course of Special Topics in Spectroscopic Techniques and Organic Synthesis to 15
students of our program. Dr. Prieto has managed to energize the students of the course
in such a way that I have seen how they come out in total fascination when they finish the
class. Several of these students have described Dr. Prieto as an energetic, electric,
passionate person. Others describe him as an excellent communicator;; the teacher who
inspired them to love organic synthesis again." The letters of support to Dr. Prieto for this
award clearly show that he is one of the most recognized and respected chemists in and
outside the Río Piedras Campus
Dr. José A. Prieto is an academic and professional of the chemical sciences that always
demonstrates a great passion and excellence in scientific research, in the dissemination
of knowledge to his students, as well as to his colleagues and in the development of state-
of-the-art high technology spectroscopic analysis. The ACS-Puerto Rico is proud to
recognize him as winner of the 2018 Chemistry Education Award. Congratulations!
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ACS – PUERTO RICO - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chair: Carlos Cabrera Martínez
Chair Elect: Angela González-Mederos
Past Chair: José Ramírez-Domenech
Secretary: Angel G. Colón Santiago
Treasurer: Jorge Colón Rivera
NE Subsection Chairperson: Laura Santiago Pérez
SW Subsection Chairperson: Ubaldo Córdova
Councilors: Nestor Carballeira
Edmy Ferrer Torres
Jorge Colón Rivera
Myrna Otaño Vega
Alternate Councilors: Orlando Morales Martínez
Barbara Casañas Montes
Angel G. Colón Santiago
Brenda Ramos Santana
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SENIOR TECHNICAL MEETING
ORGANIZING COMMITTEE:
Carlos Cabrera Martínez
Edmy Ferrer Torres
Angel G. Colón Santiago
Jorge Colón Rivera
REGISTRATION COMMITTEE
Jorge Colón Rivera
Myrna Otaño Vega
Angela González-Mederos
Angel G. Colón Santiago
SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE
Angela González Mederos
Carlos Cabrera Martínez
Edmy Ferrer Torres
Jorge L. Colón Rivera
Wilfredo Ayala
BOOK OF ABSTRACTS COMMITTEE
Ángela González Mederos
Angel G. Colón Santiago
FLOOR COORDINATORS
Angel G. Colón Santiago
Edmy Ferrer Torres
ART
Pedro Caceres
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GENERAL PROGRAM
Saturday, November 10, 2018
7:00 AM Registration and breakfast
Room: Antesala
WELCOME REMARKS:
8:45 AM Carlos Cabrera, Ph.D., 2018 Chair ACS Puerto Rico Section
Room: Arrecife B
PLENARY LECTURE I
Carbon nanomaterials for bio-sensing applications
9:00 AM Jessica E. Koehne, Ph.D.
NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Room: Arrecife B
Moderator: Carlos Cabrera, Ph.D.
10:00 AM COFFEE BREAK
CONCURRENT ORAL PRESENTATIONS
10:15 AM
Rooms: Perla, Guajana, Bahía, Arrecife B
PLENARY LECTURE II
From solution to the gas-phase. What can we learn on the
structure, dynamics and distribution of biomolecules?
11:15 AM Dr. Francisco Fernández Lima,
Florida International University
Room: Arrecife B
Moderator: Jorge Colón, Ph.D.
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12:15 PM Networking Lunch
Room: Arrecife B
PLENARY LECTURE III
X-Ray Synchrotrons Facilities, Chess, Chess-U, And Energy
Research
1:15 PM Joel Brock, Ph.D.
Director of the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source
Room: Arrecife B
Moderator: José Ramírez-Domenech, Ph.D.
CONCURRENT ORAL PRESENTATIONS
2:15 PM
Rooms: Perla, Guajana, Bahía, Arrecife B
4:15 PM COFFEE BREAK
PLENARY LECTURE IV
Parallels for success in the laboratory and the boardroom
4:30 PM Manuel Guzmán
President of the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)
Room: Arrecife B
Moderator: Ingrid Montes, Ph.D.
NETWORKING & EXHIBITORS HALL
5:30 PM
Room: Antesala
POSTER SESSION AND COCKTAIL
6:00 PM Room: Arrecife C
Moderator: Edmy Ferrer, Ph.D.
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Sunday, November 11, 2018
7:00 AM Registration and breakfast
Room: Antesala
WELCOME REMARKS:
8:45 AM Angela González, Ph.D., 2019 Chair ACS Puerto Rico Section
Room: Coral B
PLENARY LECTURE V
From Technology to Product Concept
Juan Figueroa, Ph.D.
9:00 AM Entrepreneurship Advisor and Associated Researcher at the Puerto
Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust
Room: Coral B
Moderator: Angela González, Ph.D.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP FORUM
Moderator: Angel Colón
Nerma Albertorio
10:00 AM
President of the Centro para Emprendedores de Puerto Rico
Elías Montañez Carcana
10:30 AM
CEO of Help!
Ramonita Díaz-Ayala, Ph.D.
11:00 AM
Principal Investigator at BIDEA LLC
Closing Remarks
11:30 AM 2020 Chair Elect of the Puerto Rico Section
Room: Coral B
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ORAL SESSIONS
Saturday, November 10, 2018 - AM
Session A: Bahía
Moderator: Susie Ling-Meletich
10:15 AM A1 DETERMINATION OF PROTEUS VULGARIS GROWTH
PARAMETERS IN HUMAN SYNTHETIC URINE FOR AN UREA
AND AMMONIA FREE URINE RECYCLE SYSTEM
Barreto-Vázquez, D., University of Puerto Rico - Río Piedras
Campus
10:35 AM A2 ANTI-FOULING ELECTROCONDUCTIVE FORWARD OSMOSIS
MEMBRANES: ELECTROCHEMICAL AND CHEMICAL
PROPERTIES
Cruz-Tato, P, University of Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras Campus
10:55 AM A3 DOES SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL VARIABILITY MATTERS ON
SALINITY, CONDUCTIVITY, TDS AND PH IN A COASTAL URBAN
WETLAND?
Pinto-Pacheco, S., University of Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras Campus
Session B: Arrecife
Moderator: Wilfredo Ayala, Ph.D.
10:15 AM B1 SMART RELEASE CROSS-LINKED CYTOCHROME C
NANOPARTICLES FOR ACTIVE TARGETING OF FOLATE
RECEPTOR- POSITIVE LUNG CANCER CELLS
Domínguez-Martínez, I., University of Puerto Rico - Río Piedras
Campus
10:35 AM B2 VIABILITY OF CHINESE HAMSTER OVARY CELLS AFTER THE
EXPOSURE TO CdSSe AND CdSTe QDS
Alamo-Nole, L., Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico
10:55 AM B3 DRUG-LOADED BIODEGRADABLE MICROFIBERS FOR
CONTROLLED RELEASE IN REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
Santillán, J., University of Puerto Rico - Río Piedras Campus
22
Session B: Guajana
Moderator: Dorcas I. Torres Padilla, Ph.D.
10:15 AM C1 NPY DETECTION USING APTAMER MODIFIED PLATINUM
MICROELECTRODES BY ELECTROCHEMICAL IMPEDANCE
SPECTROSCOPY
López, L., University of Turabo
10:35 AM C2 USING MALDI-SPIRAL TOF MS AND DART-TOF MS TO ANALYZE
AND IMAGE BIOMATERIALS
Dane, J., JEOL USA, Inc.
10:55 AM C3 HIGH PERFORMANCE OXYGEN REDUCTION REACTION
THROUGH TAILORED ELECTRODEPOSITION OF SILVER-
PALLADIUM NANOPARTICLES ON UNSUPPORTED VULCAN XC-
72R
Vega-Cartagena, M., University of Puerto Rico - Río Piedras
Campus
Session D: Perla
Moderator: Angela González, Ph.D.
10:15 AM D1 SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A HIGHLY
BIOCOMPATIBLE AND FLUORESCENT CARBON MATERIAL:
GRAPHENE OXIDE QUANTUM DOTS
Ortíz-Santiago, J., University of Turabo
10:35 AM D2 FABRICATION OF A BIO-FUNCTIONAL POROUS NANO ACTIVE
LAYER USING THE SELF-ASSEMBLING CHARACTERISTIC OF
DI-BLOCK COPOLYMER AND LIPASE B
Pazol, J. University of Puerto Rico - Río Piedras Campus
10:55 AM D3 SYNERGY BETWEEN SULFONIC, ETHER AND ESTER GROUPS
ON THE TRANSPORT CHARACTERISTICS OF RANDOM AND
BLOCK COPOLYMER MEMBRANES
Ruiz-Colón, E., University of Puerto Rico - Mayagüez Campus
23
Saturday, November 10, 2018 - PM
Session E: Salón Bahía
Moderator: José Ramírez-Doménech, Ph.D.
2:15 PM E1 EVALUATION OF BICONTINUOUS CUBIC PHASE/ENZYME
INTERACTION AS ACTIVE LAYER MATERIAL FOR WATER
PURIFICATION APPLICATIONS
Santiago-Martoral, L., University of Puerto Rico - Río Piedras
Campus
2:35 PM E2 SORPTION CAPACITY AND ELECTRICAL CAPACITANCE OF
THREE-DIMENSIONAL CARBON NETWORKS
Rojas, C., University of Puerto Rico - Río Piedras Campus
2:55 PM E3 ARE THERE TIDAL EFFECTS OF TIDES IN WATER TABLE
LEVELS AND SALINITY IN A COASTAL URBAN WETLAND? THE
CASE OF CIÉNAGA LAS CUCHARILLAS, CATAÑO PUERTO
RICO.
Hernández-Figueroa, E., University of Puerto Rico - Río Piedras
Campus
3:15 PM E4 AN EDUCATIONAL APPROACH OF ZERO VALENT IRON
NANOPARTICLES SYNTHESIS AND ENVIRONMENTAL
REMEDIATION
Morales-Navas, C., University of Puerto Rico - Río Piedras Campus
3:35 PM E5 COMPARISON OF CALCITE AND NUTRICAL IN RAISING THE PH
OF SOILS FROM LAS MARÍAS, PUERTO RICO
Más-Arroyo, O., Inter American University of Puerto Rico - San
Germán Campus
3:55 PM E6 HYDROGEN PRODUCTION BY WATER SPLITTING USING
AG@ZNO COMPOSITES UNDER UV-VIS LIGHT.
Molina-Burgos, B., University of Turabo
24
Session F: Arrecife
Moderator: Susie Ling-Meletich
2:15 PM F1 SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF FERROCENYL
STILBENE DERIVATIVES IN AQUEOUS MEDIA
Delgado-Rivera, S., University of Puerto Rico - Río Piedras Campus
2:35 PM F2 ENHANCED DUAL (T1-AND T2-WEIGHTED) MRI CONTRAST BY
SINGLE CORE IRON OXIDE NANOPARTICLES
Lavin, A., University of Puerto Rico - Río Piedras Campus
2:55 PM F3 TUNING ONE-DIMENSIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL METAL
COMPLEXES INTO THREE-DIMENSIONAL METAL-ORGANIC
FRAMEWORKS
Rodríguez-Rodríguez, I., University of Puerto Rico - Río Piedras
Campus
3:15 PM F4 CHARACTERIZATION OF NOVEL BIOMIMETIC PEPTIDE-
POLYMER CONJUGATE USING THE PROPERTIES OF
ANTIMICROBIAL PEPTIDE MAXIMIN H5
Ortiz-Gómez, V., University of Puerto Rico - Río Piedras Campus
3:35 PM F5 SYNTHESIS, STRUCTURE, DOCKING AND CYTOTOXIC
STUDIES OF FERROCENE-HORMONE CONJUGATES FOR
HORMONE DEPENDENT BREAST CANCER APPLICATION
Carmona-Negrón, J., University of Puerto Rico - Mayagüez
Campus
3:55 PM F6 DEVELOPING RABIES VIRUS GLYCOPROTEIN LABELED GOLD-
LIPOSOMAL NANOPARTICLES FOR GLIOBLASTOMA THERAPY
Grafals-Ruiz, N., University of Puerto Rico - Medical Sciences
Campus
25
Session G: Guajana
Moderator: Ramonita Díaz-Ayala, Ph.D
2:15 PM G1 HUMANS HAVE GREEN BLOOD: MYSTERIES AND
MECHANISMS OF SULFHEME FORMATION IN THE PRESENCE
OF H2S AND OXIDATIVE ENVIRONMENTS
López-Garriga, J., University of Puerto Rico - Mayagüez Campus
2:35 PM G2 FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THE ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY
OF 2-HEXADECYNOIC ACID ANALOGS AGAINST MULTI-DRUG
RESISTANT BACTERIA
Sanabria-Ríos, D., Inter American University of Puerto Rico -
Metropolitan Campus
2:55 PM G3 MODELLING AND MOLECULAR DOCKING STUDIES OF THE
CYTOPLASMIC DOMAIN OF WSC-FAMILY, FULL-LENGTH
RAS2P, AND THERAPEUTIC ANTIFUNGAL COMPOUNDS
Parés-Matos, E., University of Puerto Rico - Mayagüez Campus
3:15 PM G4 LABEL-FREE MICROCHIP BIOSENSOR FOR TELOMERASE
ACTIVITY IN ACUTE T CELL LEUKEMIA
Díaz-Cartagena, D., University of Puerto Rico - Río Piedras Campus
3:35 PM G5 LEGIONELLA PNEUMOPHILA EFFECTOR SdeA NEW
SUBSTRATE RECOGNITION
Flores, T., University of Puerto Rico - Mayagüez Campus
3:55 PM G6 OXY-MYOGLOBIN’S INTERACTION WITH HYDROGEN SULFIDE:
A PATHWAY FROM COMPOUND III TO COMPOUND 0
Rodríguez-Mackenzie, A., University of Puerto Rico - Mayagüez
Campus
26
Session H: Perla
Moderator: Edmy J. Ferrer, Ph.D.
2:15 PM H1 SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND ORR ACTIVITY OF Zn1-
xCoxO NANOMATERIALS FOR FUEL CELLS APPLICATIONS.
Martínez-Torres, D., University of Puerto Rico - Río Piedras
Campus
2:35 PM H2 METAL OXIDE INCLUSION IN CHEMICALLY REDUCED
PLATINUM PARTICLES FOR A COST-EFFECTIVE AMMONIA
OXIDATION ELECTROCATALYST
Huertas, N., University of Turabo
2:55 PM H3 XPS SURFACE CHARACTERIZATION OF (HIS)6-rHBI
IMMOBILIZED ONTO FUNCTIONALIZED GOLD NANOPARTICLES
Torres-Gonzalez, L., University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez Campus
3:15 PM H4 METAL-MODIFIED EXFOLIATED ZIRCONIUM PHOSPHATE FOR
IMPROVED OXYGEN EVOLUTION
Ramos-Garcés, M., University of Puerto Rico - Río Piedras Campus
3:35 PM H5 SYNTHETIZING A NOVEL JANUS CARBON NANO-ONIONS
MODIFIED AS A SUPPORT FOR CATALYTIC NANOPARTICLES
Del Valle-Pérez, A., University of Turabo
27
Speakers
Bio sketches
28
Dr. Jessica Koehne is a Research Scientist at the NASA Ames Center for
Nanotechnology at NASA Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, CA. She received her
B.S. in Chemistry from Santa Clara University and her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from
the University of California at Davis. Dr. Koehne has spent the past 17 years developing
a carbon nanofiber nanoelectrode based sensor platform for detection of DNA, rRNA,
proteins and neurotransmitters, with applications ranging from point-of-care for astronaut
health monitoring to detection of life signatures for planetary exploration. Dr. Koehne is
currently the Group Leader of the Nano-Biosensor activities, a group consisting of
engineers, chemists, biologists and medical doctors. She has significant experience in
device fabrication including nanomaterial integration, carbon nanofiber growth and
electrochemical characterization, surface chemical modification and sensor validation.
Dr. Koehne has authored 51 articles in peer-reviewed journals and made 31 scientific
presentations, including 17 invited talks. Dr. Koehne received 13 honors and awards
including the 2011 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers
(PECASE) and 2012 NASA Ames Honor Award for Scientist/Engineer.
29
Dr. Francisco Fernandez-Lima is Associate Professor (2012-present) in the Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Florida International University. He is a world-leader in
the use of high-resolution ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) for the study of biological
problems. He was the recipient of the 2017 National Science Foundation CAREER
Award and the 2017 American Chemical Society Emerging Investigator Award. Prior
to these, he was named the 2015 American Society for Mass Spectrometry Emerging
Investigator and a recipient of a 2010-2016 National Institute of Health K99/R00
Pathway to Independence Award.
30
Joel Brock received his BS in Physics with Honors from Leland Stanford Junior
University in 1981. After receiving his PhD in Physics from the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology (MIT) in 1987, Brock spent two years as a postdoctoral research associate
at MIT and then joined the faculty of the School of Applied & Engineering Physics at
Cornell University in 1989. He served as Director of the School of Applied & Engineering
Physics from 2000-2007. At Cornell, he is affiliated with the Cornell Center for Materials
Research (CCMR), the Energy Materials Center at Cornell (emc2), and is currently
Director of the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS). He is a member
of the American Crystallography Association, the Materials Research Society, the
American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Society of
Engineering Education, Sigma Xi, the Union of Concerned Scientists, and The Materials
Society. Brock is a fellow of the American Physical Society. Brock’s research centers on
synchrotron-based x-ray studies of materials. Most recently his group has been
performing operando studies of epitaxial thin-film growth, batteries, and fuel cells.
31
Manuel Guzman, CAS President, is a visionary leader driving innovative business and
product strategy to create growth and novel solutions to business challenges. Mr.
Guzman joined CAS in 2013, bringing diverse global experience and an intense passion
to help others succeed. Under his leadership, CAS has introduced an innovation function,
new technology initiatives, team development opportunities and a customer success
program, strengthening CAS’s foundation for continuous improvement. Building on his
diverse background spanning product development, strategy, content development and
platform technology, his experience has enabled CAS to deliver several new solutions,
including SciFindern providing relevant, actionable results and time savings to research
scientists, and STNext®, used by intellectual property professionals and patent examiners
to make confident strategy, patentability and risk management decisions. Prior to joining
CAS, Manny held various executive positions within the information industry including:
EVP of Learning, Research Solutions & International for Cengage Learning;; President
and CFO of Thomson Learning’s Career & Professional Group;; and co-founder and CEO
of Monument Information Resource/MIR Management Corporation. Mr. Guzman has a
B.S. in accounting and an MBA in Finance from Seton Hall.
32
Mrs. Nerma Albertorio has a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from the UPR - Mayaguez
and a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Administration from Universidad del Sagrado
Corazón. She is a faculty member at Universidad del Sagrado Corazón. Nerma is also
an active member of different initiatives such as Echar Pa' lante from Banco Popular and
Colmena 66 from Puerto Rico Science Trust.
Mrs. Albertorio has been working with the development and execution of programs that
foster entrepreneurs for more than 15 years. She is an expert in identifying and
developing business opportunities, business plans and marketing campaigns for diverse
non-profit organizations.
She is currently a facilitator for Startup Weekend in Latin America, Cordes Fellow,
Babson Fellow and founder of Centro para Emprendedores with more than 100
Ventures.
33
Elias D. Montañez Carcana is an entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer of the Help!
Company. He was born in the city of Bayamon, Puerto Rico in June 1987. He enlisted in
the armed forces in 2007 with the rank of PV2 as supply specialist. In 2008 he served as
security supervisor for the secret level operations center of Puerto Rico. In 2009-2010 he
was part of the logistics team to mobilize troops to Kosovo. In 2010-2011 he was
mobilized to Kosovo and served as a government specialist where he collected
intelligence for NATO and the government of the United States of America and became
an ARMY veteran. In 2013, he was recruited as an intelligence officer for Homeland
Security and, at the end of that year, he was transferred as an intelligence officer for Drug
Enforcement Administration, better known as DEA. In 2014 he entered to the Active Duty
Reserve program of the National Guard of Puerto Rico as Supply Sergeant or Logistics
Supervisor. In 2016, he changed his military profession to infantry and was assigned as
Training NCO or Operations Supervisor for a total of 131 troops. Today he is an ARMY
Sergeant working for the National Guard of Puerto Rico and also help people to launch
new entrepreneurial ventures by using Help!
34
Dr. Ramonita Díaz Ayala is the principal investigator of at BIDEA LLC where she works
in the development of biosensors to detect endometrial cancer. She has mentored
undergraduate students in the Short-Term Education Program for Undergraduate
Persons (STEP-UP) supported by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney
Diseases (NIDDK). Also, Dr. Díaz-Ayala has mentored science teachers in the Research
Experience for Teachers (RET) summer program sponsored by Wisconsin-Puerto Rico
Partnership for Research and Education in Materials [Wi(PR)2EM)]. Dr. Díaz Ayala is a
RISE Fellow by the National Institute of Health, was a doctoral Fellow in the IGERT
Nanomedicine by the National Science Foundation and was part of the INBRE project.
Dr. Díaz Ayala received her Ph.D. in Applied Chemistry from the University of Puerto Rico
at Mayaguez, and a Master of Science in chemistry from the University of Puerto Rico at
Rio Piedras.
35
Dr. Juan Figueroa is Entrepreneurship Advisor and Associated Researcher at the
Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust responsible for transforming
research into economic success. Dr. Figueroa retired from the National Science
Foundation in January 2014 where he served since 2002 as a Program Director in the
Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) after spending over twenty years
in R&D management positions in the electronics and communications industries. At NSF
he reviewed over three thousand innovative technology proposals and managed over 600
awards ranging from $100K to over $1M. His last position before joining NSF was Product
Development Consultant for Material Sensing and Instrumentation, Inc. (MSI), an NSF
SBIR grantee company. Dr. Figueroa served at the University of Puerto Rico as In-
House Mentor - Entrepreneurship for Researchers Program. He also supports the
Organization of American States as an instructor to their Commercialization HUB series.
He is also Senior Technology Adviser to the DC ArchAngels, a national investor group
based in Washington, DC and to SensorComm Technologies, an environmental
technology company in New Mexico USA, and most recently had partnered with the
Tambourine Innovation Ventures in international entrepreneurial and educational
activities. Prior to MSI Dr. Figueroa was Director of Strategic Development and Project
Management for the Home Communications Division of Ericsson, a multinational-
telecommunications, and consumer electronics company. His first appointment after
graduate school was with Bell Laboratories as a Member of the Technical Staff in Murray
Hill, New Jersey and Allentown, Pennsylvania working in the development of the
microprocessor, CMOS, and networking technologies. After 13 years with Bell
Laboratories, Dr. Figueroa led the operations of a high-speed networking equipment
design startup company.
Dr. Figueroa has been involved in, at the time, emerging technologies such as Wi-Fi,
cable modems, ADSL, Ethernet and Natural Language Processing. Dr. Figueroa received
his Ph.D. in Physics from the State University of New York at Binghamton. A native of
Puerto Rico, Dr. Figueroa received his B.S in Physics from the University of Puerto Rico.
36
PLENARY LECTURE
ABSTRACTS
37
PL-1
Carbon nanomaterials for biosensing applications
Jessica E. Koehne,
NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Biosensing devices comprised of carbon nanotubes and nanofibers have been developed
for astronaut crew point-of-care. Their inherent nanometer scale, high conductivity, wide
potential window, good biocompatibility and well-defined surface chemistry make them
ideal candidates as biosensor electrodes. Here, we report two studies using carbon
nanotube and carbon nanofiber electrodes for biomedical applications. First, a 3x3
electrode device, with each electrode containing 40,000 carbon nanofiber nanoelectrodes
was fabricated on silicon using traditional microfabrication processing. The device was
demonstrated as a multiplexed immunosensor for simultaneous, label-free detection of
cardiac troponin-I, C-reactive protein and myoglobin. Antibodies specific to cardiac
troponin-I, C-reactive protein and myoglobin were covalently bound to the CNF surface
and were characterized using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and differential
pulse voltammetry. Each step of the modification process resulted in changes in
resistance to charge transfer due to the changes at the electrode surface upon antibody
immobilization and binding to the specific cardiac protein. The real-time label free
detection of the three cardiac markers from pure components and mixtures was
demonstrated with high sensitivity, down to 0.2 ng/mL, and good selectivity. Detection in
human blood serum did not present false positives from non-specific protein adsorption.
More recently, this detection scheme has been applied to inkjet printed carbon nanotube
electrodes on Kapton and paper. Printed devices have several unique advantages
including simple and inexpensive fabrication. The results demonstrate that these sensors
can serve a miniaturized, low cost device for detection of proteins in complex mixtures
making this platform a good candidate for early stage diagnosis of myocardial infarction.
Future inkjet printed devices can be fabricated have the added advantage in their
suitability to be manufactured in an in-space, microgravity environment.
38
PL-II
From solution to the gas-phase. What can we learn on the structure, dynamics
and distribution of biomolecules?
Francisco Fernández Lima,
Florida International University
Recent innovations in speed, accuracy and sensitivity have established mass
spectrometry (MS) based methods as a key technology for the mapping and analysis of
small molecules, lipids, peptides, protein, DNA and DNA-protein complexes in biological
systems. In particular, Ion Mobility Spectrometry – Mass Spectrometry provides a
powerful tool for the identification of structural motifs, and when complemented with
theoretical calculations, it permits a better understanding of the main motifs that drive the
dynamics across the free energy landscape. We have recently introduced a Trapped Ion
Mobility Spectrometry coupled to Mass Spectrometry (TIMS-MS) as a high-throughput
technique for the study of conformational states of biomolecules, as well as the kinetic
intermediates involved during their folding as a function of the molecular environment
(e.g., pH, organic and salt content). While this description holds true for most
contemporary IMS analyzers, the higher resolving power (e.g., R= 150-250, 3x larger than
traditional IMS systems) and the unique ability to hold and interrogate molecular ions for
kinetic studies (e.g., millisecond-second time scale) provides TIMS-MS with unique
capabilities for the study and interrogation as a function of the time after desolvation.
