Lucy Fletcher

• Synthesis of Fluorescent Phosphonium Salts as Imaging Agents of Mitochondrial Dysfunction
• MChem with Hons in Medicinal Chemistry

My project is a section within an ongoing investigation of organophosphorus compounds and their potential as medical probes to detect mitochondrial disfunction. Of which indicate the presence of diseases such as Parkinsons, cancer, and Alzheimer’s.

I worked alongside a PhD student within the Lee J. Higham Research group to make my own fluorescent BODIPY compounds. Each week composed of various synthetic, analytical and separation techniques which were carried out within the research labs such as reflux, various NMRs (proton, carbon, phosphorus), column chromatography etc… whilst also using specialised equipment such as Schlenk lines, rotary evaporators, and Karl Fischer. My progression was tracked each day/ week against timelines whenever desired compounds were made and confirmed.

The overall synthesis was aimed to result in a phosphonium salt with fluorescent properties that could be explored in detail within further assessment for its potential as a medical imaging probe.

Funded by: Newcastle University Research Scholarship 

Project Supervisor: Dr Lee J Higham