Nadia Y. Ayala

Chemistry/Biochemistry Research 430

Fall 2016

Nadia Y. Ayala

Senior Biochemistry Major

Research Times

T/Thur 10am-12pm

section 01 = 0.25 credit = 4 hours per week.

Proposed Research Project

General Information

Advisor: Bradley Sturgeon

Other research student collaborators: Stephany Saey

Proposal

Curcumin is a secondary plant metabolite of the turmeric herb Curcuma Longa. The term "curcumin" has been used to refer to the bioactive moelcule, but in reality curcumin has three different molecular structures: curcumin I, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. A review of curcumin studies suggest curcumin has chemotherapeutic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity, among other uses to be discovered. The current research project aims to successfully isolate and purify curcumin and its derivatives from the plant turmeric. With MeOH under reflux, the curcuminoids will be extracted and subsequently subjected to Flash Chromatography for separation. Once the curcuminoids are separated, NMR data collection will take place to compare the chemical properties of each derivative.

Research pledge

I, Nadia Ayala, have read the Chem/Bioc 430 course syllabus and understand the general structure and expectations of the research program. The above material was prepared after consultation, and in conjunction with my research advisor.