Jewel Ann Maria Xavier

Two distinctive types of protein interactions modelled on the basis of basic amino acid residues on the protein surface using the anionic ‘small molecule’ probe [o-COSAN]⁻.

Here, we dope an electroactive reversible redox polymer PEDOT with a reversible redox active metallacarborane having tunable potential to generate a synergistic material with superior properties such as a low overpotential to generate O ₂ from water.

Small anionic metallacarborane molecules with activities down to the nanomolar range against methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and high selectivity index as promising antimicrobial agents to tackle antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Ferrocene and its derivatives have been extensively used as an internal reference in electrochemical processes. Yet, they possess limitations such as solvent restrictions that require chemical modifications. In this regard, we have studied the use of metallacarboranes [3,3′-M(1,2-C₂B₉H₁₁)₂]⁻ (M = Co, Fe) as general internal reference systems and have proven their suitability by thoroughly investigating their electrochemical properties in both aqueous and organic electrolytes without any derivatization.

Purpose: The aim of our study was to assess if the sodium salt of cobaltabis(dicarbollide) and its di-iodinated derivative (Na[o-COSAN] and Na[8,8′-I₂-o-COSAN]) could be promising agents for dual anti-cancer treatment (chemotherapy + BNCT) for GBM. Methods: The biological activities of the small molecules were evaluated in vitro with glioblastoma cells lines U87 and T98G in 2D and 3D cell models and in vivo in the small model animal Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) at the L4-stage and using the eggs. Results: Our studies indicated that only spheroids from the U87 cell line have impaired growth after treatment with both compounds, suggesting an increased resistance from T98G spheroids, contrary to what was observed in the monolayer culture, which highlights the need to employ 3D models for future GBM studies. In vitro tests in U87 and T98G cells conclude that the amount of ¹⁰B inside the cells is enough for BNCT irradiation. BNCT becomes more effective on T98G after their incubation with Na[8,8′-I₂-o-COSAN], whereas no apparent cell-killing effect was observed for untreated cells. Conclusions: These small molecules, particularly [8,8′-I₂-o-COSAN]⁻, are serious candidates for BNCT now that the facilities of accelerator-based neutron sources are more accessible, providing an alternative treatment for resistant glioblastoma.

Cobaltabis(dicarbollide) anion ([o‐COSAN]⁻) is a well‐known metallacarborane with multiple applications in a variety of fields. In aqueous solution, the cisoid rotamer is the most stable disposition in the ground state. The present work provides theoretical evidence on the possibility to photoinduce the rotation from the cisoid to the transoid rotamer, a conversion that can be reverted when the ground state is repopulated. The non‐radiative decay mechanisms proposed in this work are coherent with the lack of fluorescence observed in 3D fluorescence mapping experiments performed on [o‐COSAN]⁻ and its derivatives. This phenomenon induced by light has the potential to destruct the vesicles and micelles cisoid [o‐COSAN]⁻ typically forms in aqueous solution, which could lead to promising applications, particularly in the field of nanomedicine.

Cobaltabis(dicarbollide) anion ([o‐COSAN]⁻) is a well‐known metallacarborane with multiple applications in a variety of fields. In aqueous solution, the cisoid rotamer is the most stable disposition in the ground state. The present work provides theoretical evidence on the possibility to photoinduce the rotation from the cisoid to the transoid rotamer, a conversion that can be reverted when the ground state is repopulated. The non‐radiative decay mechanisms proposed in this work are coherent with the lack of fluorescence observed in 3D fluorescence mapping experiments performed on [o‐COSAN]⁻ and its derivatives. This phenomenon induced by light has the potential to destruct the vesicles and micelles cisoid [o‐COSAN]⁻ typically forms in aqueous solution, which could lead to promising applications, particularly in the field of nanomedicine.