Title:

Macrocyclic Chromophores as a Novel Class of Fluorescent Molecules

The primary goal of this research is to investigate the potential of macrocyclic imidazolidinone-based chromophores as scaffolds for fluorescence-based biological imaging. This goal will be achieved by implementing various methods to synthesize and observe the behavior of these chromophores. GFP chromophore analogs in both linear and macrocyclic structures will be synthesized and characterized using procedures established by the White-Mathieu Lab. Standard characterization techniques including NMR, UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy will be used to observe the optical properties of the synthesized molecules which illustrate the advantages of macrocycle formation. By adding a “backbone” to the linear GFP chromophore-based analog and forming a macrocyclic structure, the rotation of the molecule is inhibited which enhances fluorescence intensity and improves the application of the chromophore in potential biological imaging techniques. I will compile my findings into a report to share with my lab group and use the experience granted to me through the lab to advance my academic and career goals.

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