Recently combined with hydrogen-deuterium exchange, HDX-TIMS-MS, a more detailed
description of the accessible surface area and the folding can be achieved over time.
That is, HDX-TIMS-MS has a significant advantage in the flexibility to interrogate, at the
single molecule level, the molecular interactions that define the conformational space. In
the present talk, recent results that reveal the kinetic intermediates and the main folding
pathways for small molecules, peptides, proteins, DNA and DNA-protein complexes will
be discussed as well as some novel chemical mapping strategies at the single cell level.
39
PL-III
X-RAY SYNCHROTRONS FACILITIES, CHESS, CHESS-U, AND ENERGY
RESEARCH
Joel D. Brock
Given Foundation Professor of Engineering
School of Applied & Engineering Physics
Director, Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS)
In this talk, I will give a brief overview of modern X-ray synchrotron facilities and then a
more detailed overview of CHESS, the CHESS-U upgrade project, and the completely
new capabilities that will be available at the conclusion of CHESS-U in early 2019. I will
highlight the new PREM partnership between CHESS and UPR and conclude with
several recent examples of operando studies of the interface structure of a
photoelectrocatalytic surface and an operating LiS battery.
40
PL-V
From Technology to Product Concept
Juan Figueroa, Ph.D.
Entrepreneurship Advisor and Associated Researcher at the Puerto Rico Science,
Technology, and Research Trust
The current financial and jobs climate has placed attention on research institutions as a
potential source for jobs and wealth creation. Universities contribute to the local economy
as a consequence of conducting their normal activities. Even though this new
responsibility is different from those that led to their creation universities and research
institutions are accepting this challenge proactively. The private sector clearly contributes
to the economy but has been forced to introduce new technology-based products at a
faster pace than previously needed. Research universities and businesses develop a
significant amount of intellectual property. From this number, a very high percentage ends
up providing no financial return in relation to their investments in time, efforts and talents.
So how do we monetize the ones with commercial potential?
The goal of this presentation is to share a straight and simple path for technology to
become a product concept. It intends to highlight the simple tools needed to reach the
goal. There is no simple and unique methodology, we intend to share one of the many
possible methodologies. At the end of this presentation, attendees should arrive at a
series of short and long-term concepts that will help think and act from technology to
product concept.
41
ORAL PRESENTATIONS
ABSTRACTS
42
Oral Presentation
A1
DETERMINATION OF PROTEUS VULGARIS GROWTH PARAMETERS IN HUMAN
SYNTHETIC URINE FOR AN UREA AND AMMONIA FREE URINE RECYCLE
SYSTEM
Barreto-Vázquez D.1;; Cabrera, C.2
1
Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico - Río Piedras Campus San Juan,
00931, Puerto Rico.
2
Molecular Science Research Center, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico,
00926.
[email protected]
An efficient urine recycling system is needed to obtain clean water, free of toxic metabolic
products excreted by terrestrial animals, and humans. Two potential applications for this
technology are: (1) To supply potable water to communities where this resource is
inaccessible. (2) Reduce the costs of delivering potable water to the US space station to
sustain short- and long-term space missions. Urine contains urea, a product of protein
metabolism in humans and animals. Currently, wastewater treatment technologies cannot
remove urea. Thus, the use of robust enteric bacteria for urea catalysis is a potential
alternative for wastewater treatment since these microorganisms can naturally produce
and regulate the urease enzyme when urea is available. The goal of this work is to
determine the ideal concentration of urea and D-glucose in human synthetic urine for P.
vulgaris continuous culture in a chemostat. Production of ammonia following urease-
mediated hydrolysis of urea will be monitored in a time-dependent manner. Activity of
urease will be assessed by ammonia oxidation to nitrogen at a Pt working electrode
(anode) integrated into the chemostat. Ammonia oxidation current peak densities will then
be measured by cyclic voltammetry. Finally, the remaining constituents of urine will be
removed by reverse osmosis to obtain clean water.
KEYWORDS: Environmental, Biochemistry, Green Chemistry
43
Oral Presentation
A2
ANTI-FOULING ELECTROCONDUCTIVE FORWARD OSMOSIS MEMBRANES:
ELECTROCHEMICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Cruz-Tato, P.;; Rivera-Fuentes, N.;; Nicolau, E.
University of Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras Campus
[email protected]
Forward osmosis (FO) has captured the attention of researchers because it allows for
high water flux with minimum energy consumption, making it a cost-effective approach
for wastewater treatment. However, membrane fouling remains an obstacle to this
application. To address this concern, we fabricated an electroconductive membrane
composed of polysulfone and polyaniline (PAni). These membranes have the potential to
oxidize targeted organic compounds and/or electrostatically remove the fouling layer.
After optimizing the PAni loading, we performed bench-scale tests using sodium alginate
as model foulant. The membranes were fouled resulting in a decrease in FO efficiency of
72%. Fouled membranes were treated with a cathodic potential for 30 minutes, the fouling
and antifouling processes were studied by means of SEM, contact angle and
electrochemical methods. The fouled membrane exhibited a clogged surface and high
electrical resistance while the treated membrane recovered the PAni nanofibers
morphology, its electrical and hydrophilic properties and 85% of its FO efficiency. Thus,
PAni can improve the overall membrane permeability while incorporating antifouling
properties. Moreover, the EIS results of this study shed light on the mechanisms that
govern the water separation process before and after fouling in FO mode.
KEYWORDS: Polyaniline, electroconductive, forward osmosis, membrane
44
Oral Presentation
A3
DOES SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL VARIABILITY MATTERS ON SALINITY,
CONDUCTIVITY, TDS AND PH IN A COASTAL URBAN WETLAND
Pinto-Pacheco, S.1;; Hernández Figueroa, E.1;; Cuevas, E.2
University of Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras Campus
1
Environmental Sciences Department, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras PO Box
23360 San Juan PR 00931
2
Biology Department, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras PO Box 23360 San Juan
PR 00931
[email protected]
Coastal wetlands, transitioning habitats between ocean and land, provide coastal
protection, flooding prevention, pollution filtration and CO2 sequestration. The spatial and
temporal variability of the freshwater and marine inputs influences substrate and water
salinity (S) and conductivity (C), as well as pH and total dissolved solids (TDS). Heavy
metal toxicity increases at lower pH. Total dissolved solids (TDS) encompass inorganic
salts and small amounts of organic matter that are dissolved in water. By measuring these
parameters, the extent to which freshwater versus saltwater inputs influence water quality
in a coastal wetland can be determined. Water samples were collected in ten piezometers
placed near a freshwater input, intermediate and nearest to the coast (saltwater input) in
the coastal urban wetland, Ciénaga Las Cucharillas, Cataño, Puerto Rico in order
determine the temporal and spatial effect in the overall salinity and water quality of the
wetland. Samples were collected from January until September 2018, at 0.2m and 2.5m
depth from the surface. The statistical package SAS JMP Pro 13 was used for differences
among sites and dates (Wilcoxon-signed test), and between depths (T- test). There was
significant variability both temporal and spatial wise. Rainfall events and nearness to
freshwater input reduced TDS, S and C in all piezometers: the ones nearest to the Malaria
Channel had statistically significant less S, C and TDS. Significant differences at
p<0.0001 in S, C and TDS between depths reflect the oceanic effect via subsurface flow
(S = 12.95±8.23, C = 20.94±12.69, TDS = 13.53±8.18), whereas the surface reflects the
freshwater input from direct rainfall and flooding (S = 7.09±5.24, C = 12.14±8.27, TDS =
8.36±5.64). Our data points towards a significant dynamic, both at the spatial and
temporal level, where the quality and residence time of the water inputs play an important
role in the wetland functioning.
KEYWORDS: Conductivity, pH, salinity, coastal urban wetlands
45
Oral Presentation
B1
SMART RELEASE CROSS-LINKED CYTOCHROME C NANOPARTICLES FOR
ACTIVE TARGETING OF FOLATE RECEPTOR- POSITIVE LUNG CANCER CELLS
Domínguez-Martínez, Irivette;; Griebenow, Kai
University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, San Juan, PR, 00931
[email protected]
Cancer is one of the leading causes of premature deaths worldwide. In the United States,
cancer is the second leading cause of mortality, with an estimated 600,920 cancer-related
deaths reported in 2017. Proteins often possess highly specific biological activities that
make them potential therapeutics. However, the use of protein as therapeutic agents is
hampered by their physical and chemical instabilities during formulation, storage, and
delivery have limited their medical use. Therefore, engineering of nanosized vehicles to
stabilize protein therapeutics and to allow for targeted treatment of complex diseases,
such as cancer, is of considerable interest. In this study, we propose a cytochrome c (Cyt
c) cross-linked nanoparticle (NP) that will be designed for active targeting and stimulus-
triggered release of the apoptotic protein Cyt c. This system is composed of a Cyt c NP
stabilized by a homobifunctional redox-sensitive cross-linker for smart release and folic
acid-polyethylene glycol (FA-PEG) in the surface for receptor-mediated targeting. The
NPs were prepared using a nanoprecipitation method in the presence of the crosslinker,
dithiobis (succinimidyl propionate) (DSP), then the FA- PEG was added and it was left to
react overnight. The Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) showed that NPs can be created
with this method whose size is in the approximate range of 250nm. Preliminary results
showed that Cyt c NP coated with the FA-PEG polymer induced a reduction in the cell
viability of the folate receptor positive Lewis Lung Carcinoma cell after 24 h of incubation.
KEYWORDS: Biochemistry, Biomedical, Nano/Materials
46
Oral Presentation
B2
VIABILITY OF CHINESE HAMSTER OVARY CELLS AFTER THE EXPOSURE TO
CDSSE AND CDSTE QDS
Alamo-Nole, Luis
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, Ponce
[email protected]
Nanomaterials with optical properties such as Quantum Dots (QDs) have attracted
research interest in different fields of science and technology. QDs have a lot of benefits
but may pose risks to the environment and organisms. Living organisms can be in contact
and absorb this nanomaterial which can cause cytokine production, oxidative stress,
apoptosis, and changes in gene expression. Semiconductors can be synthesized at
different temperatures, causing changes in their crystal size, and optical and fluorescent
behavior. CdSTe and CdSSe QDs were synthesized under microwave irradiation at 180o
C producing different crystal that fluoresce red (636nm) and green (530 nm), respectively.
The cell viability of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells after the exposure to the QDs was
evaluated by a cellometer cell counter and a luminescence kit (ATP production). The cell
counter gave higher viability results due the integrity of the membrane cells. The cell
viability decreases with the increase of the QDs concentration with both methods
indicating that the effect is based on the QDs concentration. Also, fluorescence
microscopy confirmed the presence of the QDs on the CHO cells.
KEYWORDS: Nano/Materials, Chemistry, Environmental, Toxicology
47
Oral Presentation
B3
DRUG-LOADED BIODEGRADABLE MICROFIBERS FOR CONTROLLED RELEASE
IN REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
Santillán, J. ;; Padilla, J. ;; Cheng, J.3;; Messersmith,P.3;; Nicolau, E.4
1 2
1
Department of Physics, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras campus
2
Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras campus
3
Departments of Bioengineering and Materials Science, University of California,
Berkeley
4
Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus
[email protected]
Conventional drug delivery systems often lack the ability to specifically distribute
therapeutic agents to target sites without affecting surrounding healthy tissues. This lack
of specificity paired with other challenges, such as poor solubility and drug aggregation,
can significantly hinder treatment efficacy. Electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL)
microfibers have shown promise as a therapeutic delivery system due to their drug-
loading capacity and subsequent-controlled release via regulated biodegradation of the
fibrous polymer matrix. In this study, electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) microfibers
were prepared at varying concentrations at 12%, 15%, and 18% w/w with the
encapsulation of 1,4-dihydrophenonthrolin-4-one-3-carboxylic acid (1,4-DPCA). 1,4-
DPCA inhibits the degradation of hypoxia- inducible factor 1-alpha protein, a regulator of
oxygen homeostasis, and has shown to activate regenerative wound healing in in vivo
models. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was utilized to obtain the drug-
release profile of PCL microfibers loaded with 1,4-DPCA drug. Additionally, mechanical
testing, contact angle, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs analyses,
of the PCL non-woven meshes, were utilized to determine elasticity, wettability and
morphological characteristics, respectively. The HPLC spectrograms revealed a
controlled release of 1,4-DPCA over the course of several hours following an initial drug
burst at the first hour of activation. The tensile strength of the PCL fibrous membrane
demonstrates desirable mechanical properties, with loaded membranes exhibiting a high
elasticity ranging between 60% and 90% of strain. Furthermore, hydrophobicity of PCL
microfibers was used to extend the retention of the drug in the delivery system. Finally,
SEM micrographs indicate random deposition of the electrospun fibers, and further
analyses suggest a potential relationship between nanofiber diameter and polymer
concentration. This extends to a relationship between the diameter of the polymer fibers
and the rate of drug released. Our findings establish electrospun PCL microfibers as a
promising candidate for future development towards a controlled and sustained drug
delivery system
KEYWORDS: polycaprolactone, biodegradable, drug-delivery
48
Oral Presentation
C1
NPY DETECTION USING APTAMER MODIFIED PLATINUM MICROELECTRODES
BY ELECTROCHEMICAL IMPEDANCE SPECTROSCOPY
López, L.;; Cenci, L.;; Hernández, N.
University of Turabo
[email protected]
Neuropeptides are involved in the regulation of many physiological activities, responsible
for communication among cells in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous
systems. NPY is a highly evolutionary conserved peptide involved in stress response and
mediation, appetite stimulation and plays a role in pathological conditions like obesity,
anxiety and neurodegenerative diseases. Climate change provokes significant
environmental fluctuations that produce physiological challenges, such as a stress, to a
variety of organisms. NPY are involved in those processes, but a precise mechanism has
not yet been defined. The purpose of this project is to use modified aptamer platinum
microelectrodes for the detection of NPY. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy is a
technique that study what happen at the surface of the electrode. Frequencies between
5MHz to 10Hz at different potentials will be study with this technique that allow us the
detection of NPY. Our results show detection changes in the impedance at all
concentrations and at different potentials. Modified aptamer platinum microelectrodes
allow us to understand NPY concentrations at the electrode surface. Electrochemical
Impedance Spectroscopy will be developing to understand the mechanism and the
detection of neuropeptides at real time in future studies.
KEYWORDS: NPY, EIS, Pt Microelectrodes
49
Oral Presentation
C2
USING MALDI-SPIRAL TOF MS AND DART-TOF MS TO ANALYZE AND IMAGE
BIOMATERIALS
Dane, J.
JEOL Inc. Inc., Peabody MA, United States
[email protected]
Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization (MALDI)-SpiralTOF MS is a unique,
commercially available system that uses an innovative spiral ion optics system to fold a
17-meter flight path into a 1-meter box, thus producing a TOF MS with an ultra-high
resolving power of ≥75,000. Additionally, this system can be equipped with a TOF/TOF
option for MS/MS analysis. In this section of the presentation, a series of studies will be
presented that involve the analysis of biologically relevant analytes such as lipids,
peptides, proteins, etc. Additionally, tissue sample images for these types of compounds
will be presented in this work as well. Direct Analysis in Real-Time (DART)-TOF MS is a
unique technology that allows for the instantaneous analysis of smaller molecules from
surfaces (typically ≤ 1000Da). Moreover, the samples can often be analyzed in their native
state, with little to no sample preparation. In this section of the presentation, a series of
samples that include natural products, counterfeit drugs, reaction monitoring, bacterial
identification, as well as other relevant materials will be presented. Additionally, images
acquired by using Laser Ablation DART Imaging (LADI) will be presented in this work as
well.
50
Oral Presentation
C3
HIGH PERFORMANCE OXYGEN REDUCTION REACTION THROUGH TAILORED
ELECTRODEPOSITION OF SILVER-PALLADIUM NANOPARTICLES ON
UNSUPPORTED VULCAN XC-72R
Vega-Cartagena, M.;; Cabrera, C.
University of Puerto Rico - Río Piedras Campus, San Juan, 00931
[email protected]
Carbon-supported Ag-Pd bimetallic NPs electrocatalyst were successfully synthesized
via the RoDSE technique in a nominal precursor solution mass-to-mass ratio of 4:1(Ag:
Pd), as a cost-effective means to improve catalytic activity while minimizing costs. The
work presented here compares three different methods of electrodeposition using the
RoDSE technique. RoDSE is a robust electrodeposition method consisting of the rotating
disk slurry electrode (RoDSE) which allows for the synthesis of highly dispersed Ag/Pd
nanoparticles on Vulcan XC-72R in acidic media to minimizing the time spent in catalyst
preparation. The tested method consisted on an (1) alternated, (2) sequential and (3)
simultaneous electrodeposition of Ag and Pd on unsupported Vulcan XC-72R. Different
characterization techniques were used, such as TEM, XRD, ICP and Raman
spectroscopy confirming the presence of Ag and Pd on the carbon support. The Ag/Pd
face centered cubic crystal facets were determined by XRD with an approximate particle
size of 23.3 nm for the different methods. Performance of the electrochemical methods
were assessed for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) using: cyclic voltammetry and
rotating disk electrode techniques. Herein, we demonstrate that among the three methods
to electrodeposited bimetallic, the simultaneous approach performed better catalytic
activity for ORR in terms of Eonset, limiting current density and performed a four-electron
pathway for ORR in alkaline media, in O2-saturated 0.1 M KOH solution.
KEYWORDS: Oxygen reduction reaction, silver, palladium, unsupported
electrodeposition, bimetallic catalyst, Vulcan, RoDSE
51
Oral Presentation
D1
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A HIGHLY BIOCOMPATIBLE AND
FLUORESCENT CARBON MATERIAL: GRAPHENE OXIDE QUANTUM DOTS
Ortíz-Santiago, J.;; Carrasquillo De Jesus, R;; Rivera-Rodríguez, V.;; Cunci, L.
University of Turabo
[email protected]
Graphene Oxide Quantum Dots (GOQD) is a nanomaterial produced by a strong acid
reaction in which carbon-based nanoparticles are exfoliated. GOQD have a size of ca. 10
nm, which have the potential to serve as a fluorescent agent for tumor detection and drug
delivery into the brain. Their color depends on their size with bigger nanoparticles emitting
lower energy photons. Also, GOQD exhibit high biocompatibility in mammal cells. Our
objectives are focused on optimizing the methodology of the synthesis of this material to
obtain a higher yield while characterizing their physical and chemical properties. We
hypothesized that by making modifications in the synthesis, changing the time as well as
the acids used, we can obtain the same results. The material obtained was exposed to a
UV Lamp to confirm their fluorescence. A microplate reader was used to characterize
their fluorescence using emission wavelengths ranged between 350 and 790 nm,
showing a constant fluorescence peak at 550 nm. Raman spectroscopy was used to
verify the completion of our synthesis, X-ray Diffraction was used to confirm the structure
and purity of the sample, and the Atomic Force Microscopy was used to confirm the
particle size. Our results showed that a pure quantum dots and small sizes were achieved
and the synthesis lasted an average of 4 hours approximately, reducing the production
period from 4 days. These results will help and provide to the scientific community a novel
tool for future biomedical applications.
KEYWORDS: synthesis, characterization, nanomaterial
52
Oral Presentation
D2
FABRICATION OF A BIO-FUNCTIONAL POROUS NANO ACTIVE LAYER USING
THE SELF-ASSEMBLING CHARACTERISTIC OF DI-BLOCK COPOLYMER AND
LIPASE B
Pazol, J.;; ;; Vázquez, A.,2;; Nicolau, E.1,2
1,2
1
Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras Campus, San Juan,
Puerto Rico, 00931
2
Molecular Science Research Center (MSRC), San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00931
[email protected]
Membrane separation systems for water purification are evolving into developing bio-
functional materials. The permiselective barrier between the unclean to the clean passage
is primarily driven in the size exclusion principle. Despite of this, we aim to design an in
situ response to biodegrade unwanted molecules, particularly those from bacterial origin,
using an active interface before they cross the porous barrier. In pursuit of that vision, we
foster path-breaking scientific discovery via working with bio reactive membrane
separation sciences to address this challenge and thus provide higher quality water.
This research seeks to understand the fundamental aspects related to the packing density
of a porous polymeric active nano layer. The porous layer results from the self-assembly
characteristics of polystyrene-b-poly(4 vinyl pyridine) (PS-b-P4VP) block copolymer
(BCP) to obtain cylindrical domains. The PS-b-P4VP forms supramolecular systems that
had been previously studied in the bulk. Additionally, in recent studies, the complexes of
this system to produce porous layers has been investigated via phase inversion and as
thin films via spin coating technique. Moreover, we look forward to adsorb lipase b onto
the polymeric matrix prepared from the aforementioned method to add functional activities
to the active layer of the membrane. In this work, Lipase B was physically adsorbed using
the immersion technique. The adsorption was then characterized via atomic force
microscopy (AFM), FTIR, hydrolytic activity, among others. The adsorption of the lipase
was successfully achieved onto the polymeric matrix. The average pore size of the
polymeric film was found to be 19.4 ± 2.0 nm. Results also demonstrated a relative activity
of the immobilized enzyme up to 67.5%. The prepared films serves as a model to develop
further reactive layer membranes for water purification application. This work is supported
by the NIH RISE program (Grant # 5R25GM061151-16).
Keywords: water purification, di-block copolymers, enzyme
53
Oral Presentation
D3
SYNERGY BETWEEN SULFONIC, ETHER AND ESTER GROUPS ON THE
TRANSPORT CHARACTERISTICS OF RANDOM AND BLOCK COPOLYMER
MEMBRANES
Ruiz-Colón, E;; Pérez-Pérez, M.;; Suleiman, D.
University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez Campus
[email protected]
The effect of increasing the number of ether groups of protons conducting polymer
membranes was studied as a function of block composition. Two homopolymers, six block
copolymers and six random polymers were synthesized using atom transfer radical
polymerization (ATRP). The homopolymer poly (2-ethoxyethyl methacrylate) (PEEM) (C)
and 2-(2-methoxyethoxy) ethyl methacrylate (PMEEM) (D) were used as a bifunctional
macroinitiator for the block copolymers. Styrene was used to prepare both the block and
random copolymer as the active site for the sulfonation. Three different sulfonation levels
were synthesized for each PS (B) composition (i.e., 8%, 18% and 30%). Dissimilar
behaviors were observed for the water uptake, ion exchange capacity (IEC) and transport
properties (i.e., methanol permeability and proton conductivity). The thermal stability of
the polymers was studied using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and the nanostructure
of the casted membranes evaluated using small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS). The
results reveal that the membranes are stable above 250C and the nanostructure exhibited
a disordered phase-segregated morphology. The results also show that increasing the
number of ether groups increased the water content and uptake. Finally, all the methanol
permeability values are lower than Nafion, suggesting than the addition of ether and ester
domains can create unique chemical and morphological membranes with improved
selectivity for direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) applications.
KEYWORDS: proton exchange membrane, copolymerization, fuel cell
54
Oral Presentation
E1
EVALUATION OF BICONTINUOUS CUBIC PHASE/ENZYME INTERACTION AS
ACTIVE LAYER MATERIAL FOR WATER PURIFICATION APPLICATIONS
Santiago-Martoral, L.;; Quintana Cintrón, Gerardo J.;; López Méndez, Sebastián A.;;
Nicolau López, Eduardo
University of Puerto Rico - Río Piedras Campus
[email protected]
The employment of biomimetic membranes in water remediation applications is gaining
much attention because of their high permeability and water selectivity. BCP’s are lipid-
based networks that are self-organizing, can conform to an array of geometries, exhibit
high pore densities, and are known to stabilize enzymes. Furthermore, BCP’s can act as
an excellent membrane material for water applications because they are water-insoluble
and can be manipulated to conform to an array of morphologies and provide natural water
channels which are readily tunable in size. Previous work has shown that this material
when combined with enzymes can have broad applications in drug delivery, protein
crystallization, and biosensing. At the moment our work focuses on employing this
material for water purification purposes. We hypothesize that by combining BCP’s and an
enzyme, we can provide in-situ contaminant degradation in the membranes’ active layer
while achieving high water permeation flux. Urea is a small, uncharged contaminant that
can permeate commercial membrane barriers without difficulty. Therefore it was selected
to serve as a model contaminant to assess the feasibility of this material. In this work,
Urease is incorporated into BCP’s to observe if the construction of this material is suitable
for a forward osmosis (FO) system. Enzymatic assay and enzyme quantification were
performed at different wavelengths between 630 nm & 670 to determine if the urease
activity was affected by encapsulation and to establish a quantitative comparison between
free and encapsulated enzyme. There was no considerable effect in the activity when the
enzyme is encapsulated. Quantification assay showed that enzyme concentration
decreased by 22% when encapsulated in the LCP. Scanning electron microscope images
were taken of the membrane material support to help determine pore size and observe
roughness of the material. In SEM the images of the polymer support show um sized
pores which is indicates that further optimization needs to be implemented to decrease
pore size. EDS confirmed elemental analysis of the sample but there was no significant
difference between the treated and untreated support. The membrane support combined
with a polymer/doping material was exposed to the FO system and compared to the
commercial membrane (HTI), all runs were done in triplicate, the commercial membrane
had a 2mL permeation while the prepared support had a 1mL permeation. Assessment
with lipid coating will also be done in order to determine if the preparation method is
feasible in an FO system. Achievement of the desired selectivity and specificity could lead
to more cost-effective purification system.
