CHED 818 |
| Katherine Quinones and Kevin O'Shea. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, University Park, Miami, FL 33199 |
| Thiarubrine-A (dithiacyclohexadine) is a naturally occurring compound, which can be found in the roots of common ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia. Thiarubrine-A has shown to hinder the growth of fungi, certain viruses, and nematodes. Recently, it was shown to kill cancer cells in solid tumors commonly found in the breast and the lung. The standard method of extracting Thiarubrine-A includes liquid-solid and liquid-liquid extractions using organic solvents. We have explored an alternative way of extracting Thiarubrine-A using CO2, employing a method known as Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE). The concentrations of Thiarubrine-A extracted by SFE were compared to those obtained using the standard method of extraction and gave better yields. We performed SFEs at different pressures and these results indicate that an increase in pressure may lead to better yields. Currently, co-solvents, such as methanol and ethanol, are being used in order to establish the optimal conditions for SFE. |
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Undergraduate Research Poster Session: Organic Chemistry
2:00 PM-4:00 PM, Monday, March 29, 2004 Anaheim Convention Center -- Hall A, Poster
Division of Chemical Education |