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Combating Alzheimer’s Disease: Design and Synthesis of a Novel Drug Molecule for Targeted Metal Chelation Therapy

JSHS · 2025

Avani Kaur, Dr. Michael Norris · Mills E. Godwin High School, Henrico, VA

Overview

Purpose: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the sixth leading cause of death, and there is an urgent need for innovative treatments. Metal dyshomeostasis, a hallmark for AD, is characterized by the accumulation of certain toxic metal-ions in the brain. These metals catalyze the production of free radicals, resulting in metal -induced oxidative stress and exacerbating neurodegeneration. Metal chelators selectively bind to metal-ions to form stable complexes that can be safely excreted from the body, thereby alleviat ing oxidative stress in AD. Therefore, this study aims to synthesize a novel metal chelator as a potential therapeutic agent for targeting. Methods: A ligand was synthesized, and its structure was confirmed utilizing Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy. UV-Visible spectroscopy was implemented to assess the metal-chelating ability. Finally, the logP test was performed to determine the molecule’s ability to penetrate the Blood-Brain Barrier. It was hypothesized that the ligand would effectively chelate t oxic metals, specifically targeting Fe(III), Zn(II), and Cu(II), thereby mitigating metal -induced oxidative stress as a potential treatment for AD. Results: The results revealed that the novel ligand exhibits metal -chelating properties and has therapeutic potential for combatting AD progression. A one-way ANOVA was conducted and revealed that the data is statistically significant. The research hypothesis was supported. Conclusion: The efficacy of the novel molecule stems from its structural properties, chemical behavior, and drug-likeness. Chemically, Schiff bases form strong coordinate covalent bonds with specific metal centers, possess enhanced binding affinities, and electron delocalization, making them ideal candidates for targeted metal-chelation therapies aimed at mitigating AD.

Competition history

  • JSHS 2025 Category not listed

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Source: Junior Science and Humanities Symposium

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