KEYWORDS: water purification, biomimetic, membrane, forward osmosis, bicontinuous
cubic phase
55
Oral Presentation
E2
SORPTION CAPACITY AND ELECTRICAL CAPACITANCE OF THREE-
DIMENSIONAL CARBON NETWORKS
Rojas, C., Neida Santacruz, Valerio Dorvilien, Frank Mendoza, Gerardo Morell, Brad R.
Weiner
University of Puerto Rico - Río Piedras Campus
[email protected]
We synthesized three-dimensional (3D) carbon structures by Chemical Vapor Deposition
(CVD) and characterized their structural properties. We employed the 3D pore system of
different zeolites (NaY, SBA-15 and ZMS-5) as solid template structures to assist in the
synthesis of 3D carbon network structures. The carbon source consisted of radicals
formed from the thermal decomposition of acetone, in a relatively facile and fast chemical
deposition process. The 3D carbon network structures were characterized with X-ray
diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, surface area
measurement, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron
microscopy. The carbon networks deposited in the pores consist of reduced graphene
oxide and multiwalled carbon nanotubes;; their size distribution correlates with the size of
the pores. We studied the CO2 gas storage capability of the 3D carbon networks at
ambient conditions, showing that these are functional carbon materials with high sorption
capacity about twice that of activated carbon. Furthermore, we assembled the carbon
networks into double-layer capacitors and measured a specific capacitance to be around
120 F/g.
KEYWORDS: 3D carbon network, capacitor, graphene
56
Oral Presentation
E3
ARE THERE TIDAL EFFECTS OF TIDES IN WATER TABLE LEVELS AND SALINITY
IN A COASTAL URBAN WETLAND? THE CASE OF CIÉNAGA LAS CUCHARILLAS,
CATAÑO PUERTO RICO.
Hernández-Figueroa, E.;; Pinto Pacheco, S.;; Cuevas, Elvira
University of Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras Campus Environmental Sciences Department
[email protected]
Coastal wetlands dynamics depend on the terrestrial-marine-terrestrial connectivity
making their hydrological regime an essential determinant of the ecosystem. Water
quality parameters such as salinity and conductivity are indicators of this connectivity, as
freshwater from terrestrial sources, stream flow and precipitation, and seawater from
marine sources determine wetland phreatic water composition. The present hydrological
regime of the urban coastal wetland Ciénaga Las Cucharillas, Cataño, Puerto Rico, is a
product of human influences since colonial times until present. The construction of the
Malaria Channel in 1948 brings direct flow of freshwater to the wetland and prevention of
seawater exchange due to closed pump gates at the mouth of the channel. It is proposed
the marine- terrestrial connectivity is still present in the wetland where tidal events affect
phreatic level, salinity and conductivity of the substrate. Phreatic level was recorded every
hour with a calibrated Onset Hobo water level logger, and salinity and conductivity using
an Onset Hobo electrical conductivity logger, during January to August 2018, in three
piezometers located 800m-1 km from the coast. To measure subsurface
marine/terrestrial connectivity salinity was measured weekly at 0.5m from surface-2.5m
depth with an EcoSense EC300A Portable Conductivity, Salinity and Temperature
Instrument. Geostatistical analyses were performed to establish spatiotemporal salinity
distribution across depths and surface. Time series analyses established a pattern of
periodicity of water movement (Ljung-Box Q test – p ≤0.005). Cross correlation statistical
tests showed 0.2310 maximum correlation factor toward the coast and 0.2075the farthest
inland, two hours after the input signal, indicating marine-terrestrial connectivity detected
as far as 1 km inland with a delay up to two hours during wet season. This first-of-a-kind
research contributes essential information needed for testing of new biomaterials in urban
coastal areas, rehabilitation, and management of wetlands.
KEYWORDS: Tides, phreatic level, salinity, conductivity, rehabilitation, wetlands
biomaterials testing
57
Oral Presentation
E4
AN EDUCATIONAL APPROACH OF ZERO VALENT IRON NANOPARTICLES
SYNTHESIS AND ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION
Morales-Navas, C.;; Cabrera, C.
University of Puerto Rico - Río Piedras Campus, San Juan Puerto Rico 00931
[email protected]
Over the course of the years, population has increased exponentially along with novel
scientific discoveries. These advances contribute to more pollution and significant
contaminant footprint from industries and energy plants, amongst others. The
contamination subject is vast;; therefore, our work will focus on damaged subsoil and its
further use as remediation material. Iron nanoparticles (nZVI) have proven to be a good
alternative for high weight metal ion water remediation. Various metal ions such as: Pb2+,
Cr6+, Ni2+, As3+, As5+, Cd2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, and Ba2+ have been fixated from water
applying this new technology. A solution containing cadmium with nZVI induces changes
in its nanoparticle crystal array creating an active material for numerous applications. The
new cadmium residual iron nanoparticles have also promising activity as photo harvesting
materials. This technique has been optimized to introduce concepts relating nanoparticles
and their further use in the environment to secondary school students. Proof of concept
experiments will be performed by students during the semester with their respective
science teacher. Additionally, outreach activities will complement the learning process.
The student’s experimental results will be confirmed using electrochemical tools and
techniques along with their analysis which will be held at the research laboratory
institution.
KEYWORDS: Chemical Education, Environmental, Nano/Materials
58
Oral Presentation
E5
COMPARISON OF CALCITE AND NUTRICAL IN RAISING THE PH OF SOILS FROM
LAS MARÍAS, PUERTO RICO
Más-Arroyo, O.;; González-Mederos, A.
Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, Inter American
University of Puerto Rico - San Germán Campus
[email protected]
Agriculture has a great impact on the soil quality. Agricultural soils are easily damaged by
the interruption of nutrient recycling cycles, requiring the use of fertilizers to improve
production. Addition of fertilizers, erosion and other agricultural practices promote the
acidification of soils. High acidity soils are one of the main problems of agriculture in
Puerto Rico. To increase pH, calcareous amendments are recommended. Among those
amendments, calcite has been widely promoted by the Department of Agriculture of
Puerto Rico. It is also promoting the use of a mixture of calcium hydroxide and magnesium
hydroxide, commercially known as Nutrical. To evaluate the effectiveness of both
products in increasing the pH of soils, two farms in the town of Las Marias were selected,
both with low pH. Liming curves with both amendments were made for each sample. Farm
1 required 300 mg of calcite to raise the pH from 4.7 to 7, while it required 640 mg of
Nutrical to reach the same pH. Farm 2, whose initial pH was 4.5, required 360 mg of
calcite to raise the pH to 7, while it required 820 mg of Nutrical to reach similar pH. Using
the results from the curves, the amendment calcite or Nutrical were mixed with 500 g of
soil from each farm, to raise the pH to 5.5, 6 and 6.8. The applications were efficient
raising the pH to the desired levels. Results help us conclude that calcite is more effective
to increase the pH of the farm soils studied, when compared to Nutrical.
KEYWORDS: Nutrical, Calcite, pH
59
Oral Presentation
E6
HYDROGEN PRODUCTION BY WATER SPLITTING USING AG@ZNO COMPOSITES
UNDER UV-VIS LIGHT.
Molina-Burgos, B. ;; Márquez Linares, F. ;; Machín De Jesús, A.1;; Morant, C.2;; Pinilla,
1 1
Sergio2
1
University of Turabo, Gurabo, PR 00778
2
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
[email protected]
Different environmental issues have emerged in the last century. One of them, is the
contamination of the atmosphere due to the constant injection of different fossil fuels that
are used as energy sources. One possible strategy to cut the dependence of fossil fuels
and, at the same time create a new economic force, is to develop a hydrogen based
energy economy. A potentially viable way forward is to produce H2 from water by
combining solar energy and heterogeneous photocatalysis.2,3 For these reasons the
objectives of this research were: 1) synthesize high surface area ZnO catalysts (as
nanowires);; 2) incorporate different amounts of silver nanoparticles (1%, 3%, 5%, 10%
w) on the as-synthesized catalyst and on the commercial form of ZnO (Figure 1);; and 3)
produce hydrogen using UV-Vis light. The incorporation of silver nanoparticles enhances
the surface area of both ZnO nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and ZnO nanowires (ZnONWs)4.
The hydrogen production measured by using 10%Ag@ZnONws was 963 mol/hg under
irradiation at 400 nm, and 516 mol/hg using ZnO nanoparticles at the same wavelength5.
The characterization of the synthetized compounds was carried out by X-ray diffraction
(XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), BET surface area, and
UV-vis spectroscopy 6. The results of this research are certainly promising and open a
wide field of possibilities for the development of future catalysts, increasingly efficient.
KEYWORDS: Photocatalysis, Water Splitting, Silver nanoparticles, Hydrogen production,
Heterogeneous catalysis.
60
Oral Presentation
F1
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF FERROCENYL STILBENE
DERIVATIVES IN AQUEOUS MEDIA
Delgado-Rivera, S. , Piñero Cruz, D. , Henríquez López, S.2, Baerga Ortiz, A.1, Montes
1 1
González, I.1
1
Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, San Juan,
PR 00931
2
Department of Biochemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San
Juan, PR
[email protected]
Ferrocenyl stilbenes derivatives have been synthesized with a variety of substituent and
usually the methodology implemented for their preparation are via olefination reactions,
Wittig or Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons. Moreover, the Heck reaction has also been used
and the Knovenagel condensation, but all these methodology approaches contain
conditions of the reactions, work up and purification which are not environmentally
friendly. Our research interest is also focused on Green Chemistry. For this reason, we
have always, when possible, tried to implement greener approaches for the synthesis of
our compounds avoiding harmful purification methods. Our aim with the ferrocenyl
stilbene core is to explore its radical scavenging and biological activity because stilbene
derivatives are found in natural products and its capacity as antioxidants is well known.
They also act against free radical effects related diseases like some type of cancers.
Ferrocenyl stilbenes compounds are synthesized applying a greener approach for the
Heck reaction using water as a solvent and Aliquat 336 as phase transfer catalyst.
Products are obtained in shorter times and better yields while compared with the reported
methodology for the Heck reaction using DMF as solvent under a Nitrogen atmosphere.
Most of the compounds are purified by crystallization process avoiding extractions and
column chromatography techniques. The complete synthetic methodology, IR, 1H and
13C NMR characterization and the radical scavenging activity of these compounds will
be presented. This presentation will also present the application of the developed green
approach as a novel experiment to be implemented in the academic organic chemistry
laboratory.
KEYWORDS: Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biomedical, Chemical Education
61
Oral Presentation
F2
ENHANCED TRANSPORT PROPERTIES OF CUO-DOPED
LI9.6SI1.74P1.44¬S11.7CL0.3 SOLID ELECTROLYTE FOR BIOMEDICAL DEVICES
Lavin, A.;; Morel, G.;; Weiner, B.
University of Puerto Rico - Río Piedras Campus, San Juan, PR 00931
[email protected]
Better solid electrolytes need to be developed in order to achieve the long envisioned all-
solid-state lithium batteries. This new generation of batteries is expected to improve the
safety of Li-ion batteries while achieving both high power and high energy density. Among
solid electrolytes, Li9.6Si1.74P1.44¬S11.7Cl0.3 is particularly promising. In order to
enhance its transport properties, we have doped the Li9.6Si1.74P1.44¬S11.7Cl0.3 solid
electrolyte with CuO nanoparticles. XRD crystallography studies provided evidence of the
structural changes undergone by the material. The doped and undoped solid electrolytes
were tested in coin cell batteries with Li and Graphite electrodes. Cyclic voltammograms
and charge-discharge data were obtained. The results indicate that CuO doping caused
an improvement in the transport properties of the solid electrolyte. More cycling is
underway in order to study the stability of the solid electrolyte and the structural changes
undergone during cycling.
KEYWORDS: battery, electrolyte, doping
62
Oral Presentation
F3
TUNING ONE-DIMENSIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL METAL COMPLEXES INTO
THREE-DIMENSIONAL METAL-ORGANIC FRAMEWORKS
Rodríguez-Rodríguez, I., Serrano Valcarcel, J., López-Mejías, V.
University of Puerto Rico - Río Piedras Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00931
[email protected]
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) represent a class of hybrid nanoporous material
formed through coordination between metal ions and organic ligands. Their high porosity,
large surface area, and tunable structures make them promising candidates as drug
delivery vehicles. One of the newest approaches is the design of pharmaceutical-based
MOFs, those that incorporate active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) as part of the
framework. This approach offers opportunity to modify the properties of the API without
interfering with its biological role, leading to controlled drug absorption and also allowing
the delivery of multiple drugs. Current investigations have led to the design, synthesis,
and structures of a new family of MOFs derived from mast cell stabilizer drug, cromolyn
sodium (CS) and bioactive metal ions (Zinc (II), Calcium (II), and Magnesium (II)). Here,
we report the first metal complex using CS named Cromolyn-Zinc. CS acts as a
deprotonated monodentate and bidentate ligand coordinated to Zinc (II) ions through its
carboxylate oxygens to form an infinite one-dimensional framework. In order to generate
a framework with higher dimensionality;; a new design strategy involving mixed ligands
(CS and other biocompatible therapeutics) will be employed. The use of nucleobases,
specially adenine, can offer the possibility to construct new functional architectures of
high dimension due to its structural properties including multiple binding sites and variety
of coordination modes. It is expected that this design strategy will lead to the development
of pharmaceutical-based MOFs, particularly those involving mast cell stabilizers.
KEYWORDS: Inorganic Chemistry, Nano / Materials, Biomedical
63
Oral Presentation
F4
CHARACTERIZATION OF NOVEL BIOMIMETIC PEPTIDE-POLYMER CONJUGATE
USING THE PROPERTIES OF ANTIMICROBIAL PEPTIDE MAXIMIN H5
Ortíz-Gómez, V. ;; Rodríguez, V.1;; Morales, C.2;; Nicolau, E.2
1
1
Department of Biology University of Puerto Rico - Río Piedras Campus, San Juan, P.R.
00931
2
Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico - Río Piedras Campus, San Juan,
P.R. 00931
[email protected]
Of all the pathogenic bacteria strains present in nature, Escherichia coli and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa represent two of the most deleterious and are important
indicators of water contamination. The antimicrobial peptides (AMP’S) are active
biomolecules used against important multiresistant bacteria. The peptide Maximin H5
(MH5) which is an integral part of the defense system in the frog Bombina maxima, has
shown potent antimicrobial activity. In this work, we evaluated the performance of MH5
as an antimicrobial peptide in order to determine the feasibility of incorporating such
peptides onto the structure of water purification membranes. MH5 is a peptide with a
unique mechanism, which reduces the growth of waterborne pathogens. This will allow
us to discover the appropriate conditions to work with the peptide as well as to obtain
information about the viability of the conjugation of Maximin H5 with polymers for the
fabrication of the membrane. PEGylation in peptides improve structural and thermal
stability. In this study we present the peptide- polymer conjugation with the polymer
Methoxy-PEG-Maleimide (2K, 5K, 20K). For this study, we have performed a SDS-PAGE
and Bioanalyzer (capillary electrophoresis) technique for the determination of polymer-
peptide conjugate. To evaluate the molecular mass of this conjugate MALDI-TOF was
employed. NMR and FTIR technique were used for the characterization of the covalent
bond in this reaction. Additionally, we studied the antimicrobial activity of this conjugate
with Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Growth Curves. Thereby, this peptide-
polymer conjugate can be also utilized in biomedical applications and in biomaterials such
as membranes with water purification approach.
KEYWORDS: antimicrobial activity, water pathogen, peptide-polymer conjugate
64
Oral Presentation
F5
SYNTHESIS, STRUCTURE, DOCKING AND CYTOTOXIC STUDIES OF FERROCENE-
HORMONE CONJUGATES FOR HORMONE DEPENDENT BREAST CANCER
APPLICATION
Carmona-Negrón, J.1;; Santana, A.1;; Rheingold, A.2;; Melendez, E.1
1
University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez Campus
2
University of California, San Diego
[email protected]
Unlike common drugs that consist of entirely organic groups, incorporation of metals in
organic frames provides a new range of not only structure and bonding properties, but
also, reactivity. A new chapter in bioinorganic chemistry was open after cisplatin
antineoplastic activity was discovered and introduced as a chemotherapeutic agent 40
years ago. However, secondary side effects caused by a lack of selectivity between
healthy and cancer tissues limited the cisplatin drug application. More recently, ferrocene
has been introduced for biological applications due its antineoplastic properties on Erlich
ascite tumor, but also, due to their desired physical and chemical properties such as
aqueous stability and high synthetic homology to benzene chemistry. In order to develop
a new class of metal-based therapeutic drugs with high selective index for hormone
dependent breast cancer, a series of estrogen hormones have been functionalized with
a ferrocene group. The ferrocene-estrogen conjugates are design to target estrogen
dependent breast cancer (ER+), which account more than the 50% percent among the
different breast cancers. The synthesized ferrocene-estrogen conjugates showed similar
micromolar antiproliferative activity on hormone dependent MCF-7 breast cancer cell
lines comparable to conventional therapeutic drugs activity such as tamoxifen and
cisplatin. Computational studies of the interaction of the ferrocene conjugates with
estrogen receptor protein demonstrated docking interactions of these ferrocene
complexes in the protein’s ligand binding pocket. All the functionalized ferrocene-
hormone conjugates presented in this work have been characterized successfully, for the
first time, by X-ray diffraction technique in order achieve drug precise structure
characterization and its spatial arrangement as an important aspect to understand mode
of action and interaction with the ER as a prerequisite for the development of new drugs.
KEYWORDS: Metal-based drugs, Breast cancer, Ferrocene
65
Oral Presentation
F6
DEVELOPING RABIES VIRUS GLYCOPROTEIN LABELED GOLD-LIPOSOMAL
NANOPARTICLES FOR GLIOBLASTOMA THERAPY
Grafals-Ruiz, N. ;; Martinez-Zayas, G. ;; Quiñones-Diaz, B.3;; Barletta-Bonano, G. 4;;
1 2
Vivas-Mejía, P.3
1
University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, Department of Physiology;; UPR
Comprehensive Cancer Center
2
University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, Department of Chemistry, UPR
Comprehensive Center
3
University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, Department of Biochemistry,
UPR Comprehensive Cancer Center
4
University of Puerto Rico, Humacao Campus, Department of Chemistry
[email protected]
During the last decades, there has been a massive effort in the biomedical field to improve
RNA interference (RNAi) therapies for neurodegenerative-related diseases. Because
more than 98% of potential drugs fail to cross the blood brain barrier (BBB) and reach
brain tissue;; most brain targeted treatments are delivered by direct intracranial
administration leading to high invasiveness and surgical complications. Understanding
the urgent necessity to develop new therapeutic modalities able to reach the brain tissue
in a non-invasive strategy, we designed brain targeted Gold-Liposomal-RNAi
nanoparticles for intravenous administration. We hypothesize that labeling these Gold-
Liposomal-RNAi nanoparticles with BBB specific peptides like Rabies Virus Glycoprotein
(RVG) can improve delivery efficiency into brain tumor tissue and consequently be used
for glioblastoma therapy. In this study we functionalized 15 nm gold nanoparticles
(AuNPs) to thiolated anti-microRNAs by a PEG-Assisted functionalization method,
followed by their incorporation into liposomes and labeling with RVG peptides. We also
encapsulated standard anti-microRNAs into RVG labeled liposomes, to serve as
comparison. Afterwards, we characterized them in vitro for size, charge, AuNPs loading
capacity, liposomal encapsulation efficiency and RVG labeling efficacy. Our RVG-Gold-
Liposomes measure 50 nm in diameter and -10 mV in charge. Each mole of AuNP carries
50 nmoles of anti-microRNAs. Obtained RVG-Gold-Liposomes have an RVG labeling
efficiency of 99% and an encapsulation efficiency greater than 90%. In contrast, we
obtained anti-microRNA carrying RVG-Liposomes with sizes of 120 nm, slightly negative
and encapsulation efficiencies greater than 60%. Also, AuNPs showed to be non-toxic in
glioblastoma cell lines. Currently, studies in cell internalization and in GBM-bearing
mouse models are ongoing. This study has important biological implications that may lead
to an effective RNAi delivery not only for GBM therapy, but also for other
neurodegenerative diseases.
KEYWORDS: Biochemistry, Biomedical, Medicine, Nano/Materials, Neuroscience
66
Oral Presentation
G1
HUMANS HAVE GREEN BLOOD: MYSTERIES AND MECHANISMS OF SULFHEME
FORMATION IN THE PRESENCE OF H2S AND OXIDATIVE ENVIRONMENTS
López-Garriga, J.,
University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez Campus
[email protected]
Historically, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been regarded as a poisonous gas, with a wide
spectrum of toxic effects. H2S is now referred to as a signaling gas involved in numerous
physiological processes and diseases. The list of reports in the literature highlighting the
physiological effects of H2S is rapidly expanding and not a single H2S target responsible
for all the biological effects has been found.
The interaction of H2S with human hemoglobin (Hb) and myoglobin (Mb), in the presence
of H2O2 or O2, results in sulfheme giving origin to the concept of green blood. Where a
0.28% of sulfhemoglobin is the normal average, while an increase to 4% leads to anemia,
cyanosis and if it is untreated can lead to death. The mechanisms of sulfheme is a
covalent modification of the heme pyrrole ring bearing the 4-vinyl group, generating the
so-called sulfmyoglobin and sulfhemoglobin derivatives. These derivatives have lower O2
affinity affecting the heme protein functionality and resulting in the rare green blood
characteristic called sulfhemoglobinemia. The reaction of sulfheme formation has been
explored upon reaction of H2S, with O2 and H2O2 and several hemeproteins and HbI
site directed mutants, using UV-Vis, resonance Raman spectroscopies, and theoretical
calculations. The results indicate that the formation of the sulfheme derivative requires:
(a) the presence of a proton donor from H2S or even a HSR species;; (b) a HisE7 residue
in the heme distal site with an adequate orientation to form an active ternary complex;;
and (c) that this moiety intermediate involves the HisE7, the hydro peroxo {HemeFe(III)-
OOH} and H2S molecule to generate the HS radical, which precedes and triggers the
sulfheme formation.
The findings open a new window to further explore H2S as an antioxidant agent and can
unravels the arena for the activation of H2S by other protein families.
KEYWORDS: green hemeproteins, sulfheme, hydrogen sulfide
67
Oral Presentation
G2
FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THE ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF 2-
HEXADECYNOIC ACID ANALOGS AGAINST MULTI-DRUG RESISTANT BACTERIA
Sanabria-Ríos, D. , Morales-Guzman, C. ;; Mooney, J.1;; Torres, X.1;; Carballeira, N.2
1 2
1
Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Natural Sciences, Inter American
University of Puerto Rico, Metropolitan Campus, PO Box 191293, San Juan, PR 00919,
USA
2
Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, 17 Ave
Universidad STE 1701, San Juan, PR 00925, USA
[email protected]
Recently, it was performed the first structure-activity relationship (SAR) study intended to
identify those structural features needed to prepare antibacterial 2-alkynoic fatty acids (2-
AFAs). In this study, it was discovered that the 2-hexadecynoic acid (2-HDA) was the
most effective 2-AFA in inhibiting the antibacterial activity of Gram-positive and Gram-
negative bacteria as well as clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
aureus (CIMRSA). In the present study, further investigation about those chemical
characteristics that affect the antibacterial activity of 2-HDA analogs was performed. The
synthesis of 2-HDA analogs containing triple bonds at C-6, C- 8, C-9, C-10, or C-12 were
carried out in four steps obtaining an overall yield of 34-78%. In addition, 2-HDA analogs
containing a sulfur atom at either C-4 or C-5 in the carbon length chain were also
performed in 69-77% overall yield. Results from this study revealed that the triple bond at
C-2 position is pivotal for the antibacterial activity 2-HDA analogs and the farther the
position of the triple bond is, the lower is its activity against Gram-positive bacteria,
including CIMRSA. Moreover, it was demonstrated that the inhibition of S. aureus DNA
gyrase can be implicated in the antibacterial activity of 2-HDA analogs. Finally, it was
determined the ability of 2-HDA analogs to form micelles can be linked with their
decreased activity against Gram-positive bacteria, since critical micellar concentrations
(CMCs) ranging from 50-300 µg/mL were obtained.
KEYWORDS: MRSA, 2-hexadecynoic acid analogs, DNA gyrase
68
Oral Presentation
G3
MODELLING AND MOLECULAR DOCKING STUDIES OF THE CYTOPLASMIC
DOMAIN OF WSC-FAMILY, FULL-LENGTH RAS2P, AND THERAPEUTIC
ANTIFUNGAL COMPOUNDS
Parés-Matos, E.1;; Vélez-Segarra, V.2;; Carrasquillo-Carrión, K.2;; Roche-Lima, A.2,
Rodríguez-Medina, J.2
1
University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez Campus
2
UPR-Medical Sciences
[email protected]
Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the budding yeast, must remodel initial cell shape and cell
wall integrity during vegetative growth and pheromone-induced morphogenesis. The cell
wall remodeling is monitored and regulated by the cell wall integrity (CWI) signaling
pathway. Wsc1p, together with Wsc2p and Wsc3p, belongs to a family of highly O-
glycosylated cell surface proteins that have the main role of activating the CWI signaling
pathway by stimulating the small G-protein Rho1p, which subsequently activates protein
kinase C (Pkc1p) and a mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase cascade that activates
downstream transcription factors of stress-response genes. Wsc1p, Wsc2p, and Wsc3p
possess a cytoplasmic domain where two conserved regions of the sequence have been
assessed to be important for Rom2p interaction. Meanwhile, other research groups
have also proposed that these transmembrane proteins could support protein-protein
interactions with Ras2p. Molecular structures of the cytoplasmic domain of Wsc-family
and of full-length Ras2p were generated and validated with Procheck-PDBsum and
ProSA-web tools, and subsequently used in docking-based modeling of protein-protein
and protein-compound interfaces for extensive structural and functional characterization
of their interaction. The results suggest that the Wsc-family is involved in protein-protein
interactions with each other and with Ras2p. Docking-based studies also validated the
existence of protein-protein interactions mainly between Motif I (Wsc3p > Wsc1p >
Wsc2p) and Ras2p. Additionally, it has shown that two antifungal compounds preferably
binds to Wsc1p and Wsc3p, but more weakly to Wsc2p. The data also suggests that there
is a common inhibitor for the Wsc-family. MTiOpenScreen database has provided a list
of new compounds with a better affinity towards the cytoplasmic domains and Ras2p.
