Systematically developing the chemistry of bismuth and other heavy metals with biorelevant ligands.
Date
2004
Authors
Eelman, Melanie D.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Dalhousie University
Abstract
Description
In contrast to the toxicity displayed by many heavy metals, especially those in the p-block (e.g. lead, arsenic), bismuth compounds are well known for their therapeutic application in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and have a long history of medicinal use. Although the mechanisms of bioactivity are not understood, the thiophilicity of bismuth has prompted speculation that sulfur-containing biomolecules represent the primary target for pharmaceuticals such as 'colloidal bismuth subcitrate' and 'bismuth subsalicylate', the active ingredients of De-Nol RTM and Pepto-BismolRTM, respectively. However, definitive characterisation of bismuth and other heavy metal complexes involving biomolecules has been elusive.
This work establishes the utility of electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) as a characterisation method to identify interactions of heavy metals with small biomolecules and other biorelevant ligands. In addition, the first examples of a bismuth and a lead complex involving amino acids have been isolated and structurally characterised. These observations provide important insight into how heavy metals, bioactive or otherwise, may become incorporated into biological systems.
Thesis (Ph.D.)--Dalhousie University (Canada), 2004.
This work establishes the utility of electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) as a characterisation method to identify interactions of heavy metals with small biomolecules and other biorelevant ligands. In addition, the first examples of a bismuth and a lead complex involving amino acids have been isolated and structurally characterised. These observations provide important insight into how heavy metals, bioactive or otherwise, may become incorporated into biological systems.
Thesis (Ph.D.)--Dalhousie University (Canada), 2004.
Keywords
Chemistry, Biochemistry., Chemistry, Inorganic.