Based on these data, there are new and possibly more effective compounds that should
be considered as therapeutic agents against yeast infection.
KEYWORDS: Cell wall integrity;; Wsc-family;; Ras2p;; Antifungal compounds;; Molecular
modeling;; Molecular docking.
69
Oral Presentation
G4
LABEL-FREE MICROCHIP BIOSENSOR FOR TELOMERASE ACTIVITY IN ACUTE T
CELL LEUKEMIA
Díaz-Cartagena, D., Hernández-Cancel, G.;; Cabrera, C.
University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, Molecular Sciences Research Center
[email protected]
In the last decade, researchers are looking for platforms, methods, and techniques that
mitigate all the problems that current cancer detection methods have;; expensiveness,
can not be use in a point of care location, do not detects early steps of the disease and
are time consuming tests. Nowadays, various researchers have focused on the
development of electrochemical devices that detect telomerase as a cancer biomarker.
Using a Roche Diagnostics Accu-Chek Aviva® electrochemical platform and
electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), as a sensing technique, telomerase
activity in Acute T Cell Leukemia was detected. The detection limit was 0.980 cells/mL.
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used
to characterize the telomerase substrate DNA probe (TS) self assembled monolayer on
the gold electrode surfaces. TS probe is rich in guanines thus form secondary structures
know as G-quadruplex. Additionally, confocal microscope fluorescence images showed
the formation of the DNA G-quadruplex as a result of the TS elongation on the electrode
surface after been exposed to telomerase. Western blood and gel electrophoresis were
used to confirm telomerase presence in Jurkat nuclear cell extracts and to study the DNA
elongation process, respectively. The methods and equipment investigated by our group
in this investigations will emerge in a development of an electrochemical label free
telomerase biosensor and its implementation as a medical device.
KEYWORDS: Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biomedical
70
Oral Presentation
G5
LEGIONELLA PNEUMOPHILA EFFECTOR SDEA NEW SUBSTRATE RECOGNITION
Flores, T.1;; Puvar, K.2;; Das, C.2
1University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez Campus
2
Purdue University
[email protected]
Bacterial effectors’ role in the modification of host process during infection is a growing
area of study. Legionella pneumophila, a highly pathogenic bacteria, utilizes
approximately 300 effectors that aid in its replication process. Recent studies have shown
that SdeA, an effector protein of L. pneumophila, mediates a NAD+-dependent and
E1/E2/E3/ATP-independent ubiquitination of protein substrates including the GTPase
Rab1. To better track this unusual process, we attempted to use a synthesized Rab1
peptide with a fluorescein tag as a substrate in the ubiquitination reaction. By visualizing
results via fluorescence and Coomassie staining we confirmed that SdeA181-1000 was
able to ubiquitinated the Rab1 peptide. Future assays are directed into exploring the
substrate specificity of this enzyme by modifying the type of peptide used.
KEYWORDS: legionella effector, fluorescein tag, substrate specificity
71
Oral Presentation
G6
OXY-MYOGLOBIN’S INTERACTION WITH HYDROGEN SULFIDE: A PATHWAY
FROM COMPOUND III TO COMPOUND 0
Rodríguez-Mackenzie, A. ;; Arbelo, H.1;; López-Garriga, J. 1;; Wymore, T. 2
1
1
University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez Campus
2
University of Michigan Ann Arbor
[email protected]
Myoglobin (Mb) binds oxygen with high affinity and thus functions as an oxygen storage
protein that is highly resistant to autoxidative processes. Yet, Density Functional
Theory/Molecular Mechanics calculations of oxy-Mb models predict that simply
substituting an active-site water molecule for hydrogen sulfide (H2S) significantly lowers
the energy barrier to forming Compound (Cpd) 0 and overwhelmingly favors a Cpd III
ground state singlet over the triplet state. At neutral pH, His64 is predominantly
monoprotonated and thus unable to donate a proton to progress beyond the Cpd 0
intermediate state. Surprisingly, the calculations predict that the spin state preference is
completely reversed at acidic pH (when His64 is doubly protonated) and the barrier to
Cpd 0 is reduced further to 17.8 kcal/mol. In each case, H2S donates a hydrogen atom
to Cpd III forming Cpd 0 and a thiyl radical, a phenomenon not observed with water.
Typically, exotic techniques such as cryo-radiolytic conditions are required to observe
Cpd 0 but under the conditions just described, this intermediate is readily detected in UV-
Vis spectra at room temperature. The effect is observed as a 2 nm red shift of the Soret
band.
KEYWORDS: Hydroperoxy-heme, Superoxy-heme, Hydrogen Sulfide, Compound III,
Compound 0, Oxy-heme
72
Oral Presentation
H1
SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND ORR ACTIVITY OF ZN1-XCOXO
NANOMATERIALS FOR FUEL CELLS APPLICATIONS.
Martínez-Torres, D.1;; Santiago-Berrios, M.2;; Alonso -Sevilla, S.2;; Estrada-Álvarez Ana
G.2;; Cintrón-Rodríguez, N.2
1
University of Puerto Rico - Río Piedras Campus
2
Universidad Metropolitana, Cupey Campus.
[email protected]
In present day, fuel cells are becoming attractive devices to study for energy harvesting
applications due to their high efficiency to convert energy and generate clean by products
compared to the combustion of fossil fuels. Of the two main reactions involve in the
electrochemistry of a fuel cell, the Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) is the limiting
component for being highly irreversible, making necessary the use of electrocatalysts to
undergo the reaction. However, commonly used catalysts for ORR have a high cost,
making researchers focus on finding new low cost catalysts such as metal oxides and N-
doped carbon. Zinc Oxide (ZnO) transition-metal oxide with wurtzite lattice and a n-type
semiconductor with a wide band gap that can be easily synthesized by a broad variety of
methods, becoming an interesting material for the construction of a extensive range of
devices such as solar cells, biosensors, pH sensors, among others. In this project, ZnO
and Co-doped nanoparticles was performed by hydrothermal synthesis and characterized
using X- ray techniques, Raman and Reflectance Diffuse spectroscopy to observe the
inclusion of cobalt in ZnO crystal structure. Also, perform an electrochemical analysis on
Pure and Co-doped nanoparticles to observe the catalytic activity of the nanoparticles to
undergo ORR.
KEYWORDS: Energy/Fuels, Inorganic Chemistry, Nano/Materials
73
Oral Presentation
H2
METAL OXIDE INCLUSION IN CHEMICALLY REDUCED PLATINUM PARTICLES
FOR A COST-EFFECTIVE AMMONIA OXIDATION ELECTROCATALYST
Huertas, N.;; Rivera-Ruiz, A.;; González-González, I.
University of Turabo, Gurabo P.R.
[email protected]
The interest in metal nanoparticles, like platinum, has increased due to their unique
properties for applications as catalysts and semiconductors. In this work, we synthesized
Pt particles by reduction methods using different precursors (K2PtCl6 or H2Pt (OH)6) in
order to compare their electrocatalytic activities. Platinum particles are typically
synthesized by the reduction of platinum ion precursors in solution with a capping agent
and a reduction agent to form colloidal particles. One of the methods is done mildly using
sodium citrate as a reducing agent and the second one is done using sodium borohydride
as a reducing agent. For each of the approaches, the concentration of the capping agent
and temperature of the reaction were varied. The rate of the reaction is dramatically
shorter for the second route. These particles were then mixed with Nafion and painted on
a disk glassy carbon electrode to do an electrochemical characterization of the
synthesized platinum particles. Contrary of what we expected, the platinum particles
reduced using the H2Pt(OH)6 metallic precursor shows a not so detailed cyclic
voltammetry and as expected from a poisoned Pt particle the ammonia oxidation is
reduced. We are currently exploring different post-synthesis cleaning protocols to have a
more accurate comparison of the synthesized particles. Recognizing the cost challenge
that platinum arises, our aim is to incorporate non-noble materials (metal oxides) into the
catalyst to assist the water activation process.
KEYWORDS: chemistry, electrochemistry, nano/materials
74
Oral Presentation
H3
XPS SURFACE CHARACTERIZATION OF (HIS)6-RHBI IMMOBILIZED ONTO
FUNCTIONALIZED GOLD NANOPARTICLES
Torres-González, L.;; López Garriga, J.
University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez Campus
[email protected]
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) has been increasingly applied to the surface
characterization of biomolecules becoming a core characterization tool for biomaterials.
This valuable technique provides chemically specific information that allow us to study
the interactions at the interface between biology and engineering. This work examines
the adsorption of the recombinant polyhistidine tagged hemoglobin I protein ((His)6-rHbI)
from bivalve Lucina pectinata onto gold nanoparticles functionalized with 3-
mercaptopropionic acid complexed with nickel ion. High resolution XPS-spectrum of
carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen were analyzed in each step of the surface modification
process. XPS analysis revealed a nitrogen peak after protein adsorption indicative of
(His)6-rHbI immobilization in addition to the surface attenuation signal. Calculation of
layer thickness resulted in 4.4 nm, consistent with the unit cell dimensions of the native
HbI protein reported in crystallographic data. Furthermore, electrochemical analysis
demonstrated protein activity to hydrogen sulfide after immobilization.
KEYWORDS: XPS, gold nanoparticles, protein immobilization, H2S-biosensor, Lucina
pectinate
75
Oral Presentation
H4
METAL-MODIFIED EXFOLIATED ZIRCONIUM PHOSPHATE FOR IMPROVED
OXYGEN EVOLUTION
Ramos-Garcés, M. ;; Sánchez, J. ;; Del Toro-Pedrosa, D. 1;; Barraza, I. 3;; Wu, Y. 3;;
1 2
Villagran, D. 3;; Jaramillo, T. 2;; Colón, J.1
1
Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico-Río Piedras Campus,
2
Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University
3
Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at El Paso USA
Email: [email protected]
In response to the current energetic crisis, researchers have taken on the task to develop
new ways to produce renewable energy. The most attractive alternative being the use of
solar energy since it is the most abundant of all renewable resources. Even though solar
energy is the most abundant, it is an intermittent source of energy. Hence, schemes for
storing this energy is of much importance to effectively use it at any time. One way to do
this is to store the solar energy in chemical bonds, like in H2, since it has a high-energy
density. The production of H2 with the help of the sun can be accomplished by the
photoelectrolysis of water. Devices that run this reaction consist of three main
components: light absorbing semiconductors, catalysts, and a membrane. In this work,
catalysts that perform the oxidative half of water electrolysis (the oxygen evolution
reaction, OER) which is the main cause of energy loss during the reaction are being
develop with the goal of improving the efficiency of these devices. Zirconium phosphate
nanosheets were modified with earth-abundant transition metals and studied as OER
electrocatalysts. Their activity showed an improved performance compared to that of
previously reported metal-modified ZrP nanoparticles. ICP measurements to quantify the
amount of metals was performed. With the ICP data we normalized the activity of our
systems by the mass of metal in the samples and compared this parameter with the best-
performing ZrP nanoparticle system. Also, the turnover frequencies were calculated, and
results suggest that the improvement in activity is not due to an increment in intrinsic
activity, but to a higher metal uptake by the nanosheets. Characterization of these
materials was performed by means of X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron
microscopy, and rotating disk electrode voltammetry.
KEYWORDS: Energy/Fuels, Inorganic Chemistry, Nano/Materials
76
Oral Presentation
H5
SYNTHETIZING A NOVEL JANUS CARBON NANO-ONIONS MODIFIED AS A
SUPPORT FOR CATALYTIC NANOPARTICLES
Del Valle-Pérez, A., González-Aponte, K.;; Cunci-Pérez, L.
University of Turabo, Gurabo, PR 00778-3030
[email protected]
The Carbon Nano-Onions (CNO) are unique nanostructures with properties such as high
conductivity, high surface area, cost effective, metallic conductivity and low electric noise.
In comparison with other nanoparticles, these show different physical properties that can
be used with the purpose of obtaining highly conductive catalysts for different reactions.
In this project, CNO were prepared and characterized through different techniques to
confirm their synthesis. First, we started with carbon nano-diamond powder and we
introduced it in a high temperature furnace to obtain CNO. Later, we oxidized them using
a mixture of strong acids in order to synthesize highly hydrophilic CNO. Once the
synthesis was finished, Raman Spectroscopy was used to characterize our samples. We
found that the first peak was located at 1250 cm-‐‑1, which represents a carbon-to-carbon
bond (C-C) with an sp3 hybridization, while the second peak was located at 1600 cm-‐‑1
representing the carbon-to-oxygen moiety (C-O) with an sp2 hybridization. These results
obtained confirmed the unique presence of carbon and oxygen-based functionalization.
Additionally, in order to confirm the effectivity of the synthesis and the purity of the CNO,
X-Ray-Diffraction was used. Lastly, Anatomic Forced Microscopy is currently being used
to measure the size of the nanoparticles in the sample. Its high concentration of carbon-
oxygen moieties provides a large amount of nucleation sites to deposit metal catalyst
nanoparticles. Finally, we will use this synthesis together with the rotating disk slurry
electrode (RoDSE) technique to deposit other nanomaterials. RoDSE has been used
before to deposit isolated atoms, cluster and metal nanoparticles on unsupported
nanocarbon materials.
KEYWORDS: Nano/Materials, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Energy/Fuels,
Analytical Chemistry, Environmental
77
POSTERS
ABSTRACTS
78
P01
EVALUATION OF SCAR MARKERS ASSOCIATED WITH BEAN COMMON MOSAIC VIRUS, BEAN COMMON
MOSAIC NECROSIS VIRUS AND BEAN GOLDEN YELLOW MOSAIC VIRUS IN COMMON BEAN SEEDS
COLLECTED FROM HAITIAN FARMERS
Cordero Irizarry, P.;; Vargas, C.;; Cosme Reyes, S;; Beaver, J.;; Porch, T.
USDA-ARS Tropical Agriculture Research Station, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico;; Recinto Universitario de Mayagüez,
Universidad de Puerto Rico
[email protected]
The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the most important grain legume, in both developed and developing
countries, due to its broad adaptation and high nutritional value. Seed-borne viral pathogens, such as Bean common
mosaic virus (BCMV) and Bean common mosaic necrosis virus (BCMV), and Bean golden yellow mosaic virus
(BYGMV), can significantly decrease bean productivity. With the potential of climate change intensifying the incidence
of virus, bean production in Haiti is under threat. To evaluate the diversity and understand adoption of improved cultivars
in Haiti, 451 samples were collected from farmers from 8 Haitian departments and evaluated with SCAR markers
associated with the following resistance genes: I (SW13), bgm-1 (SR2) and bc-3 (eiF4E). Results showed that 33.4 %
of the accessions had the SW13 marker;; 1.33% had the SR2 marker, and none had the eiF4E marker. This suggests
that the seed used by Haitian farmers is an assortment of genotypes that primarily includes local landraces, represented
by the group of seed samples having no markers for disease resistance genes. Improved bean genotypes were found
in 34.7% of the samples. It appears that recently released cultivars with all three markers, such as ‘Sankara’ and ‘DPC-
40’, have not yet reached the farmers surveyed. Ultimately, effective dissemination of improved cultivars will increase
bean yields and provide food security in the advent of the challenges caused by climate change.
KEYWORDS: Phaseolus vulgaris, SCAR markers, Bean golden yellow mosaic virus (BGYMV)
P02
EVALUATION OF IN VITRO TO IN VIVO EXTRAPOLATION USING HTTK-PBTK MODELING
Alemán-Sánchez, Y.
Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00926
[email protected]
Physiologically-Based Toxicokinetic (PBTK) model allows for extrapolating in vitro data to predict the overall in vivo
pharmacokinetics of drugs or chemicals. The High-Throughput Toxicokinetic (HTTK) tool, built as a R package, can be
used to evaluate large number (>500) of compounds using PBTK modeling. In our current work, we first chose 20
compounds (12 in humans and 8 in rats), to assess the extrapolation performance of the HTTK-PBTK model. Available
in vitro estimates for hepatic clearance (Clmet) and fraction unbound in plasma (Fub) were used as input to predict in
vivo pharmacokinetics (maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC)). For model
verification purpose, a literature search was conducted to gather measured Cmax and AUC for the compounds
investigated. Overall, we found the PBTK model to give a reasonable estimate of in vivo pharmacokinetics in humans
and rats.
However, the current model predictions in general overestimate Cmax and AUC by approximately 4-fold in humans
and <20 fold in rats, leaving room for further refinements. In this work, for each compound, we calibrated the appropriate
parameter-specific correction factors: Clmet in humans and rats, for 8 out of 20 compounds needed to be increased by
1.5-30.4 fold and for the remaining compounds, the Fub needed to be increased by 1.4-37.6 fold. Parameter
refinements resulted in closer predictions of observed pharmacokinetic data. We have shown here, the overall
extrapolation performance of HTTK-PBTK model and the additional adjustments required to improve model
predictability. Compound-specific physicochemical properties are currently being evaluated to determine any emerging
relationship between the correction factors. Extension of our work to a larger list of compounds might help in the
development of a normalized correction factor, possibly characterized by physicochemical properties, to make IVIVE a
success using the HTTK-PBTK modeling tool.
P03
INVESTIGATING THE ROLE OF MYD88 SIGNALING IN CD4+ T CELLS AND ITS IMPLICATIONS IN NON-ISCHEMIC
HEART FAILURE
1 2 2 2
Padilla-Rolón, D. ;; Ngwenyama, N. ;; Muendlein, H ;; Poltorak, A.;; Alcaide, P.
1
The University of Puerto Rico at Cayey
2
The Sackler School of Biomedical Sciences at Tufts University
[email protected]
Recent advances in our understanding of the immune system have revealed an important role of the adaptive immune
system in regulating heart failure (HF) diseases. Using the well-defined mouse model of nonischemic HF induced by
Transverse Aortic Constriction (TAC), we previously demonstrated that Type 1 helper CD4+ T (Th1) cells migrate to
the heart and induce adverse cardiac remodeling. Moreover, T cell deficient (tcra-/-) mice are protected from HF, while
adoptive transfer of wt Th1 cells to these mice reconstitutes the pathology of HF. The adapter protein myeloid
differentiation primary-response protein 88 (MyD88) is an important proinflammatory signaling molecule in innate
leukocytes;; and recently has been shown to be important in adaptive CD4+ T cells as well. Currently, we demonstrated
that adoptive transfer of myd88-/- Th1 cells to myd88+/+ tcra-/- host mice results in accelerated progression of HF with
significantly higher numbers of Th1 cells in the heart. Therefore, we hypothesize that MyD88 regulates survival and
proliferation of Th1 cells, and modulates the pathology of nonischemic HF. Using a combination of flow cytometry and
Cytation cell imaging, we demonstrate that myd88-/- Th1 cells have significantly enhanced survival and proliferation
in comparison to wt Th1 cells.
KEYWORDS: Biomedical, Science and Medicine
P04
CATION-RESPONSIVE CATALYSIS FOR THE SYNTHESIS OF BIODEGRADABLE POLYMERS
1 2 2
Vargas-Rivera, M. ;; Casey, K. ;; Robinson, J.
1
University of Puerto Rico- Mayaguez
2
Brown University
[email protected]
Plastic is used daily in many ways, from bottles and bags, to packaging. However;; overuse of these materials presents
environmental problems. The synthesis of biodegradable polymers is essential for the sustainability of plastics, as they
are produced from renewable resources which can be broken down into non-toxic end products in the environment.
Enhanced sequence control of biodegradable polymers is expected to produce plastics with tunable and superior
properties;; however, current synthetic methods are lacking.
Switchable catalysis is an attractive strategy to achieve enhanced sequence-specificity through chemical switches,
which can alter the length and order of the synthesized polymers. The main interest is to enable chemical control of
these synthesized polymers by exposure and removal of metal cations, which can turn on and off reactions towards
ring-opening polymerizations (ROP). During the project the synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of organometallic
zinc catalysts were carried out to determine their distinct reactivity towards ring opening polymerization (ROP) upon
exposure and removal of metal cations. Catalysts and potential intermediates were characterized by 1H Nuclear
Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), while polymer products were characterized by NMR and Gel
Permeation Chromatograph (GPC). We have demonstrated that cation-responsive systems can be used to temporally
control ROP and expect this to enable the discovery of novel materials within the context of sustainability issues.
KEYWORDS: Environmental, Inorganic Chemistry, Materials Chemistry
80
P05
DETERMINATION OF THE LD50 OF MUSCLE RELAXANTS WHEN COMBINED WITH SILVER AND GOLD
NANOPARTICLES ON DAPHNIA MAGNA
García Gonzalez, P.;; Santos Vázquez, Y.;; Cabrera López, C.;; Ferrer Torres, E.
Inter-American University of Puerto Rico, Ponce Campus
[email protected]
Metallic nanoparticles are being used for their therapeutic and toxicological applications. However, the potential toxic
and lethal effects of these particles is yet to be discovered. This investigation aims to obtain key data on the lethal dose
of certain muscle relaxants when functionalized with metallic nanoparticle such as Silver (Ag) and Gold (Au). Initially,
data from LD50 was gathered by exposing the invertebrate organism Daphnia magna to silver nanoparticles, gold
nanoparticles, and two different dosages of Norflex and Relafen. Characterization of the nanoparticles was done using
a UV spectrophotometer and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). Silver nanoparticles were synthetized by a double
reduction using Sodium Citrate and Ascorbic Acid. The LSPR (Localized Surface Plasma Resonance) of the silver
nanoparticles was centered at 418 nm with an average size of 28 nm. Gold nanoparticles were synthetized by a
reduction using Sodium Citrate. The absorption band of gold nanoparticles was centered at 532 nm with an average
size of 62 nm. The optical properties of combinations between nanoparticles and drugs were evaluated. A red shift,
from 418 to 423 nm, was observed with the combination of silver nanoparticles and Norflex. Results indicate that the
LD50 of Norflex when functionalized with silver nanoparticles occurs between 90 to 120 minutes of exposure. In
contrast, with gold nanoparticles the 50% of the population dies after 24 hours of exposure. After 72 hours of exposure
to the combination of the nanoparticles with Relafen no changes in the mortality rate had been observed. Consequently,
the LD50 of Relafen is yet to be determined. Comparison between treatments suggest that both metallic nanoparticles
counteract the effects of the drug and as a result the mortality rate decreases.
KEYWORDS: forensic chemistry, nanomaterials, toxicology
P06
RESILIENCE OF BACTERIAL SULFIDOGENS IN RESPONSE OF A SIMULATED HURRICANE AT EL YUNQUE
RAIN FOREST
López-Carrasquillo, J.;; Pérez-Jiménez, J.
Universidad del Turabo
[email protected]
In Puerto Rico, hurricanes have impacted the Luquillo Rain Forest in many occasions resulting on canopy debris
deposited in the forest floor. Inhabiting microbes face input of complex plant biomass and increases in sunlight. Sulfate
reducing bacteria (SRB) that perform major contributions to carbon and sulfur biogeochemical cycles on anoxic
environments could be affected as result of the effects of a hurricane. A Canopy Trimming Experiment, simulated the
pass of a hurricane, has been done in the Tabonuco forest. Our goal is to establish the first documentation of the
diversity of sulfidogenic communities in response to detritus deposition from simulated hurricane effect. Soil samples
are being collected and sulfate content has been measured at thirteen time points for a period of two years. Two
treatments were defined: with and without detritus deposition trimmed from the local canopy. Total genomic DNA was
extracted for amplification of the dissimilatory sulfite reductase gene (dsrAB) and terminal restriction fragment length
polymorphisms (TRFLP) analysis of their MboI digests. TRFLP profiles indicate that sulfidogenic abundance was lower
in the absence of detritus (33 versus 94 phylotypes). However, Bray-Curtis similarity index demonstrated 22% of
similarity between control and treatment at time 0. But, as time pass 72% of similarity was observed between the first
4 to 5 weeks and, after two years, similarity was 23%. Sulfate content in soil was drastically changed as part of the
treatment as time passed;; with a highest peak at 14 weeks with 48 ug/10cm2 in the treatment versus 11 ug/10cm2 in
control. In conclusion, dsrAB community diversity was affected as canopy residues deposit in the forest floor. The
sulfidogenic community took two years to recover their diversity. After the pass of hurricanes Maria and Irma, soil
samples were collected for further diversity analyses using dsr-TRFLP, qPCR and Next Generation Sequencing.
KEYWORDS: Environmental, Agriculture, Biochemistry
81
P07
SITE DIRECTED MUTAGENESIS OF EGFR AND ITS EFFECT ON EGF BINDING
1 2 2 2 2
Soto Echevarria, N. ;; Popovic, J. ;; Goodman, C. ;; Paunesku, T. ;; Woloschak, G.
1
Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla PR 00605
2
Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611
[email protected]
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer type, killing approximately one third of the women that suffer from
it. About 90% of the analyzed cervical tumors share a common characteristic: overexpression of the epithelial growth
factor receptor (EGFR). Our main goal was to evaluate how C33A cervical cancer cells respond to targeted cancer
radiotherapy in the presence of Fe3O4@TiO2 nanoparticles. These nanoparticles are designed to bind to EGFR on
C33A cells’ surfaces via the beta loop portion of the epithelial growth factor (EGF). In order to elucidate the mechanism
of action in more details, we inserted single, double, and triple amino acid substitutions within the EGFR protein with
the intention to abolish or diminish the EGF binding to EGFR. C33A cells were transfected with wild type EGFR or
mutated EGFR expression plasmid(s) and the binding levels were compared through fluorescence measuring in a plate
reader with the use of fluorescently labeled EGF and green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a control. Obtained results
demonstrated that the EGFR protein mutated with Leucine 14 (L14) and Tyrosine 45 (Y45) displayed a significant
decrease in EGF binding to its receptor, but the most effective was the L14+Y45 double mutant. The mutated plasmids
will be a valuable tool in further experiments addressed to evaluation of their radiation effect in the presence of
Fe3O4@TiO2 nanoparticles.
KEYWORDS: science, nano/materials, biomedical, human
P08
DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTRANASAL ALGINATE-BASED DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM CONTAINING Β-CASEIN
FOR THE TREATMENT OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Sánchez Rodríguez, D.;; Álvarez Berrios, M.;; Aponte Cruz, L.
Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Ponce Campus
[email protected]
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia and listed as the sixth-leading cause of death in the
United States. The utilization of chaperone proteins as an anti- AD therapy is considered a promising approach. β-
casein, a protein member of the casein family has demonstrated to possess a potent chaperone-like-activity. However,
because the brain is protected by a blood-brain barrier, the delivery of these macromolecules is difficult. For this reason,
the utilization of microspheres for intranasal administration have been seen as an alternative for delivering drugs to the
brain. Alginate, a natural, biocompatible, and mucoadhesive polymer has shown to be very effective for this delivery
route. We hypothesize that by using alginate based microparticles containing β-Casein, the drug can successfully
bypass the blood-brain barrier while inhibiting the fibrillation process responsible for AD. To test this hypothesis, we
first synthesized alginate microparticles containing β-Casein using the internal/gelation method. Then, the
microparticles (MCPs) were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), FTIR and SEM. The amount of protein
encapsulated was quantified with the bicinchoninic acid assay. Additionally, the therapeutic efficacy of the
microparticles containing β-casein using lysozyme as an in vitro model was studied. The preliminary results
demonstrated that β-Casein was successfully encapsulated into the alginate microparticles. The diameter of the
microvehicle was around 1.29 µm and the amount of β-casein loaded was 3.34 µg per mg of microparticles.
Moreover, the process of lysozyme fibrillation was inhibited by the microplatform developed in this research project.
KEYWORDS: nano materials, biomedical, biochemistry, neuroscience
82
P09
SYNTHESIS AND STUDY OF SILVER NANOSTRUCTURES FOR SURFACE-ENHANCED RAMAN
SPECTROSCOPY
Martínez, K.;; Camacho, A.;; Otaño, W.
University of Puerto Rico at Cayey
[email protected]
Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) is an ultra-sensitive detection method that can even detect single
molecules. It uses an analyte with a metallic substrate to amplify the Raman signal. Noble metals such as gold, silver
and copper have been shown to work effectively as substrates in this technique. The effectiveness of these metal
substrates has been related to the morphology at the nanoscale. Usually, the metal substrates are synthesized using
expensive and complicated procedures. This project seeks to synthesize silver substrates using physical vapor
deposition (PVD), a cheaper and less complicated procedure that uses plasma to produce thin films from a wide array
of materials. Plasma condition can be altered to affect the morphology of the synthesized silver thin films and change
the SERS amplification. PVD can also be combined with other techniques to further alter the morphology of the silver
thin films. The project aims to optimize parameters in PVD to produce reliable silver substrates for the detection of
specific molecules using SERS.
KEYWORDS: Silver, SERS, Magnetron Sputtering
P10
A PRELIMINARY APPROACH TOWARDS MAPPING SOIL SALINITY IN THE LAJAS VALLEY, PUERTO RICO
USING ELECTROMAGNETIC INDUCTION
1 1 1 2 2
Álvarez Torres, B. ;; Matos, M. ;; Sotomayor, D. ;; Pérez Alegria, L. ;; Rios, S.
1
University Of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez Campus
2
USDA-NRCS Caribbean Office
[email protected]
The Lajas Valley is an important agricultural land in the southwest of Puerto Rico with an estimated area of 15,028 ha.
In 1950 decade, an irrigation-drainage infrastructure was created to increase agricultural production managing Normal,
Saline, Sodic and Saline-Sodic soils with 64%, 8%, 8% and 20% of area respectively, mapped to depth of 60 cm. The
University of Puerto Rico and USDA-NRCS are working together (i) to create high resolution maps of soil salinity and
sodicity, (ii) to assess changes in soil conditions after nearly 70 years and (iii) to improve soil mapping unit descriptions.
The first steps have the objective to generate a protocol for use electromagnetic induction (EMI) technology in which
factors in the Lajas Valley that could interfere with the instrument signal during the survey are determined. The
preliminary assays were conducted at field scale in two farms with similar soil mineralogy but different landscape
position, management practices, and level of salinity and sodicity. The data demonstrated that the EMI instrument,
EMP-400, was able to detect small variations in soil apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) as a result of observed
changes of micro-relief, furrows and vegetation. Furthermore, an empirical model based on soil samples from the valley
was developed to convert electrical conductivity of soil/water extract (EC1:5) to electrical conductivity of the saturated
paste extract (ECe). Both findings allow to continue the completion of the protocol with the next steps including a model-
based soil sampling design and ECa calibration to study the relationship between it and soil properties. This paper is
the first effort toward estimating the spatial variability at field and regional scale in the Lajas Valley.
KEYWORDS: electromagnetic induction, soil electrical conductivity, soil salinity, saline-sodic, sodic, saline
83
P11
IN SITU ANALYSIS AND IMAGING OF AROMATIC AMIDINE IN SOLID PHASE
1 1 2 2 1
Torres Rosado, A. ;; Sotero, J. ;; Dmochowski, I. ;; Ortiz, C. ;; Fasoli, E.
1
University of Puerto Rico at Humacao
2
University of Pennsylvania
[email protected]
We report the development of a fast and accurate fluorescence-based assay for amidine estimation in solid phase. The
assay is founded on the glyoxal reaction, which involves reaction of amidine group with glyoxal and an aromatic
aldehyde, leading to the formation of a fluorophore that can be analyzed and quantified by fluorescence spectroscopy
and imaging. While the assay has been reported previously for aromatic amidine estimation in solution phase, here we
describe its adaptation and application to amidine linked to diverse forms of solid matrices, particularly benzamidine
Sepharose and benzamidine-linked cellulose membranes. These functionalized porous matrices find important
application in purification of serine proteases. The efficacy of a protein separation device is determined by, among other
factors, the ligand (amidine) density. Hence, a sensitive and reproducible method for amidine quantitation in solid phase
is needed. The glyoxal reaction was carried out on microbead-sized Sepharose gel and cellulose membrane discs.
Calibration curves were developed for each phase, which established linearity in the range of 0-0.45 µmol per mL
amidine for free amidine in solution, 0-0.45 µmol amidine per mL Sepharose gel, and 0-0.48 µmol per mL cellulose
membrane. The assay showed high accuracy (~3.4 % error), precision (RSD <2%) and reproducibility. Emission
maxima varied with the fluorophore local environment and are being reported accordingly. Switching the aromatic
aldehyde used in the glyoxal reaction from benzaldehyde to fluorene-2- carboxaldehyde led to the formation of a new
fluorescent probe with different excitation and emission maxima, which expands the potential applications of this
method. Finally, we show how this fluorescent labeling (glyoxal) method can provide a tool for imaging membranes and
ligand distribution through confocal laser scanning microscopy.
KEYWORDS: Affinity Separation, Solid phase fluorescent assay, Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy
P12
N ISOTOPES SUGGEST AGRICULTURE IS NOT A SIGNIFICANT SOURCE OF NOX EMISSIONS IN THE
CENTRAL VALLEY OF CALIFORNIA
1 2 2;; 2,3 3
Maldonado-Santos, A. ;; Michalski, G. ;; Wilkins, B. Zhang, W. ;; Zhang, Y.
1
Inter American University of Puerto Rico
2
Purdue University, Dept. Earth, Atmospheric & Planetary Sciences
3
Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology
[email protected]
The amount of NOx emitted by agriculture is difficult to quantify and thus can be controversial. NOx emissions by soil
are highly variable, depending on fertilizer application rates, N type, soil moisture, redox state, pH and temperature.
Recent work has suggested
that NOx emissions in the Central Valley of California were being greatly underestimated and proposed that agriculture
could account for over 30% of NOx emission rather than past estimates of about 3%. We tested this hypothesis by
measuring N isotopes in aerosol nitrate from several sites in the Central Valley. Previous results have shown the delta
15N values of NOx emitted by soils is significantly lower (- 35‰ relative to air N2) compared to on and off-road vehicles
(~0‰). The delta 15N values of nitrate aerosols were between -7 and
+15‰, averaging +5‰. It was formerly demonstrated that the delta 15N of nitrate is shifted by roughly +7‰ relative to
the source NOx, which is attributed to isotope effects associated with the conversion of NOx into nitrate. This suggests
the sum of NOx sources in the Central Valley of California generate a delta 15N value of about -2‰, similar to vehicle
NOx, and suggests that agricultural soil emissions are a relative minor source of NOx compared to vehicle emissions.
KEYWORDS: N Isotopes, NOx emissions and Aerosols
84
P13
COLORIMETRIC AND FLUOROGENIC ASSAY FOR AROMATIC ALDEHYDES DETECTION
Marcano-Delgado, A.;; Fasoli, E.
University of Puerto Rico-Humacao
[email protected]
Aromatic aldehydes like benzaldehyde, vanillin and cinnamaldehyde are widely used as solvents, flavoring materials
in food, fragrance industry and in the organic synthesis as precursors of a plethora of compounds. In pharmaceutical
industry, benzaldehyde is a toxic oxidation product of benzyl alcohol, a co-solvent used as a preservative in injectable
formulations. Benzaldehyde as a potential impurity can cause neurotoxic effects. Vanillin and cinnamaldehyde have
long been of high demand because of the expense and shortage of natural extracts, representing million of dollars
annually in the food industry. Our research group is interested in the development of a simple, fast and sensitive
fluorescence assay for the detection of aromatic aldehydes at nanomolar concentrations. The main goal is to optimize
the reaction conditions of the synthesis of the fluorescent probe. In the reaction, benzamidine and glyoxal react with an
aromatic aldehyde, producing the final fluorophore, 2-aryl-4-arylidene-2-imidazoline-5-one. The fluorophore formed
was characterized by NMR, UV-VIS and fluorescence spectroscopy. For the calibration curve, the limit of detection was
49 nM, and the limit of quantification was 163 nM. Our work extends to apply our assay in different flavoring agents
and injectable formulations to probe the sensitivity of the analytical method.
KEYWORDS: Analytical chemistry, fluorescence spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, aromatic compounds
P14
SYNTHESIS OF ORGANIC BORAZINE DERIVED FROM 2-AMINOPHENOL AND NOREPHEDRINE WITH
BORANE
Cruz-Rivera, Y.;; De Jesús, M.;; Ortiz, M;; Rosario, J.;; Ramos, I.
University of Puerto Rico at Humacao
[email protected]
Organoborane reagents as oxazaborolidine are well known to be good Lewis acid catalyst and used for the trimerization
of organic borazine compounds. The basic inorganic borazine molecule has a planar hexagonal structure of six
alternating boron nitrogen atoms. Its polymeric material is used in semi-conductive boron nitride (BN) ceramics.
However, borazines containing organic fragment are less well-known. Our research group has been able to synthesize
the organic borazines compounds. The main goal is to study the conductivity properties for the future assembly of an
electronic device. Also synthesized new borazine compounds and the development of the methods is in our research
interest. We have been able to synthesize the norephedrine borazine using BH3.DMS and measure its conductivity
properties. With the conductivity experiments it can be determined that the compound do not have conductive or semi-
conductive material properties. In addition, the 2-aminophenol borazine synthesized by our group has proven to have
a highly porous surface as shown in the Electron Scanning Microscope (SEM) analysis. These cavities can have the
capacities to store energy to use the compound for the assembly of a capacitor or supercapacitor for electronic devices.
Additional experiments must be done. Also a new organoborane reagent compound (4S, 5R)-2,2-dimethoxy-4-methyl-
5-phenyl-1,3,2-oxazaborolidine-3-ium-2-uide(5) is been synthesized in order to use it for the trimerization of an organic
borazine compound. We have not been able to synthesize the dimethoxy borate with only one methoxy group. Future
analysis of the method must be done.
85
P15
NOVEL BACTERIAL CELLULASES FROM HALOPHILIC ORGANISMS FOUND IN THE SALTERNS OF PUERTO
RICO
Molina, Y.;; Burgos, S.;; Fasoli, E.;; Casillas, L.
University of Puerto Rico at Humacao
[email protected]
Cellulases have become focal enzymes in research due to their ability to degrade cellulosic biomass. Moreover,
researchers are working with cellulases as biocatalysts for industrial procedures in an approach towards a greener
chemistry. Studies have shown that enzymes capable of hydrolyzing polysaccharides have tremendous potential for
application in biofuels production, among others. The high demand for biofuel production has increased the need of
finding alternative sources of enzymes, particularly from extremophilic microorganisms such as halophilic bacteria, to
find enzymes that tolerate industry’s harsh conditions more efficiently. In the case of cellulase, high stability to ionic
liquids (ILs) is a requested property since cellulose degradation is often performed in this medium. In order to find new
enzymes with superior catalytic properties and stability, forty moderately halophilic bacteria isolated from the salterns
at Cabo Rojo (Puerto Rico) belonging to the Bacillus family were screened for extracellular cellulase activity. These
strains were pre- screened using Petri dishes with Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) 0.5% in Minimal agar. Where a plate
assay method was performed to detect cellulase activity using Gram’s iodine dye. A halo indicating a positive hit was
observed in most bacteria, except four. To further confirm cellulase activity, the 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS) assay
was performed with semi purified enzyme extracts of the positive strains detected by the plate assay. The DNS reagent
was used as a colorimetric assay for the reducing sugars in a microwell plate- based screening
KEYWORDS:
Green chemistry, enzyme, bacteria
P16
IDENTIFICATION OF ANTIBIOTICS AS TOXIC CONTAMINANTS AT SURFACE WATER AND FILTRATION
PLANT IN THE NORTHERN AREA OF PUERTO RICO AND CARRAIZO DAM
Ríos-Agosto, A.;; Kumar, A.;; Zayas, B.;; Vélez, C.
Universidad Metropolitana
[email protected]
Puerto Rico Water Authority (PRWA) complies with regulations and treatments for drinking water, but there are not
requisites for the detection of emerging chemical pollutants (ECP). Most of EC’s are unregulated as by the National
Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR’s or primary standards) under the Safe Drinking Water Act and few
agencies have proposed methods to establish a provisiona safe level in water treatment plants (WTP). Researchers
have identified pharmaceutical compounds such as anitbiotics, a type of EQP, detected on the surfaces of waterbodies.
However, conventional analysis methods are not accurate in detecting particles in parts per billion (ppb). The purpose
of this research is to analyze the concentrations of penicillin with the risk of active antibiotics metabolite derivatives in
waters samples that feed the filtration plant for potable water at Quebradas Water Treatment Plant in Hatillo, and the
Carraízo Reservoir Dam in Trujillo Alto. We developed a method to determine the presence of these EQP using an
ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS-MS). The correlation coefficient
denoted a strong linear association (r2=0.9996) for the five different concentrations of component penicillin G, and
penicillin V (r2 0.999220). These EQP compounds were analyzed and compared with the calibration curve and within
the limits detected were found amounts of 0.7 ppb.
These quantities cannot be quantified with the calibration curve since the concentrations are below the LOD established
in the method. Further studies are conducting in order to add better results. In conclusion, using the green technology
of UPLC-MS-MS the presence of the penicillin compounds in the body of drinking water in the Rio Camuy in Hatillo
was identified but cannot be quantified.
KEYWORDS: Environmental, Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry
86
P17
SYNTHESIS OF SILVER NANOSTRUCTURES FOR GAS SENSING USING SERS
Martínez, K.;; Camacho, A.;; Otaño, W.
University of Puerto Rico at Cayey
[email protected]
Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) is an ultra-sensitive detection method that can detect at nanomolar
concentrations. It utilizes an analyte with a metallic substrate to amplify the standard Raman signal. Noble metals such
as gold, silver and copper have been shown to work effectively as substrates in this technique. The effectiveness of
these metal substrates has been related to the morphology at the nanoscale. Typically, the metal substrates are
synthesized using expensive and complicated procedures. This project seeks to synthesize silver nanoparticles as
substrates for SERS using physical vapor deposition (PVD), a cheaper and less complicated procedure that uses
plasma to produce thin films from a wide array of materials. Sputtering plasma conditions can be modified to affect the
morphology of the synthesized silver thin films and change the SERS amplification. PVD can also be combined with
other techniques to alter the morphology of the silver structures used to produce the enhancement of the Raman signal.
A proprietary technique, developed to produce different nanostructures, was used for the deposition of the silver and
preliminary results show that controlling substrate temperature and plasma-processing parameters allows forming
nano-island arrays that significantly amplifies the Raman response. The project aims to optimize parameters in PVD to
produce reliable silver substrates that can act as sensors for the detection of specific molecules using SERS.
KEYWORDS: Silver, SERS, Magnetron Sputtering, Sensors
P18
DETECTION OF SPORTS DOPING DRUGS USING NOBLE METALS NANOPARTICLES
1 2 1 1
Colón-Ithier, L. ;; Ruiz-Ferrer, A. ;; Ferrer-Torres, E. ;; Negrón-García, M.
1
Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Ponce Campus
2
University of Puerto Rico – Mayaguez Campus
[email protected]
Some athletes are induced to use stimulants to increase their performance in their sports. Many players died due to
the use of these stimulants such as energetic drinks, steroids, and caffeine. Our work is focused in the development of
new anti-doping methods using the advantages of nanotechnology to improve the time and the sensitivity for drug
testing. Formation of the nanoparticles was achieved by the reduction of AgNO3 with NaBH4 and HAuCl4, and adding
sodium citrate and polyethylene glycol (PEG). A conventional microwave was applied to complete the synthesis. This
technology offers minimization of reaction times and stabilization of nanoparticles. In this research, we study the
interactions with caffeine and Human Growth Hormone (HGH) with silver, gold and core shell nanoparticles.
Characterization of these nanoparticles was performed using UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and Diffracted Light
Scattering (DLS). We also performed a microscopic analysis to study the effect of these nanoparticles in the form and
size of the drug crystals. Caffeine and Human Growth Hormone (HGH) were used for interaction with
Au, Ag and Ag/Au core shells nanoparticles. DLS analysis showed that the size was 40 to 60 nm for Au and 40 nm for
Ag. The absorption bands for the nanostructures formation were centered in 523 nm for Au and 414 nm for Ag.
Diffracted Light Scattering (DLS) study shows a mean diameter of 75 nm for Ag/Au. Interaction of caffeine with Au
nanoparticles results in a red shift of 5 nm;; HGH with Ag nanoparticles results in a red shift of 6 nm. Therefore, the
present study indicates that the combination of the nanoparticles with the selected drugs may be applicable as a new
anti-doping method.
KEYWORDS: forensic chemistry, nano materials. Toxicology
87
P19
KINETIC STUDY OF THE HBI-SH2 COMPLEX AT PHYSIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
Borges, H.;; Reyes-Oliveras, A.;; López-Garriga, J.
Universidad de Puerto Rico - Mayagüez Campus
[email protected]
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S), is a well-known poisonous gas whose toxic effects have been studied for many years.
Recently, it was found that H2S is produced endogenously in humans through enzymatic pathways and has function
as vasodilator, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and smooth muscle relaxant. As result studies of H2S are focused as
signaling molecule involved in various physiological processes. Also, correlation of H2S concentration in human
physiology have been associated with diseases like: hypertension, Alzheimer, cancer, arthritis, diabetes, ulcerative
colitis and cardiovascular diseases. Biochemical and physiological studies of H2S have been performed using
compounds that release or promote production of H2S in biological samples for its therapeutic attribution known as
H2S donors. These studies had demonstrated that treatment with H2S could ameliorate pathologies and thus the quality
of life of patients, but they have shown some disadvantages. Therefore, it is crucial to find or develop a reliable H2S-
releasing agent that functions both in vitro and in vivo studies with reliable characteristics and controllable properties
for better understanding the attribution of H2S in physiological processes which still very unclear. This research study
the viability of the protein HbI from Lucina Pectinata for the delivery of H2S in biological systems to obtain a reliable
H2S donor. In preliminary kinetic experiments, results have shown low release of H2S from the complex (koff:0.42x10-
3s-1 ) and the high affinity of the H2S for the protein regardless of physiological parameters studied. If this H2S-delivery
protein continue demonstrating a successful and beneficial administration of H2S in physiological conditions, the results
could lead us to the generation of new therapies based on H2S.
KEYWORDS: H2S, BIOMOLECULE, SPECTROSCOPIC
P20
USING GCMC AND MACHINE LEARNING METHODS TO SELECT ZEOLITES FOR EFFECTIVE ABSORPTIONS
OF PROBLEMATIC COMPOUNDS
Lin, S.;; Chen, Z.;; Zhao, Y.
Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, San Juan, PR 00931
[email protected]
The absorptions and separations problematic compounds (PCs) in aqueous phase are vital for life-support systems in
International Space Station. The main four kinds of PCs are monomethylsilanetriol (MMST), dimethylsilanediol (DMSD),
and trimethylsilanol (TMS). Another PC is dimethylsulfone (DMSO2). Herein, we abstracted 50000 zeolites from
database with identical elements composition, stoichiometry, and similar volumes. We used a python code to choose
500 zeolites randomly. Grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations in Sorption module of Materials Studio 8.0
was performed for absorption of four PCs in all 500 zeolites. We calculated the average adsorption loading (/mol) and
isosteric heats (kcal/mol), where larger adsorption loadings and isosteric heats indicate better adsorption performances.
We would further use the results of 2000 absorption systems (500 × 4) as templats to train the model. Some key factors
which affect adsorption performances, for instance, average bond numbers, bond lengths, and pore sizes will be
derived during the training process, thereby establishing solid foundations for the rational design of zeolites adsorbents.
We plan to employ Support Vector Machines, Decision Trees, or Linear Regression methodology to train the machine,
as implemented in scikit-learn.
Finally, we are going to use the well-trained model to make a high-throughput screening for the remaining structures in
zeolites structures database, to effectively predict the absorptions and separations performance, and pick out high-
performance zeolites-based adsorbents as the potential candidates for experimentalists.
KEYWORDS: GCMC, Machine Learning , Zeolites, Problematic Compounds
88
P21
ELECTROPOLYMERIZATION OF MOF-BASED CONDUCTIVE POLYMERS FOR MICROELECTRODE
FUNCTIONALIZATION
Cruz-Lozada, J.;; Cunci, L.;; Ríos, A.
Universidad del Turabo
[email protected]
MOF’s (Metal Organic Frameworks) consist on a metal ion coordinated to an organic ligand to form structures. They
tend to have good chemical stability and different properties that depend on their chemical structure, metal ion and
chelating molecules. In this study, we used aniline and pyrrole as organic ligands, and nickel acetate tetrahydrate as
the metal ion to synthesize the MOF’s. After synthesizing the precursors for our polymeric material, we continued to
test different conditions to electropolymerize them. The process used to electropolymerize the MOF on the surface of
the microelectrodes was cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to study
their electrochemical properties. The characterization of the MOF-based conductive polymers was carried out in Fourier
transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy
(EDS), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The purpose of this research is to modify the surface of carbon fiber
microelectrodes with conductive polymers to impart them with different physical and chemical properties. These surface
changes will allow us to develop microelectrodes capable of detecting different biomolecules with higher sensitivity.
KEYWORDS: Conducting polymers, Metal-organic framework, electropolymerization
P22
ELECTROCHEMICAL METHOD FOR THE IN VITRO DETECTION OF NEUROPEPTIDE Y
Gonzalez-Amoretti, J. ;; Cunci, L.
Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, P. R.
[email protected]
Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a neurotransmitter and its role consist of regulating appetite, stress, and the circadian rhythm.
NPY is stored in the hypothalamus is composed of a 36-amino acid chain and serves as a biomarker providing
diagnostic information about post-traumatic stress disorder and neurotrauma. However, current methods used to
monitor NPY have analytical limitations such as poor sensitivity and low temporal resolution. Our goal is to develop an
improved alternative for the detection of NPY in real-time. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) is a
technique that provides information about the chemical properties of the interface between an electrode and a solution.
The high spatial-time resolution and sensitivity that EIS provides, allow us to detect low concentrations of NPY at faster
rates than current methods. EIS operates with a system of three electrodes and carbon fiber microelectrodes (CFMEs)
are used as our working electrode. CFMEs are preferable due to their biocompatibility and their small dimensions,
which is imperative for biological applications. Nonetheless, by modifying the surface of the electrode we can further
improve the sensitivity in the detection of NPY. Adhering an NPY aptamer to the surface of the CFME increases
sensitivity and detection rate of the NPY using EIS. The modified electrode was placed in a flow cell where it was
flushed with artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) and different concentrations of NPY. Currently, results have
demonstrated that the -0.4 V was the most effective potential for measurement, where signal peaks are discernable for
NPY concentrations of 200 ng/mL, 500 ng/mL, and 1000 ng/mL. EIS is a promising method for the detection of NPY,
with the potential of detecting low concentration of NPY in real-time.
89
P23
SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND ORR ACTIVITY OF ZN1-XCOXO NANOMATERIALS FOR FUEL
CELLS APPLICATIONS
Estrada-Álvarez, A.;; Alonso-Sevilla, S.;; Martínez-Torres, D.;; Cintrón-Rodríguez, N.;; Santiago-Berrios, M.
Universidad Metropolitana
[email protected]
Transition metal oxides have attracted interest in recent years. This interest for zinc oxide (ZnO) materials is because
they are easy to synthesize and have been used in different applications such as medicine, sensors, and solar energy
harvesting applications. ZnO materials also have shown that could be used as an alternative for the oxygen reduction
reaction. This project will study the effect of doping agents in the crystal structure of zinc oxide nanomaterials. ZnO has
a band gap of 3.37 eV. The Diffuse Reflectance of the doped materials showed new bands at 3.26-2.30eV, 2.20eV,
2.05eV and 1.90eV. Raman spectroscopy showed more intense, broad, and symmetric mode appears at around 472
cm-1 to 700 cm-1. These results indicate the quasi-longitudinal-optical (LO) phonon mode, where the abundant shallow
donor defects are bounds on the Co sites. Our preliminary results have demonstrated that cobalt immersion in the
crystal structure of ZnO allows the formation of new energy levels that can be used as a catalyst for the reduction of
oxygen into water molecules. This was demonstrated since the reduction peak for the cobalt (III) to cobalt (II) appears
at around -410 mV vs. Ag/AgCl. This poster will present the complete characterization using X-ray techniques, Raman
spectroscopy and electrochemistry.
KEYWORDS: Energy/Fuels, Inorganic Chemistry, Nano/Materials
P24
ELECTROCHEMICAL IMPEDANCE SPECTROSCOPY FOR THE DETECTION OF NEUROPEPTIDE Y USING
APTAMER-MODIFIED PLATINUM MICROELECTRODES
Hernández, N.;; López, L.;; Cunci, L.
Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, P. R.
[email protected]
Neuropeptides are small molecules responsible of communication between group of cells in the central nervous system
and peripheral nervous systems. Their functions vary among different neuropeptide families;; specifically Neuropeptide
Y (NPY) is part of the regulation of food, drink intake, learning process, and memory process. The purpose of this
research is to use Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) for the measurement of Neuropeptide Y at different
concentrations. Our hypothesis is that NPY will be measured at different concentrations using platinum microelectrodes
modified with aptamers. Platinum microelectrodes were modified using single stranded DNA aptamers that are specific
for binding of NPY. The immobilization of the aptamer was carried using thioglycolic acid (TGA) to take advantage of
its carboxyl group. Then, 1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide was used to make the amide between the
TGA with the aptamer. The research has two parts where the first part of the research is using a static electrochemical
cell and different NPY concentrations. These were measured by cyclic voltammetry at five different scan rates.
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measured NPY at five different potentials and frequencies between 5 MHz
to 10 Hz. The second part of the research is using a flow cell electrochemical cell, where a fixed frequency of 100 Hz
was used and six different potentials. Seven different concentrations of NPY were measured by measuring impedance.
Results showed different measurements of NPY in both static and dynamic studies. This study could confirm another
method for monitoring NPY and provide better sensitivity at lower concentrations. Therefore, EIS can be used for the
measurement of NPY and may serve as a baseline of future studies of different neuropeptides.
KEYWORDS: platinum microelectrode, Neuropeptide Y, Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
90
P25
MANUFACTURING OF A CELL CULTURING SUBSTRATE FOR IMPROVED GROWTH OF MESENCHYMAL
STEM CELLS
Cifuentes, S.;; Domenech, M.
University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez
[email protected]
Cell therapies have become a promising approach to treat incurable and degenerative diseases. Many studies support
the clinical potential of cell therapies but face several issues including limited cell production capabilities and high
manufacture costs which limits patients’accessibility and affordability to cell therapies. Recently economic studies in
stem cell and immune cell therapies highlight serum and animal-derived products used in cell culture and expansion
processes as major drivers of the high costs of manufactured cell therapies. To overcome this cost-limitation, we
proposed the use of polystyrene-based culture substrates with biophysical modifications for stimulating the expansion
of stem cells under reduced-serum and serum-free culture conditions. We hypothesized that a combination of surface
roughness and geometric patterns with the deposition of thin polymeric nanolayers on a polystyrene film would induce
a biophysical stimulus that can enhance cell growth and support cell expansion under limited serum and culture medium
replenishment conditions. To generate the culture substrates, we used the razor printing and layer-by-layer deposition
technique to generate geometric cues with deposited heparin/collagen I multilayers on polystyrene films. The proposed
substrates are of low-cost, defined composition, do not require refrigeration and have a long shelf life. Preliminary
results reveal cell expansion and adhesion enhancement of about 50% in adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells for
manufactured cultured substrates as compared to conventional tissue culture plastic over five days. Likewise, cell
adhesion preferences along patterned surfaces compared to adjacent flat surfaces on the same well were observed by
fluorescence microscopy supporting a cell preference for surfaces with depth and roughness. Manufactured substrates
have the potential to influence cell behavior and significantly reduce cell expansion related costs.
KEYWORDS: Bioengineering, Biomedical, Innovation
P26
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MONO AND DISUBSTITUTED 4-ACETAMIDOPHENYL AND
PYRIDINYL FERROCENYL CHALCONES AS POTENTIAL ANTIOXIDANTS
Enríquez-López, S.;; Piñero-Cruz, D.;; Delgado-Rivera, S.;; Baerga-Ortiz, A.;; Montes-González, I.
Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, San Juan, PR 00931
[email protected]
In previous work in our laboratory, monosubstituted pyridinyl ferrocenyl chalcones were synthesized and their
antioxidant and antibacterial properties were studied. Some of those six compounds presented moderate antibacterial
activity against S. aureus and E. coli bacterial strain, and radical scavenging activity. Based on this previous work, we
aim to prepare the disubstituted pyridinyl ferrocenyl chalcones. Our hypothesis is that the duplicity of the pyridinyl
groups will enhance their biological activity. We also apply the same developed methodology for the pyridinyl
analogues, to obtain the novel mono and disubstituted 4-acetamidophenyl ferrocenyl chalcones because of the
reported activity of this functional group as antioxidants, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet aggregation,
antimalarial, and antibacterial biological activity;; also, it has been studied as chemotherapeutic agent. For the
preparation of these mono and disubstituted compounds, we used a base catalyzed Claisen-Schmidt condensation but
varying the temperature and molar ratio conditions, obtaining pure products ranging from 38% to 80% yield. Some of
them have been obtained in short reaction times. However, for the disubstituted compounds a mixture of the non-
symmetric disubstituted product and the desired disubstituted ferrocenyl chalcone product have been obtained in some
of the reactions, but both products have been isolated and characterized. The complete synthetic methodology, IR, 1H
and 13C NMR characterization, and the radical scavenging activity of these compounds will be presented. For some
of them, the crystallographic structure will also be presented.
KEYWORDS: Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biomedical
91
P27
TOXICITY AND APPLICABILITY OF NOVEL NBQ 234 TOM IN THE SCREENING OF HYPOXIC CELLS
Ortiz-Jordán, L.;; Zayas, B.;; Latimer, M.;; Vélez, C.;; Cox, O.
Universidad Metropolitana
[email protected]
INTRODUCTION: Hypoxic solid cancer is associated with difficulty of diagnosis, and poor prognosis, and therefore the
need for identification of new markers and indicators with limited secondary effects, of such hypoxic tissues. The
expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF1α), involved in cell metabolism, invasion, metastasis and apoptosis is
currently used as an indicator of hypoxia in cells. In addition Pimonidazole a hypoxic marker with hypoxic selectivity
and radiosensitizing properties is used in clinical settings. The main purpose of this study is to determine the capacity
of NBQ-234 TOM as a hypoxic fluorescent biomarker in colon (COLO 205) tumor cells in comparison with the currently
applied markers. METHODS: A protocol has been developed by exposing COLO-205 human colorectal
adenocarcinoma (ATCC CCL-222) to hypoxic and aerobic environments for 24 hours. For cytotoxicity determination
cells were treated at concentrations between 15 to 100 µM for 24 hours. Cells are then incubated for 24 hours at aerobic
or hypoxic conditions to determine the fluorescent emission of cells treated with NBQ-234-TOM and Pimonidazole
(control) indicative of the formation of a fluorescent metabolite. Fluorescence was measured using an OPTIMA BMG
Fluorimeter. RESULTS: Preliminary results show a cell cytotoxicity of 25.29 µM on COLO 205 under hypoxic and
aerobic conditions. Fluorescence emission results demonstrated significant formation of the NBQ-234-TOM fluorescent
metabolite on hypoxic tumor cells in contrast to cells treated under aerobic environment. Comparison with the control
Pimonidazole demonstrated the advantages of this novel NBQ-234-TOM compound as hypoxic marker. Also
fluorescence microscopy analysis of colon cancer cells treated for 24 hours with NBQ-234-TOM at hypoxic and aerobic
conditions confirmed the stronger fluorescence generation at hypoxic conditions in contrast to cells with at aerobic
conditions.
CONCLUSION: This research confirms the applicability of NBQ-234-TOM as potential marker of metabolically active
hypoxic cells.
KEYWORDS: Biomedical, Chemistry, Environmental
P28
SYNTHESIS AND STUDY OF AG, AU AND AG/AU NANOPARTICLES FOR THE DETECTION OF HEAVY
METALS AND TOXIC AGENTS IN WATER SAMPLES
Cabrera-López, C.;; Colón-Santiago, A.;; Ferrer-Torres, E.
Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Ponce Campus
[email protected]
Nanomaterials present novel properties with the possibility of new contributions in the forensic science field.
Determination of drugs, xenobiotics and heavy metals are critical in the elucidation of poisoning and death.
Nanomaterials can be applied to the analysis of trace evidence;; gunshot residues, heavy metals and halogenated
organics materials. In this work, nanostructure materials for detection of toxic agents in water samples were applied.
The synthesis of Ag, Au, Ag/Au bimetallic nanoparticles using microwave technology was successfully achieved. Water
samples containing different quantities and concentrations of heavy metals such as Pb and Ba were studied.
Characterization of these materials was performed using UV-Vis spectroscopy and Diffracted Light Scattering (DLS).
Characterization analysis showed that the size for silver nanoparticles was 35 nm with a localized surface plasmon
resonance (LSPR) at 421 nm and for 60 nm for gold nanoparticles with a LSPR at 523 nm were obtained. Gold and
Silver nanoparticles could be used as indicators of heavy metals ions presence, the concentration assays show a
colorimetric determination of metal ions. Changes in the LSPR are notice to be selective to the metal ion concentration.
Our study will contribute in the elaboration of new simple methods, providing better detection limits for toxic agents.
KEYWORDS: forensic chemistry, nano materials. Toxicology
92
P29
ACS-UPRB: IMPACTING DIVERSE COMMUNITIES BY IMPLEMENTING NEW CHEMICAL KNOWLEDGE
Rivera-Rodríguez, D.;; Ocasio-Idorwatt, F.;; Golderos-Trujillo, C.;; Rivera-Santiago, E.;; Santiago-Pérez, L.
University of Puerto Rico, Bayamon Campus
[email protected]
The American Chemical Society UPR Bayamón Chapter (ACS-UPRB) was founded in 2010. Since 2016, our chapter
became a national student chapter, increasing the number of national members, with a total of 119 current members.
We count with the following six divisions: Chemical Education, Community Outreach, Environmental Chemistry, Green
Chemistry, Professional Development, and Biochemistry. Each division has the purpose to expand chemical knowledge
and impact our community in diverse sectors. Within the Chemical Education Division, our members have the
opportunity to visit schools (K-12) and also impact the lives of children through the “We Matter Club”, an affiliation with
the Boys and Girls Club. Likewise, the Green Chemistry Division educates to reduce the use and generation of
hazardous substances and promotes the uses of renewable, biodegradable materials for the benefit of our people and
planet. Last year, our chapter was awarded by the ACS Green Chemistry Institute. The Community Outreach Division,
allows our members the opportunity to enrich and help diverse communities. Some affiliations of this division include
the participation in the International Coastal Cleanup, Samaritan’s Purse and visits to children’s hospitals. The
Environmental Chemistry Division intends to raise awareness of the chemistry behind environmental processes.
Recently, this division was awarded for the outstanding presentation of The Green House Effect in the march-expo with
El Puente: ELAC. The Professional Development Division provides resources to help our members become successful
scientist such as: how to create curriculum vitaes, visit conventions, meet investigators, among others. On the other
hand, the Biochemistry Division includes conferences in which biology and chemistry are related such as: the chemistry
of cosmetics, ovarian cancer, ethnobotanics, and nutrition. The American Chemical Society UPR Bayamón Chapter is
focused on providing our members diverse experiences so that they may enhance their academic formation.
KEYWORDS: ACS-UPRB, divisions, affiliations
P30
HOW TO RECOVER AS AN ACS UPRH CHAPTER
Cruz-Lebrón, J.;; Figueroa, A.;; Rosario, L.;; Guzmán, A.;; Suarez, J.
University of Puerto Rico, Humacao Campus
[email protected]
The devastation that Hurricane Maria left through our island resounded everywhere, especially our campus and
chapter. University of Puerto Rico, Humacao Campus was left in possibly the worst conditions for an educational
environment, students had to study outside of classrooms and without electricity, but this forced our student body and
our chapter to be resilient, and it was shown throughout the semester and year following the disaster.
Our faculty members and a local Church provided snacks and water to our students, which we helped distribute. We
impacted around 200 students in the 3 weeks which we worked this activity. We still wanted to keep Chemistry Week
alive, and Dr. Díaz Piñero gave the chapter a great talk about “Rocks and Gemstones” in honor of Chemistry Rocks!
We entertained our students and faculty through demonstrations and shared with them within our annual brunch. To
keep the spirit of Christmas in our chapter, we decided to give back by providing our members with a free Christmas
Lunch to close off the year, along with out initiation ceremonies, to celebrate the hard work our students did through
this intense semester.
To come back strong for the next semester we celebrated Green Chemistry Week celebrating Earth Day at “Paseo La
Princesa” in Viejo San Juan, and during the rest of the week we shared our interests about Chemistry and the Ocean
at our school. Dr. Ileana Rodriguez gave us an inspiring talk “Neptune’s Marine Chest!” about marine chemistry and
helped us beautify our department by painting an amazing mural. To finalize the year, we gave our graduating students
their well-deserved celebration because they are one of the strongest most resilient classes to have ever graduated.
KEYWORDS: UPRH, ACS, Chemistry
93
P31
PRODUCCION OF BIODIESEL FROM VEGETABLE OIL
Valderrama K.;; Ramos K.;; Gines P.;; Rivera D.;; Serrano I.;; Peña, G.
Universidad de Puerto Rico Arecibo
[email protected]
The purpose of this research is to demonstrate that Biodiesel (BD) can be produced from vegetable oil, without relying
on fossil fuel reducing the problem of contamination by CO2, since the BD works within a biological cycle. The objectives
are develop a process for BD production from new and used vegetable oil, and determine the density, viscosity and
average yield (% ᶇ) for each one. BD is a synthetic biofuel obtained from natural lipids such as vegetable oil. The BD
was prepared by transesterification reaction using vegetable oil and the sodium methoxide mixture in an agitator
reactor, maintaining the temperature at 48 ͦ C and 300 rpm during 50 minutes. By operation of decantation, the BD was
separated from the glycerin, then it was subjected to various washing steps with distilled water to remove any impurities.
As results, the average % ᶇ for the new vegetable oil was 80% while for the used vegetable oil was 77%. The average
viscosity for the new vegetable oil was 5.889g/cm-s and for used vegetable oil was 16.606g/cm-s, these values
indicates that it is within range of the industrial BD. The BD produce was tried in a pickup Ford 250 and a digger owned
by the University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo, both with an excellent performance.
Table of results
Batch % ŋ New Oil % ŋ Used
Oil
1 76 % 84 %
2 79 % 80 %
3 79 % 73 %
4 86 % 72 %
P32
HEMOGLOBIN AND MYOGLOBIN AMYLOID FORMATION6
Cruz-Collazo, L.;; López-Garriga, J.
University of Puerto Rico - Mayagüez Campus
[email protected]
Conformational diseases are characterized by structural conversion of proteins to alternative forms, which subsequently
convert into protein fibrils. The accumulation of these protein fibrils as amyloid deposits in the brain is implicated in a
number of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, among others. Amyloid
formation of bovine hemoglobin (Hb) and myoglobin (Mb) upon addition of 2, 2, 2-trifluoroethanol (TFE) in a range of
0-50% v/v were analyzed. These amyloid fibrils were characterized using UV-Vis, Tryptophan and ThT fluorescence,
Circular Dichroism and Raman spectroscopy. Raman data of Hb in presence of 45% v/v TFE reveals the presence of
the ν4 normal mode at 1373cm-1 suggesting that a metaquo heme chromophore is present under this condition. This
is also supported by UV-VIS showing a Soret transition at 403 nm. Furthermore, ThT fluorescence results indicated the
formation of amyloid fibrils. This phenomena is also supported by tryptophan fluorescence of Hb in presence of 45%
v/v TFE. Overall, the data suggested that under the conditions presented here hemoglobin and myoglobin can transform
its structure to fibrils derivatives. Research into the physicochemical properties of amyloid and its formation is currently
intensely pursued. There is a presenting need to find answers and new therapeutic possibilities that lead to improve or
cure these diseases without adverse effect. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is now considered to be an important physiological
mediator with a wide variety of roles: anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, ion channel regulation, cardiovascular protection,
antioxidant and neuromodulation. Our goal is focused on whether hydrogen sulfide affects the chemistry of the primary
oxygen carriers: hemoglobin and myoglobin within the human body and how help to prevent amyloid formation. We
have done ThT fluorescence and Circular Dichroism studies at different H2S concentrations and the results shows a
decrease in the growth of amyloids fibrils.
KEYWORDS: Hemoglobin and Myoglobin Amyloids, Hydrogen sulfide, Conformation change
94
P33
INTERACTION OF BRILLIANT CRESYL BLUE WITH GOLD NANOPARTICLES MODIFIED WITH B-
CYCLODEXTRIN AS A SENSOR FOR WARFARIN
Gonzalez-Vélez, N.;; Oyola, R.;;
University of Puerto Rico at Humacao
[email protected]
Nanoparticles are essential tool for chemical sensing. Warfarin is a well-known anticoagulant with high affinity to human
serum albumin and its concentration varies with dosage. In this work, we propose a chemical sensor for warfarin based
on the interaction of Brilliant Cresyl Blue (BCB) with gold nanoparticles modified with B-cyclodextrin (BCDAuNP). BCB
is a fluorescent dye that binds in a 1:1 ratio to B-cyclodextrin. In the BCB–AuNP assembly, near-infrared (NIR)
fluorescent BCB molecules act as fluorophores and are used for signal transduction, while AuNPs act as quenchers to
quench the nearby fluorescent BCB molecules. In the presence of warfarin, fluorescent BCB molecules detached from
AuNPs and restored their fluorescence. Warfarin concentrations of micromolar to nanomolar can be detected with this
sensor. This sensor shows advantages of NIR fluorescence such as less interference due to inner filter effects, lower
detection limit, and higher sensitivity. This work is supported by NSF-UPRH-Penn-PREM Program (NSF-DMR-
1523243).
KEYWORDS: Gold Nanoparticles, Brilliant Cresyl Blue, Warfarin, Cyclodextrin, Sensor
P34
PHOTOELECTROCHEMICAL STUDIES OF ZNO AND ZNO FUNCTIONALIZED WITH ORGANIC LIGANDS FOR
DYE-SENSITIZED SOLAR CELLS (DSSC’S) APPLICATIONS
Cintrón-Rodríguez, N. ;; Santiago-Berrios, M.
Universidad Metropolitana Recinto de Cupey
[email protected]
Zinc Oxide (ZnO) materials have attracted interests of researchers due to their simple and low-cost synthesis while
they prove to be useful in a wide range of purposes. The applications using ZnO encompasses areas from medicine to
energy harvesting applications. This semiconductor has a wide band gap of 3.37 eV, which makes it an ideal
semiconductor for the construction of various kinds of sensors and solar cells. Among solar cells, dye-sensitized solar
cells (DSSC’s) using ZnO as photoanode have attracted the attention of researchers due to their ease and low-cost
construction. In DSSC’s ZnO has been suggested to become a substitute of a most commonly used titanium oxide
(TiO2). This is due to the environmentally friendly characteristics, higher electron mobility and wider band gap (3.37
eV) comparable with TiO2. In this study, we examined the photoelectrochemical properties of ZnO functionalized with
Benzoic Acid (BA) and with 3-Mercaptopropionic Acid (3-MPA) in a DSSC environment. The XRPD analysis
demonstrated peaks around 100, 002, and 101 planes, which demonstrate the presence of the wurtzite structure. FT-
IR spectroscopy confirms that the ligand is bonded at the ZnO surface and at the defects of the crystal. ZnO was then
deposited in an FTO glass where it was functionalized with 3-MPA or with benzoic acid. The photoelectrochemical
results demonstrated that DSSC’s using 3-MPA has a higher absorption of the photoanode in comparison with both BA
and pure ZnO. These results suggest that 3-MPA is acting as a protecting agent of the ZnO surface;; and suggests that
there is a chemical reaction between the thiol group and the carboxylate end of the N719 dye forming a molecular wire
at the ZnO surface. Further experiment will be required to determine if this hypothesis is true.
KEYWORDS: Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells, ZnO, Photoelectrochemistry
95
P35
NPY DETECTION USING APTAMER MODIFIED PLATINUM MICROELECTRODES BY ELECTROCHEMICAL
IMPEDANCE SPECTROSCOPY
López, L.;; Hernández, N.;; Cunci, L.
Universidad del Turabo
[email protected]
Neuropeptides are involved in the regulation of many physiological activities, responsible for communication among
cells in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous systems. NPY is a highly evolutionary conserved peptide
involved in stress response and mediation, appetite stimulation and plays a role in pathological conditions like obesity,
anxiety and neurogenerative diseases. Climate change provokes significant environmental fluctuations that produce
physiological challenges, such as a stress, to a variety of organisms. NPY are involved in those processes, but a precise
mechanism has not yet been defined. The purpose of this project is to use modified aptamer platinum microelectrodes
for the detection of NPY. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy is a technique that study what happen at the
surface of the electrode. Frequencies between 5MHz to 10Hz at different potentials will be study with this technique
that allow us the detection of NPY. Our results show detection changes in the impedance at all concentrations and at
different potentials. Modified aptamer platinum microelectrodes allow us to understand NPY concentrations at the
electrode surface. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy will be developing to understand the mechanism and the
detection of neuropeptides at real time in future studies.
KEYWORDS: NPY, EIS, Pt Microelectrodes
P36
SYNTHESIS OF LMNCO NEW LAYERED COMPOSITE CATHODE MATERIALS FOR ADVANCE LITHIUM ION
BATTERIES
Otero-Vélez, C.;; Nieto-Ramos, S.
School of Natural Science and Technology University of Turabo Gurabo PR 00778-
[email protected]
Layered composite Li1.2Mn0.56Ni0.12Co0.12O2 (LMNCO) cathode materials for advanced Li-ion batteries have
become one of the most common, long-lasting and ambient friendly alternate forms of energy sources. In this study,
we synthetized LMNCO cathode materials by using solvothermal method and started developing a co precipitation
method as an alternate synthesis route. The cathodes synthetized by solvothermal method were characterized by X-
ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The structural studies by X-ray diffraction shows the
presence of impurities NiO and Li2CO3 in most of the samples. The electrochemical results of this material showed
initial discharge capacity of 70 mAh/g and 100 % capacity retention after 20 cycles. We though that these impurities
phase affect the poor specific capacity of the cathodes in this work.
KEYWORDS:
Engineering, Inorganic, Chemistry, Resources
96
P37
REMOVAL OF ORGANIC DYES FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS USING FE3O4 NANOPARTICLES USING A
MODIFIED FENTON PROCESS
Torres-Martínez, C.;; Osorio-Cantillo, C.
Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Ponce Campus
[email protected]
The cleaning of wastewaters prior to discharge, is mandatory, and companies need to employ efficient cleaning
processes to be in compliance. A pollutant type of substances are organic azodyes which are widely employed in the
textile, pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics, plastics, photographic and paper industries. Although many of these organic
wastes are biodegradable, high pollutant potential they can be accumulated in living tissues, causing various diseases
and disorders. In this study, Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were prepared by the modified polyol process, characterized and
used for removal organic dyes such as Red 40, Blue 1 and Green 3 from aqueous solutions using the modified Fenton
method. The effects of solution pH, Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles dose, and temperature were studied and optimized. Removal
efficiencies, higher than 95% were obtained for the dyes at the optimum conditions. The degradation process monitored
by UV-Vis spectroscopy was rapid, and the equilibrium was achieved in less than one hour. The kinetic of experimental
data could be well described with the pseudo-first order kinetic model. The thermodynamics of the process such as
changes in standard free energy, enthalpy and entropy will be also discussed. This study revealed that Fe₃O₄
nanoparticles is an effective approach for rapid removal of azodyes from aqueous solutions.
KEYWORDS: nano materials, toxicoloy, environmental chemistry
P38
AGGREGATION INDUCED EMISSION EFFECT WITH DITHIOLENE COMPLEXES: SYNTHESIS AND
PHOTOCHEMICAL STUDIES
Calimano, J.;; Pinero, D.;; Rivera, D.;; Medina-Berrios, N.
University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus
[email protected]
Despite significant advancements in the past several decades in our understanding of cancer biology, the need for
efficient and site- specific therapeutic formulations for cancer treatment has remained increasingly prevalent.
Photothermal therapy is currently being investigated as a benign therapeutic method in cancer therapy, with near-
infrared radiation (near-IR) having the benefit of it being less energetic than current existing radiation therapies and
thus, less harmful to non-target sites. Numerous near-IR absorbing systems have been studied so far, which suffer
from certain drawbacks that make them ultimately inefficient. In our effort to render higher efficiency in this type of
cancer therapy, we report the synthesis of a tetraphenyl butadiene dithiolene compound with peripheral rotors that
possesses a high thermal stability and photothermal conversion, and it emits fluorescence in its condensed phase. This
effect, known as the Aggregation Induced Effect (AIE), occurs in compounds that contain rotating, fluorophore
substituents that while in an aggregated state, their rotation is greatly restricted, for which their energy is relaxed through
luminescence processes. This phenomenon was tested via fluorescence spectroscopy in varying degrees of
aggregated states, and the chemical structure was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy as well as by X-ray analysis
performed on single crystals. The combined photothermal and AIE effect will make our dithiolene complex a potential
biomarker for fluorescent imaging in cancerous tissues and a therapeutic agent for the eradication of cancerous tissue.
KEYWORDS: aggregation induced effect, photothermal therapy, dithiolene complex, phenyl rotors, theranostic agent
97
P39
TARGETING PDMS HYDROPHOBICITY FOR STUDY OF SMALL HYDROPHOBIC MOLECULE-DRIVEN CELL
RESPONSES IN VITRO
Quiñones-Pérez, M.;; Cieza, R.;; Doménech, M.
University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez Campus, Mayagüez, PR
[email protected]
Poly(-dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) has been the main polymer employed in micro and nano scale devices. Its chemical
and physical properties are ideal for molding and soft patterning of microfluidic devices. Despite the great advances
achieved with PDMS-based microfluidic devices, its hydrophobic properties enable absorption of small hydrophobic
molecules (<1kDa) which has been a main limitation for its routine implementation in small molecule screening such
as drug and hormone assays. To address this limitation, we developed and characterized a modified PDMS that
incorporates poly(-ethylene oxide) silane amphiphile (PEO-SA) into the bulk polymer at concentrations of 2, 9 and
14%wt. Surface wettability, optical transparency and biocompatibility were evaluated. Absorption of both hydrophilic
and hydrophobic compounds was tested qualitatively and quantitively. Evaluation of surface wettability shows an
inverse correlation between the concentration of PEO-SA and water contact angle. Hydrophilic properties of PDMS
were stable for 3 months confirming permanent modification of bulk properties. Optical transparency was not affected
at concentrations of 9% and 2%wt PEO-SA. Absorption of Nile Red (lipophilic stain) was significantly reduced at
concentrations above 2wt% PEO-SA. Quantitative analysis of absorption of the fluorescent drug Doxorubicin
(hydrophilic drug) showed no change in concentration over 2 hrs indicating that hydrophilic absorption is not observed.
The viability of MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468 and NIH-3T3 cell lines was above 80% for all conditions evaluated for 48
hrs supporting its potential for cell culture and in vitro assays. In conclusion, PDMS-PEO-SA showed promising results
as an alternative to replace PDMS in culture platforms for assays with small hydrophobic molecules. Future experiments
seek to validate PDMS-PEO-SA in drug bioassays.
KEYWORDS: Nano/materials, Biomedical, Engineering
P40
ACS INTER PONCE: PUERTO RICO GOES FORWARD
Febus-Ramírez, A.;; Santiago-Torres, G.;; Ferrer-Torres, E.
Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, Ponce Campus
[email protected]
Puerto Rico is facing a difficult year and, as an ACS student chapter, our current focus is on community labor. Our
chapter is committed to help Puerto Rico and our campus community after the passing of Hurricane Maria. This
academic year, ACS Inter Ponce is going to emphasize psychological and material assistance to our campus and
outside communities. To achieve our goals, our chapter will evaluate the community and assess its special needs such
as, water, canned food products, and first aid kits. In addition, our chapter will educate different communities, inside
and outside our campus to help mitigate awful situations that happened because of the Hurricane Maria, such as,
preserving food, controlling plagues, and water purification. Nevertheless, our chapter is still aiming to do activities
that apply the basic concepts of the chemistry in a simple way that college students and people from outside our
campus can learn and apply scientific concepts in a creative way. At the same time, this year, orientation to the students
of the benefit of being a member of ACS and recruitment efforts will keep, promoting how our organization contributes
to their personal and professional growth.
KEYWORDS: chemical education, human resources, environmental
98
P41
DEVELOPMENT OF SILVER/POLYMER MICROSTRUCTURE STAMPING TOOL FOR BACTERIAL
IDENTIFICATION BY RAMAN MICROSCOPY
1 1 2 1
Flores-Vélez, E. ;; Figueroa, A. , Bonilla, G. ;; De Jesús, M.
1
Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, PR
2
Department of Chemical Engineer, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, PR
[email protected]
Persistent pathogenic microorganisms in food have been known to cause more than 48 million illnesses yearly in the
U.S. The complex nature of the food sample matrix makes its rapid and unequivocal bacterial identification an important
analytical challenge. In recent years Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has emerged as an effective tool for
the analysis and identification of bacterial species. Applying SERS in conjunction to multivariate analyses will facilitate
the differentiation and quantification of gram positive and gram negative bacterial strains such as E.coli, S. aureus, L.
casei and L. acidophillus. This project establishes a novel tool for the detection of bioactive agents in water using SERS.
As a SERS probe it was developed a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microstructure stamping surface metalized with
20.0 (±0.1) nm of silver nanoparticles. The roughness of the surface formed by PDMS is expected to facilitate the
sorption of the bacterial strains onto the substrate, amplifying its Raman fingerprint signature for a rapid and
unequivocal differentiation of bacterial strains based on its characteristic vibronic signature. Microstructure openings
from 0.5 to 12 µm have been studied in this project to determine the optimum confinement size for the studied bacterial
cells. A comparison of the viability of PDMS slide and PDMS micro-structured stamping surfaces as SERS based
methods is presented. The analysis of characteristic Raman signals for the protein, carbohydrate and lipid content of
bacterial cells is presented and discussed. Multivariate analyses such as partial least squares discriminant analysis
(PLS-DA) and support vector machine regression (SVMR) have demonstrated to be an effective bacterial classification
and quantification approach. The PLS-DA model which includes E.coli, L. casei L. acidophillus reported sensitivity
values of 1.0, 0.92, 1.0 and specificity values of 1.0, 0.89 and 1.0, respectively. The most favorable determination
coefficient (R2) calibration value for SVMR was 0.997 for L. acidophilus in PDMS.
KEYWORDS: Raman Spectroscopy, SERS, Silver Nanoparticles, Multivariate Analysis
P42
INTER PONCE GREEN DIVISION STANDS WITH PUERTO RICO
Salcedo-Sáez, K.;; Ferrer-Torres, E.;; Cortes-Bula, C.
Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, Ponce Campus
[email protected]
After the pass of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, our chapters’ Green Division has committed to help and educate the
Puerto Rican community about how green chemistry can benefit human health and the environment. In order to
successfully achieve our goal, we planned a series of activities such as hands-on classes to produce nontoxic home
cleaning products and home-made mosquito repellents to avoid the proliferation of diseases such as zika, chikungunya
and dengue. In addition, a reforestation project will be carried out in coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
to educate the communities about the right tree species to be planted according their regions. Committed to our
community, we have selected affected areas by the hurricane and launched an educational program about the
importance of purifying water before drinking it and how to treat the water to make it potable. We are compromised to
use the power of green chemistry to help our community to recover and be a healthy one.
KEYWORDS: chemical education, human resources, environmental
99
P43
SYNTHESIS AND ANALYSIS OF 1-BENZAZEPINES DERIVATIVES AS POTENTIAL THERAPEUTIC DRUGS
FOR THE TREATMENT OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE.
Nieves-Escobar, C.;; Ortiz-Marciales, M.;; Espinosa-Diaz, S.;; Pinero-Santiago, L.
University of Puerto Rico in Humacao, Humacao, Puerto Rico 00792
[email protected]
Alzheimer’s Disease is currently the most common neurodegenerative disease among elders. This brain disorder
seriously affects a person's ability to carry out daily activities by disrupting the individual’s thinking, language,
behavioral, and cognitive skills. Recent studies have shown that several conditions such as the excessive aggregation
of β-amyloid plaques on the central neurological system and low levels of acetylcholine play a key role on the
pathogenesis of Alzheimer. Consequently, the scientific community are focused on the development of potential acetyl-
cholinesterase, nicotinic agonist and β-amyloid polypeptides inhibitors. Benzazepines are heterocyclic compounds
used as intermediates for the synthesis of many pharmaceutical drugs. In our research group, these compounds are
currently being studied to determine their possible bioactivity as potential therapeutic drugs for the treatment of
neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer. Presently, we are developing new multi-functional 1-benzazepine (1-
BNZP) analogues to study further their possible bioactivity as active binding ligands for the nicotinic acetylcholine
receptor, β-amyloid peptide and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. First, methoxy substituted 1-BNZPs at the 7 and 7,8
positions were prepared in a good yield of 75% (purified) by the regioselective ring expansion of 1-tetralone TIPS
oximes using borane/BF3. To enhance the antioxidant properties of these benzazepines, alkylations were carried out
by an SN2 mechanism with K2CO3/NaI producing N-substituted benzazepines with high level of purity. Recent Docking
calculations carried out in our group have shown that compared to Galantamine, an anti- acetylcholinesterase agent
currently approved by the FDA, the 1-BNZP derivative containing methoxy substitutions at the 7,8-positions and a N-
substituted cinnamate group, fitted very close to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors with an electronic affinity of -9.2
kCal/mol (± 0.2 kCal/mol);; indicating similar inhibition as Galantamine at a lower concentration. Therefore, the main
goal of our laboratory team is to keep developing new 1-BNZP derivatives by incorporating new polar 1-substituents to
the benzazepine skeleton.
KEYWORDS: Benzazepines, Alzheimer's Disease, Acetyl-cholinesterase Inhibitor
P44
FORENSIC CHEMISTRY DIVISION: GUIDING FOR A SAFE SOCIETY
Maldonado, M.;; Santiago-Torres, G.;; Cabrera-López, C.;; Ferrer-Torres, E.
Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, Ponce Campus
[email protected]
The Forensic Chemistry Division of ACS Inter Ponce chapter is dedicated to enrich the professional development of
our forensic science students. Our mission is the integration of our science programs with the forensic chemistry
applications and influence the college and outside campus community. Different activities were organized to address
the division goals. Some of the activities includes conferences, demonstrations to public and private schools,
pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries in our island, general-public and elderly community. As forensic scientists,
educate our community and contribute to the reduction of criminal activities in our neighborhood is a main goal. To
increase our workforce, new volunteers were recruited by doing new activities in the science area, such as crime
scenes, demo labs, competitions and social activities. Due to the impact of Hurricane Maria in our island, giving support
and helping the affected communities is a priority, making us part of the movement “Puerto Rico Rises”.
Forensic chemistry is an open opportunity to explore the integration of different strategies and disciplines in one
experience.
KEYWORDS: forensic chemistry, chemical education, human resources
100
P45
SCREENING METABOLIC BIOMARKERS OF SLEEP PROBLEMS IN A TARGET POPULATION OF PUERTO
RICO
1 2 1
Carrasquillo, K. ;; Chorna, N. ;; Vázquez-Montes, A.
1
School of Natural Sciences and Technology, Universidad el Turabo
2
University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus
[email protected]
Sleep problems are considered a public health epidemic affecting 83 million people in the US. Sleep is influenced by
complex interactions between individual and external factors maintain metabolic homeostasis. Sleep problems have
been associated to mental distress and metabolic disorders. This association can be studied using non-invasive
methods for sample collection and the powerful tool of metabolomics.
A pilot study for screening subjective sleep was assessed from a convenience sample from the East of Puerto Rico
using Standardize Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) tools. Global raw data
were computed and compared to the normalized T distribution scores from PROMIS. Overall, more young adults
females reported having bad sleep and impairments (T- scores ›50) as compared to all participants (N=100).
Non-targeted metabolic profiling from saliva samples was performed using GC/MS and mass spectral reference library
(NIST14) for optimization purposes. Twenty-five metabolites were identified during the optimization stage including
aminoacids, carboxilic acids, purine derivatives, carboxydrates, fatty acids, aminoalcohols, and hydroxyacids. These
methods will be applied for the screening of metabolic biomarkers of impaired sleep.
KEYWORDS: Sleep problems, Metabolomics, Subjective Sleep
P46
ELECTROCHEMICAL STUDIES OF COMBINED NI3AL ALLOY AND CUINSE2 SEMICONDUCTOR SYSTEMS
FOR CO2 REDUCTION
1 2 2 2 2
Blasini-Perez, D. ;; Paris, A. ;; Frick, J. ;; Foster, B. ;; Bocarsly, A.
1
University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras, San Juan, PR 00925
2
Princeton University
[email protected]
Ni3Al, previously shown to electrocatalytically transform CO2 into highly reduced carbon products, was combined with
CuInSe2, a semiconductor with a band gap of -1.0 eV, to determine whether the composite electrode is
electrochemically and photoelectrochemically active toward CO2 reduction. Here, the electrochemical application of
Ni3Al/CuInSe2 electrodes was explored by performing a series of electrolysis experiments under dark conditions in a
buffer solution of 0.1 M KHCO3;; potentials ranging from -0.6 to -1.4 V vs. Ag/AgCl were applied. The composite
electrodes exhibited greater stability and lifetime than the standard semiconductor pellet, which was prone to
degradation. Competing with the hydrogen evolution reaction, formate and methanol were produced at Faradaic
efficiencies as high as 41% and 39% , respectively, where lower applied potentials resulted in higher product
efficiencies. Preliminary electrolyte dependence studies indicate that electrolyte choice may be significant in achieving
high-efficiency formate and methanol production.
KEYWORDS: CO2 reduction, semiconductors, electrocatalysts
101
P47
ACTIVITY OF AZA-PODOPHYLLOTOXIN DERIVATIVES AGAINST A PANEL OF MELANOMA CANCER CELLS
Kumar, A.
Universidad Metropolitana
[email protected]
According to Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program at National Cancer Institute Melanoma Cancer will
be responsible for highest number of estimated 9,320 deaths which is 1.5% of all estimated cancer deaths and 91,270
new estimated cases which is 5.3% of all new estimated cases during 2018. Search of potent treatment in melanoma
cancer is an urgent need. We have developed a library of Aza-podophyllotoxins (AZPs) as synthetic analogues of
podophyllotoxin (PD) which is a natural precursor for many cancer drugs. Our past research work demonstrates
tremendous potential in AZPs for anticancer drug discovery1-4. Our results show that some Aza-podophyllotoxin
derivatives demonstrates promising activity against a panel of melanoma cancer with high anti-proliferative activity in
nano molar and low toxicity in micromolar providing wide therapeutic window for drug development. These results
suggest that and our aza-podophyllotoxin derivatives have excellent potential to be promising leads for further studies
which is under investigation for of their potential application as anticancer drugs against melanoma cancer.
KEYWORDS: Chemistry, Biomedical, Biochemistry and Toxicology
P48
SEPARATION, IDENTIFICATION, AND QUANTIFICATION OF EXPLOSIVES USING THIN LAYER
CHROMATOGRAPHY – QUANTUM CASCADE LASER SPECTROSCOPY
2 1 1
Pérez-Almodóvar, L.1;; Castro-Suarez, J. ;; Hernández-Rivera, S. ;; Ruiz-Caballero, J.
1
ALERT DHS Center of Excellence for Explosives Research, Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico-
Mayagüez
2
Antonio de Arévalo Technological Foundation, TECNAR, Cartagena, Colombia
[email protected]
The need of rapid methods/instrumentation for chemical and biological threat agents in Defense and Homeland Security
settings as well as in forensic investigations has become an ever more critical issue in modern society. Based on this
premise, this work focused on the design and development of a new hyphenated analysis platform for screening of
explosives, such as TNT, followed by identification and quantification using thin layer chromatography (TLC) coupled
to mid-infrared (MIR) quantum cascade laser spectroscopy (TLC-QCLS) that allows rapid, robust, and reproducible
separation and identification of explosives in the field at a very short time. The comparison of the spectra obtained by
TLC-ATR/FTIR and TLC-QCLS was completed where it was concluded that the QCL-based methodology is a very
powerful coupled technique which resulted in a drastic increase in the characteristic bands of the TNT. TNT standard
solutions which provided TLC spots containing 0.39 – 100 µg were prepared and tested. The TLC-QCLS methodology
was evaluated calculating the analytical figures of merits in terms of linearity of calibration curves, sensitivity, and
precision. Using this method, TNT spectrum from showed most important characteristic bands of the explosive at 1350
cm-1 and 1550 cm-1 when compared with the reference spectrum of TNT. For TNT, the limit of detection (LOD) was
84 ng and the limit of quantification (LOQ) was 253 ng. The technique developed was coupled to chemometric
multivariate statistical algorithms, such as partial least squares (PLS) regression analysis for data enhancement of the
results.
KEYWORDS: quantum cascade laser spectroscopy (QCLS), thin layer chromatography (TLC), 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene
(TNT), partial least squares regression (PLS)
102
P49
NOVEL METAL PHTHALOCYANINE NANOWIRES FOR THE SELECTIVE DETECTION AND CAPTURE OF
TOXIC GASES IN HIGHLY HYDRATED ENVIRONMENTS
Gonzalez-Espiet, J.;; Piñero-Cruz, D.;; Cintrón, J.;; Fonseca, L.;; Flores, S.
University of Puerto Rico Río Piedras Campus
[email protected]
Innovative 3D metal organic frameworks (MOFs) constructed with metal phthalocyanine (MPc) complexes will serve as
highly sensitive and selective NOx sensors suitable for detecting, measuring, and capturing NOx at concentrations from
1 ppb to 10 ppm. The device is based on the electrical conductivity changes produced by the adsorption of NOx gases
on cutting edge nanowires built from the MPcs using chemical vapor deposition. Modification of the MPc molecules
with fluorinated moieties will enhance its sensing properties and will enable the sensors to retain their selectivity and
sensitivity at temperatures above 100 °C and in environments with high concentrations of humidity. The reproducibility,
stability, detection limit and response times of the sensors will also be studied, in addition to its response to low
concentrations
KEYWORDS: Nanoscience, Environmental, Inorganic
P50
ELECTROCHEMICAL IMPEDANCE SPECTROSCOPY AN INNOVATIVE ENDOMETRIAL CANCER DETECTION
BIOSENSOR: FROM THE BENCH TO A MICRO-ENTERPRISE.
1 2 1 1
López-Nieves, M. ;; Díaz-Ayala, R. ;; Colón-Berlingeri, E. ;; Cabrera, C.
1
BIDEA LLC
2
University of Puerto Rico
[email protected]
Everyday new scientific findings provide ammunition for the fight against cancer. A panacea for cancer has not been
found, however like any disease, prevention continues to be the most prudent and ultimately the less costly alternative.
Thus, it is important to have screening methods that allow us to detect the presence of malignant cells before symptoms
appear in a simple, fast and cost effective process. Therefore, this device will allow physicians to screen patients during
regular check-ups while concurrently being attractive to health care providers by lowering costs across the board.
Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) is a highly sensitive technique that allows for the detection of
Telomerase: a recognized biomarker present in a about 85% of human cancers. Previous work has demonstrated that
when a gold electrode is modified with a DNA probe specific for telomerase binding and exposed to biopsy samples of
cancer cells that exhibited Telomerase, elongation of DNA occurs. This process at the surface of the modified gold
electrode surface results in a measurable change in the electron transfer of the electrochemical cell. Hence, we present
an innovative screening test that will also provide a non-invasive method for fast, accurate, and early cancer detection.
To the best of our knowledge this innovation is not currently used in commercially available biosensors. Thus, a group
of scientists that were involved in genesis of the project, founded the company, BIDEA LLC. BIDEA LLC is actually in
a Phase I project to demonstrate the functionality of this product as well as defining and documenting the designs input
of the device as part of our Design Generation I. The next step will be developing a prototype in a Phase II project and
seek the capital injection to move to Phase III. This will open the doors for commercialization.
KEYWORDS: Biosensor, Cancer Detection, Start-Up
103
P51
INSPIRING TOMORROW’S SOCIETY THROUGH THE TRANSFORMING POWER OF CHEMISTRY
Maldonado-Méndez, J. ;; Montes, I.
University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras
[email protected]
The American Chemical Society (ACS), the world’s largest scientific society, promotes the scientific development of
undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty members, and their communities, through scientific diversity. The
University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras chapter exemplifies this diversity by having student members from all around
Puerto Rico and from diverse undergraduate majors. Thus, allowing interdisciplinary connections between science
fields with innovative ideas and creative initiatives.
Our chapter’s main goal is to develop and encourage student members through chemistry, to become the scientific
leaders of our society. To do so, the chapter members work with community service, hands–on demonstrations and
magic chemistry shows that are presented to diverse audience. These activities allow our members to enrich and
inspire the community through the interesting world of chemistry. Also, it gives student members the opportunity to
establish network relationships with professionals in scientific fields, helpful for those interested in graduate studies or
other professional careers.
Freshman year students are encouraged to become members of our ACS chapter to help maximize the experience
and benefits it offers. Members develop leadership and communication skills whilst making lifelong connections with
other members through activities. The chapter strive to help students develop other qualities that have a positive impact
on their future professional careers and personal development. The Rio Piedras chapter is forging role models to
educate, impact and inspire society.
KEYWORDS: ACS Student Chapter;; Student Professional Development;; Interdisciplinary Connections
P52
ELECTROCHEMICAL STUDIES OF ZN1-XCOXO AS ORR ELECTROCATALYSTS FOR FUEL CELL
APPLICATIONS
Alonso-Sevilla, S. ;; Santiago, M.
Universidad Metropolitana San Juan, 00926
[email protected]
Oxygen reduction reaction has several applications such as fuel cells and batteries. This reaction has two main
pathways, a 4-electron reduction to form water or a 2-electron reduction to form hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The oxygen
reduction reaction occurs at the cathode in fuel cells. This study is based on the use of a doped zinc oxide material to
catalyze the oxygen reduction reaction for fuel cell applications. Zinc oxide is a wide band gap semiconductor with band
gap of around 3.45 eV. Zinc oxide has been used in solar energy harvesting, biosensors and others, due to its electronic
properties. The purpose of this project was to study the effect and behavior of doping zinc oxide nanoparticles with
cobalt ions at different concentrations Zn1-xCoxO (x=0.01,0.02,0.03,0.04,0.05) with an eye to fuel cell applications. We
performed electrochemical studies in alkaline media (KOH 0.2 M) for characterizing the activity in these cobalt doped
ZnO materials toward the oxygen reduction reaction. Two electrochemical methods were employed. In the first cyclic
voltammetry at a scan rate of 20 mV/s using Argon has our air source to determine catalytic activity on the surface of
our glassy carbon electrode. In the second, was rotating disk electrode voltammetry was used to evaluate oxygen
reduction reaction at a scan rate of 5 mV/s and a rotation rate of 1600 RPM. In the future, we will perform X-ray
experiments at CHESS to observe and detect chemicals species in operando conditions.
KEYWORDS: Inorganic Chemistry, Nano/ Materials, Energy/ Fuels
104
P53
RAMAN MICRO-CYTOMETRY FOR PHENOTYPING OF PULMONARY ALVEOLAR MACROPHAGES
1 2 2
Morales-Mercado, J. ;; LaLone, V. ;; Rosania, G.
1
Universidad Metropolitana
2
University of Michigan
[email protected]
In order to improve cytometric phenotyping abilities and better understand a cell population with high interindividual
variability, a novel Raman-based microanalysis has been developed to characterize pulmonary alveolar macrophages
based on chemical composition, specifically to measure the intracellular accumulation of phospholipids and
amiodarone, a widely-used and clinically-effective antiarrhythmic drug that may induce lung toxicity upon extended
exposure. Isolated pig macrophages were seeded onto silicon chips and incubated for 3 days in presence of 8µM
amiodarone. Raman spectral data were acquired by the WiTec alpha300R confocal Raman microscope equipped with
the 532nm excitation laser and coupled to CCD detector. All Raman spectral data were preprocessed via computational
algorithm and interpreted using a statistical model known as Biomolecular Component Analysis (BCA), to quantify the
absolute amount of each major molecular component on a single-cell basis. Differences were observed in the integrated
Raman spectrum acquired from treated and untreated macrophages cell populations that corresponded with the
characteristic spectral signals of amiodarone and phospholipid, suggesting temporal accumulation intracellularly in the
drug treated cells. Quantitative statistical modeling revealed phenotypic changes in biomolecular composition on the
single-cell basis and throughout cell populations. Raman cytometry allows detection of biomolecular changes on the
single cell basis, enabling phenotypic characterization of macrophage populations and measurement drug-induced lipid
accumulation with feasible applications in drug discovery and toxicology.
KEYWORDS: macrophages, amiodarone, cytometry
P54
HOW SUSCEPTIBLE ARE FUNGI, YEASTS AND BACTERIAS TO THE PROPERTIES OF ORGANOMETALLIC
COMPOUNDS BASED ON IRON AND/ OR MOLYBDENUM?
Pérez-Lozada, S.;; Vera-Serrano, J.;; Vázquez, A.
Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, San
Germán Campus
[email protected]
The purpose of this study was to expose fungi, yeasts and bacteria to the inhibitory or proliferative properties of the
organometallic compounds with its respective bases. This research will help us to analyze, create and develop
alternatives to control or combat the excessive growth of pathogens where a sterile environment is needed. We will be
exploring what could be the properties of organometallic compounds based on iron or molybdenum, as possible
antibacterial or antifungal agents so that they eventually be treatment alternatives in the field of medicine. We use
samples of yeasts such as S. cerevisiae, C. guillermondii, C. albicans, Rhodotorula and as examples of bacteria we
use S. aureus, S. typhymurium and C. freundii. We used specific culture media for each classification of organisms, for
yeast we use Saboraud Dextrose agar (SDA) and for bacteria Mueller-Hinton agar (MH). We exposed the organisms
to 15μL of the organometallic compound dissolved in DMSO on sterile paper discs, we incubated the organisms already
with the compound for 24 and 48 hours, after which the halo of inhibition was measured. If the organism grew after
incubation and did not create a halo of inhibition, we call it negative and if there was a halo of inhibition we call it
positive. In summary, the only ones that gave positive results was S. aureus for compound 1, compound 2 and
compound 5. The organisms S. typhymurium, C. freundii, C. guillermondii y C. albicans were positive for compound 5.
Compound 1: Ferrocenoil-(17β)-estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,17-diol
Compound 2: Ferrocenoil–(8R,9S,13S,14S)-3-hydroxy-13-methyl-7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16-octahydro-6H-
cyclopental[a]phenanthrene-17-one
Compound 5: Ferrocene-6F
KEYWORDS: Organic Chemistry, Science, Chemistry
105
P55
SAN GERMAN CHAPTER: FUNDRAISING AS A KEY COMPONENT OF A SUCCESSFUL CHAPTER
Martínez -Bracero, G.;; Vargas-Padilla, S.;; García-Acosta, E.;; Franceschini-Silva, E.;;
Silvestry-Padilla, P.;; González-Mederos, A.
Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, San
Germán Campus
martinez-[email protected]
Fund raising has been a key activity for the San German student chapter. It’s not just about raising money, it’s also
about the hard work beneath it. Our members improve their communication skills and leave aside their differences for
the benefit of the chapter. They also connect with the student body, the professors and get to know people from other
study fields. This kind of activities help the chapter grow in a lot of ways: like having the resources to help others in
need or even travel to the national meetings. Fundraising also increases our members engagement and maintains the
chapter united. This poster will show some of our fundraising strategies and activities carried on last year.
KEYWORDS: Student chapter
P56
COMPOSITIONAL ANALYSIS, ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY AND BIOACTIVITY OF ALOE VERA
Raffucci-Colomer, G.;; Robles, J.;; Rivera-Portalatin, N.
University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez campus
[email protected]
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are unstable radicals that react violently with biomolecules causing damage to cells
and tissues. Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. is a medicinal plant originally from the Arabian Peninsula, and also found in tropical
climates. It has a gel with a large array of healing properties. Because of its several medicinal properties, this research
is focused on the identification, characterization and evaluation of bioactivity of the extracts from the gel and the peel
of A. vera leaves. We hypothesize that the gel has compounds with antioxidant properties that could contribute to the
benefits attributed to the plant. In order to identify those compounds, extractions were performed using the whole leave
(gel + peel), the gel alone and the peel alone in water and ethanol. Identification of the compounds obtained from each
extraction was performed by gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The brine shrimp lethality assay was
used to determine the bioactivity of the different extracts and the antioxidant capacity was measured by using the 1,1-
Diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay. A correlation between the compounds identified in
the different extracts and their antioxidant capacity and bioactivities will be presented. Future work will be focused on
the extraction with non-polar solvents. This study helps in understanding better the medicinal properties of this tropical
plant.
KEYWORDS: Aloe Vera, Bioactivity, Antioxidant Capacity, Reactive Oxygen Species
106
P57
THE FIRST INVESTIGATION OF THE ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF THE COMBINATION OF 2-
HEXADECYNOIC ACID AND CIPROFLOXACION AGAINST MULTI-DRUG RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS
AUREUS
1 1 2 1 1
Medina, S. ;; Ocasio-Malave, C. ;; Carballeira, N. ;; Perele, T. ;; Sanabria-Ríos, D.
1
Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Natural Sciences, Inter American University of Puerto Rico,
Metropolitan Campus
2
Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus
[email protected]
Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) represent a major public health problem worldwide. This bacterium
is associated with increased morbidity and mortality when compared with other pathogenic bacteria. The increase of
its colonization rate affords the incrimination of infection rates in the population and hospitals leading significant rise in
treatment cost. This situation become more complex when MRSA is acquiring resistance towards ciprofloxacin (Cipro),
broad spectrum antibiotic commonly prescribed for treating bacterial infections. Recently, it was discovered that the 2-
hexadecynoic acid (2-HDA) was effective in inhibiting the antibacterial activity of Gram-positive and Gram-negative
bacteria as well as clinical isolates of MRSA (CIMRSA). In the present study, it was investigated whether 2-HDA, in
combination with Cipro, improves the antibacterial activity of Cipro in Cipro-resistant CIMRSA strains. To perform this
study, antibacterial activity of either 2-HDA or Cipro in six CIMRSA strains were tested. Subsequently, it was identified
Cipro-resistant CIMRSA strains by employing broth-dilution susceptibility tests. Once Cipro-resistant CIMRSA strains
were identified (MIC > 2 µg/mL), these bacteria were treated with equimolar concentrations of 2-HDA and Cipro.
Preliminary results reveal that the combination of 2-HDA and Cipro were 2- to 16-fold more effective than Cipro in
inhibiting the growth of five Cipro-resistant CIMRSA strains. In addition, results from S. aureus DNA gyrase inhibitory
tests suggest that the combination of 2-HDA and Cipro increase the inhibitory effect on the DNA gyrase super-coiling
activity when compared with Cipro alone. Results from this study will impact broadly the field by providing the first
combinatorial study between Cipro and 2-HDA.
KEYWORDS: Organic Chemistry;; Pharmacology;; Biomedical
P58
THE CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS STUDENTS ASSOCIATION FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO IN
PONCE PROMOTES PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH COMMUNITY SERVICE
Orengo, J.;; Rodríguez, M.;; De-Jesús Ortiz, D.
University of Puerto Rico, Ponce
[email protected]
The Chemistry and Physics Students Association, recruits students who are interested in pursuing a scientific career
and in providing community service. We are willing to impact diverse communities outside and within our university
through science. Our goal is to foster interest in chemistry and physics and to offer students a platform where they can
grow professionally and personally. We have done activities which have encouraged the scientific interest and the
development of transferrable skills. These activities include: seminars on how to build a resume and applying to
graduate school, the participation at the Chemistry Festival in San Juan, and visits to elementary schools in Ponce
were we bring hands-on activities related to chemistry. Additionally, we have done chemistry and physics competitions
in our university, recruiting students from different high schools in Puerto Rico. In sum, we have also participated in
social activities such as: The Social Dining Room, where we offer free lunch to the students of the institution together
with others associations from our university, the Scuba Dogs were we help in coastal cleanup, and Gogo were we do
the 5K walk to help the cancer pediatric patients. To measure the impact in our members, we created an online survey
where twenty five (25) members and ex-members of our association participated. Our members agree that these
activities have helped them in their personal and professional development and that there has been a positive impact
in our institution and in the general community. These results show that the association has achieved its goal and that
it contributes to the development of well-rounded professionals through activities that incorporate science and
community service. For future projections we would like to increase the number of initiated members to more than fifty
(50) members to continue to reach out beyond our institution.
KEYWORDS: Chemistry, Physics, Community Service
107
P59
STUDIES OF PAH-ADENOSINE ADDUCTS BY ATR-FTIR SPECTROSCOPY
Vega-Casiano, P.;; Mina-Camilde, N.;; Ramos-Rivera, G.;; Quiles-Rivera, K.
University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez
[email protected]
The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds are very varied in our environment. The negative effects of
hydrocarbons adducts with deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) has been widely mentioned as a major source for cancer
linked species. It is known that the oxidation of a hydrocarbon can lead to the formation of adducts with nitrogenized
bases. In order to study this phenomenon, a synthesis procedure of benzo(a)pyrene with adenosine in presence of
iodine (I2) as an oxidant, was performed. The resulting product was obtained in a particulate solid form and was later
analyzed by FTIR. When comparing it to the raw materials’ spectra, the formation of the studied adducts has been
determined and linked to a specific region within said spectrum. Those links that have been identified as carbon-
nitrogen (C-N) bonds which are widely present in the raw material. Various runs were made to compare the effect of
the variations of the preparation of the studied adducts with the effect on the IR spectra. Future work will be focused
on study the interaction of other PAH’s at the same conditions.
KEYWORDS: adduct, adenosine, spectroscopy
P60
SYNTHESIS OF ANTI- AND SYN-HYDROXYMETHYL 1,3-DIOL MOTIFS BASED ON THE REGIOSELECTIVE
CLEAVAGE OF 2,3- EPOXY ALCOHOLS USING GRIGNARD AND ORGANOALUMINUM REAGENTS:
APPLICATION TO THE POLYPROPIONATE SYNTHESIS
1 2
Rodríguez-Berrios, R. ;; Prieto, J.
1
College of Science, Chemistry Department, Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus
2
Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus
[email protected]
Bacterial resistance and virus infections is a worldwide problem. Polypropionates are large and complex metabolites
found in many natural products that have a wide range of powerful therapeutics including antibiotics, antiviral, antitumor,
antiparasitic and antifungal. The hydroxylmethyl 1,3-diols motifs appears in many natural polypropionate bioactive
molecules and the development of synthetic methologies for their construction represented a great endeavor. Up to
date few regio- and diastereoselective methods for the synthesis of anti- and syn-hydroxylmethyl 1,3-diols motif have
been reported. Recently, we have reported and developed a second-generation methodology based on the
regioselective cleavage of monoprotected-2,3-epoxy alcohols with alkynyl aluminum reagents for the synthesis of
differentially monoprotected alkynyl triol derivatives with highly distereoselectivity. Here, we report a regiocontrolled
epoxide cleavage methodology using Cu-catalyzed alkenyl Grignard reagents and alkynylaluminum reagents for the
synthesis of anti- and syn- hydroxylmethyl 1,3-diols fragments. Different Grignard reagents were explored such as cis-
1-propenylmagnesium bromide, trans-1- propenylmagnesium bromide, vinyl magnesium bromide and -
(trimethylsilyl)vinylmagnesium bromide reagents with cis- and trans-TIPS- monoprotected epoxy alcohols. The
successful results obtained with the Grignard reagents provided a direct access to the cis- and terminal homoallylic
alcohols in moderate to good yields (46-88%) and excellent regioselectivities (>95:5) for the synthesis of syn- and anti-
1,3-diols. These results open the door for the elaboration of new polypropionate targets that require a hydroxylmethyl
1,3-diols motifs such as tedanolide, myriaporones and other natural products.
KEYWORDS: polypropionates, organic syntesis, epoxy alcohols, Grignard reagents
108
P61
RESPONSE OF MEGACOPTA CRIBRARIA TO INSECT EXPOSED SOYBEAN PLANTS IN A Y-TRACK
OLFACTOMETER
1 2 1 2 2
Santiago, R. , Herlihy, M. , Figueroa, M. , Pasteur, K. , Weber, D.
1
USDA-ARS, Invasive Insect Biocontrol and Behavior Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, USA
2
Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, San
Germán
[email protected]
The kudzu bug Megacopta cribraria (F.) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Plastapidae) is a known invasive species, that comes
from Asian origins, which has been plaguing the United States for the past couple of years. This invasive species has
become so prominent in soybean plantation that around 90 percent of soybeans planted around the east of the United
States has been infected with the kudzu bug. Because of this rising dilemma, this investigation focuses on
understanding how the kudzu bug’s potent smell on plants affects insects of the same species. The method used in
this investigation was a Y-track olfactometer in order to have control of the environment in which the experiment would
take place and be able to identify the insect’s preference when exposed to a control and experimental group. Results
demonstrated that M. cribraria, both male and females, preferred soybean leaves which have been exposed to the
pheromones of the male bug. In conclusion, plants exposed to the pheromone of M. cribraria may affect the behavior
of the same species;; however, more studies are needed in order to confirm whether both sexes are attracted to the
pheromones of the male species and in order to understand how the implications of this attractions may be used to
help mitigate the damages done by this invasive species in current and future scenarios.
KEYWORDS: Megacopta cribraria, Y-track olfactometer, kudzu bug
P62
BIOACCUMULATION OF HEAVY METALS IN LEMNA MINOR FROM A NATURAL WETLAND
Cortés-Rosario, Y.
Department of Physics and Chemistry in the University of Puerto Rico at Arecibo
[email protected]
The research of the waterway located in Caño Tiburones consist of the triplicated testing of sediment, water and plants
to determine the amount of heavy metals present in them in different seasons of the year as an indicator of pollutants.
This wetland located in Arecibo and Manatí is exposed to contamination as a consequence of waste activity and
pollution from industries from nearby affecting its environment, as well as the organism that live on it. The plant samples
are going to be submitted to a drying process and then macerated, then three samples are going to be treated with the
Open Beaker Method as well-known as the acid digestion method. The sediment samples will be treated with the EPA
Method 3050B, which consist of acid digestion. The water samples will be treated with a 1:1 solution of water and nitric
acid of 70%w/w concentration and stored until the plant and sediment samples are finished been treated. The
quantification of metals in the samples will be done by atomic absorption spectrum by flame. The blank and standard
solutions will be analyzed first to prepare a calibration curve and finally analyze the samples. Some of the heavy metals
to be analyzed are nickel, cadmium, iron, manganese, lead, and copper among others. It is expected to obtain high
levels of heavy metals, as a cause of the high exposition due to the surrounding pharmaceutical industries and waste
activities nearby. The Lemna Minor is an aquatic plant that has the ability to absorb and bioaccumulate heavy metals
that pollution provides to the environment in which they are present. This project has a final purpose of quantifying the
metals present in the waters, plants and sediments of this reserve and finally identify their origin.
KEYWORDS: Bioaccumulation, Lemna Minor, Heavy metals
109
P63
STRUCTURE, DOCKING STUDIES AND CYTOTOXICITY STUDIES ON MCF-7 BREAST CANCER AND HT-29
COLON CANCER CELL LINES OF THE NOVEL FERROCENIC-STEROIDS DERIVATES
1 2 1
Narváez, X. ;; Maldonado, W. ;; Meléndez, E.
1
University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez Campus
2
Universidad de Cartagena-Colombia
[email protected]
Four novel complexes were sintetized and characterized by different spectroscopic techniques using
ferrocenecarboxaldehyde as starting material and using the hormones pregnolone, trans-androsterone, cis-
androsterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) as pendants groups. Three of these complexes were crystalized
using vapor diffusion in a benzene/pentane system to study them structurally by x-ray diffraction. Molecular modeling
studies were performed to study the interaction of the novel complexes with estrogen receptor (PDB: 1A52) using
SYBYL-x 2.0, analyzed with Surflex-Dock and predicted interactions by LigandScout 3.1 software. The docking studies
showed that all of the complexes occupy the same binding site in the estrogen receptor, and the results suggest that
the protein-ligands interactions were mainly hydrophobic, and also showed that Fc-DHEA complex has the highest
affinity constant to ER compared to the other complexes. The biological activities of these complexes, the starting
materials, tamoxifen and cisplatin (were used as standards in the cell lines respectively), were evaluated on MCF-7
breast cancer and HT-29 colon cancer cell lines through a colorimetric MTT assay. The IC50 values that were obtained
for the Fc-trans-androsterone (19.8±1.4 μM (MCF-7), 20.8±0.36μM (HT-29));; Fc-cis-androsterone (14.3±2.9 μM (MCF-
7), 4.45 ±0.68 μM (HT-29)) and Fc-DHEA (26.6±1.8 μM (MCF-7), 33.1±0.4 μM (HT-29)) complexes, demonstrate that
the synergism between the ferrocene and the steroid improves notably the cytotoxic properties of these complexes in
the cell lines studied when compared with the starting material and the tamoxifen(47.0±1.6 μM (MCF-7)), and
cisplatin(66±1.9 μM (HT-29) standards.
KEYWORDS: analytical chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, pharmacology.
P64
GROWTH AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CU-DOPED TIN OXIDE NANOSTRUCTURES
1 2 2
Ojeda, V. ;; Torres, D.1 ;; Maestre, D. ;; Cremades, A.
1
Natural Science and Mathematics Department, Inter American University, Bayamon, PR
2
Física de Materiales, Facultad de Ciencias Físicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
[email protected]
Transparent semiconducting oxides (TSO) are essential components of high performance electronic devices. There
are few materials that exhibit simultaneously good conductivity and high transparency in the visible part of the spectrum.
Both properties are required in great diversity of devices such as flat-panel displays. In particular, tin oxide
nanostructures have started playing important roles in energy conversion devices and optoelectronic devices. Copper
doping of tin oxide thin films has been demonstrated to improve the sensitivity and selectivity of gas sensors. The main
advantage of this method is that the resistance response could be altered by choice of an appropriate concentration of
only one acceptor or donor. Other potential applications of copper doped tin oxide are related to their photo-catalytic
activity and antibacterial behaviour. A catalyst free vapor-solid method [1], using commercial Cu and Sn powder of 99%
purity was used as starting materials. The powder was pressed to form pellets and were annealed at 900 C under
argon flow for 10 h. For the doped samples, the precursor powder was mixed and milled using different amounts of Cu
to Sn weight ratio in the initial mixture. Nanostructures with different kind of morphology grew on the doped pellet
surface, which acts simultaneously as the source of the precursor material and as a substrate. Studies of the
morphology and characterization of the as-grown nanostructures with SEM, EDS, cathodoluminescence (CL) and
Raman techniques were performed. Doping not only induce the growing of nano- and micro-structures with different
morphologies as compared to the undoped material, but also induce changes in the Raman and CL spectra of tin oxide.
110
P65
ACADEMIA PONCE INTERAMERICANA;; INNOVATING!
2 1
Pellicier-Rodriguez, C. ;; Ferrer-Torres, E.
1
Inter American University of Puerto Rico Ponce Campus
2
Science Department, Academia Ponce Interamericana.
Academia Ponce Interamericana (API) Chem Club has the motivation to oversee the student interest in chemistry by
performing a series of experiments throughout the school year. Our most important factor is to promote STEM activities
involving our members to enrich their learning experience in conducting a series of chemistry-based activities and
develop their leadership skills. The events include “chem demos,” “mole day,” Science Fair Screening by the National
Geographic, Chemistry week, Earth Week, The Chemistry of Christmas! And conferences that will motivate our member
to consider STEM careers. Such activities are aligned with the vision and mission statement of the academy.
Consequently, we have several students, senior and sophomore, being exposed to new encounters in the science field
by working on nanotechnology research projects in collaboration with the Inter American University Ponce Campus to
improve their laboratory skills and promote their interest in continuing studies of STEM careers. The API Chem Club is
compromised with the students and their development. We are building leaders by promoting values, STEM and
extracurricular activities.
P66
ELECTROCHEMICAL SYNTHESIS OF CONDUCTIVE POLYMERS TO ENHANCE CARBON SUPPORTS FOR
METAL CATALYSTS
Vargas-Pérez, B.;; Rivera-Rodríguez, V. ;; Cunci-Pérez, L.
Universidad del Turabo
[email protected]
In this project is based on the synthesis of electrically conductive polymers as supports for metal catalysts using the
rotating disk slurry electrode (RoDSE) technique. RoDSE is a technique in which isolated atoms, clusters and metal
nanoparticles are deposited on an unsupported nanocarbon material. The objective of the research is the development
of RoDSE to electrochemically synthesize nanoparticles based on polypyrrole as support for metallic catalysts. This
technique will also be used to produce coatings of polypyrrole-based conducting polymers on nanocarbon supports to
increase their surface area by covering the pores that can impede metal particles. The first was a synthesis of
nanodiamonds to carbon nano-onions (CNO) using a thermal process. Once the product was obtained, it was
characterized using the Raman and XRD technique. In both techniques the characteristic peaks of the CNO were
obtained. In the Raman, the signals are observed approximately 1300 cm-1 and 1700 cm-1, whereas in the X-ray
diffraction diffractograms the peaks are observed approximately at 25 ° and 40 °. Second, a synthesis was performed
with the CNO to oxidize the layers of CNO particles with sulfuric acid. The next step will be using RoDSE to deposit
polypyrrole as support. To confirm these results, infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy and Raman techniques will
be used to identify support materials. The techniques of cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance
spectroscopy will be used to identify the conductive polymers for their electrochemical properties. The dynamic light
scattering technique will also be used to determine the size of the particles and the interactions with the polymers.
Finally, the scanning electron microscopy technique will be used to obtain images of the analyzed surface.
Keywords: Environmental, Energy/Fuels, Nano/Materials
111
P67
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CARBON NANO-ONIONS AS SUPPORT FOR
ELECTROCATALYST
Rivera-Rodríguez, V.;; Vargas-Pérez, B. ;; Ortíz-Santiago, J. ;; Cunci-Pérez, L.
Universidad del Turabo
[email protected]
The Carbon Nano-Onions (CNO) are unique nanostructures with properties such as high conductivity, high surface
area, cost effective, metallic conductivity and low electric noise. In comparation with other nanoparticles, these show
different physical properties that can be used with the purpose of obtaining highly conductive catalysts for different
reactions. In this project, CNO were prepared and characterized through different techniques to confirm their synthesis.
First, we started with carbon nano-diamond powder and we introduced it in a high temperature furnace to obtain CNO.
Later, we oxidized them using a mixture of strong acids in order to synthesize highly hydrophilic CNO. Once the
synthesis was finished, Raman Spectroscopy was used to characterize our samples. We found that the first peak was
located at 1250 cm-‐1, which represents a carbon-to-carbon bond (C-C) with an sp3 hybridization, while the second
peak was located at 1600 cm-‐1 representing the carbon-to-oxygen moiety (C-O) with an sp2 hybridization. These
results obtained confirmed the unique presence of carbon and oxygen-based functionalization. Additionally, in order to
confirm the effectivity of the synthesis and the purity of the CNO, X-Ray-Diffraction was used. Lastly, Anatomic Forced
Microscopy is currently being used to measure the size of the nanoparticles in the sample. Its high concentration of
carbon-oxygen moieties provides a large amount of nucleation sites to deposit metal catalyst nanoparticles. Finally, we
will use this synthesis together with the rotating disk slurry electrode (RoDSE) technique to deposit other nanomaterials.
RoDSE has been used before to deposit isolated atoms, cluster and metal nanoparticles on unsupported nanocarbon
materials.
Keywords: Environmental, Energy/Fuels, Nano/Materials
P68
Electrochemical Studies of Cationic Ferrocenyl Chalcones and Their Interaction with Calf-Thymus DNA
González Albó, A.;; Delgado, S.;; Montes, I.;; Guadalupe, A.R.
Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus
[email protected]
Ferrocenyl chalcones are α-β unsaturated ketones conjugated to a ferrocene molecule. From a medicinal point of view,
they are potential drug targets because of the broad range of antitumor, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities
that they have displayed. Their tendency to generate damaging radicals in the presence of hydrogen peroxide is related
to their biological activity. It is surprising that the electrochemical properties of FCs have not been a subject of an in
depth study when their biological activity is precisely linked to their redox behavior. With the purpose of understanding
the redox reactions of these compounds, we studied four cationic FCs in CH3CN/0.1M LiClO4 using Cyclic Voltammetry.
-3
In addition, we studied the anodic peak current (Ip,a) variation of the four FCs with the addition of ct-DNA (1.0x10 M
PBS, µ=.01M, pH=7.45) to assess whether these compounds interact with nucleic acids. We reasoned that if these
compounds produce damaging radicals and interact with nucleic acids they could behave as artificial nucleases. Our
results showed that the redox process of FCs in acetonitrile is chemically reversible (Ip,c/Ip,a = 0.65-1.28) and
o
electrochemically quasi-reversible (ΔEp = 71-227) mV. Their E ’ varies between 490 to 753 mV depending on the
-5 2
substituent and the carbonyl and alkene relative positions. Their diffusion coefficients (1.65- 3.82x10 cm /s) compares
with those of small molecules in homogeneous solutions. The redox process is diffusion controlled as judged from the
1/2
linearity of the Ip,c (Ip,a) vs. v plots. Results from the titration of the FCs with ct-DNA in PBS showed that the Ip,a current
decreased with successive additions of the nucleic acid and changes in the Ep,a also were observed. These results
3
indicate an interaction between FCs and the ct-DNA. We measured binding constants about 10 for all FCs following
an electrochemical model for nucleic acids interaction. The shape of the Scatchard-like plots showed the presence of
at least two binding sites acting cooperatively. We are currently investigating the location of that interaction to confirm
an electrostatic interaction. We look forward to conduct similar titration studies with plasmid DNA (pUC19) and FCs in
the absence and presence of hydrogen peroxide to assess their role as nucleases.
112
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