Prof. Pedro M. P. Gois "Boronic Acids: A Useful Functional Platform for Chemical Biology"

Abstract

Boronic acids (BAs) possess a rich and dynamic coordination chemistry, often characterized by the interconversion of the central boron atom between an uncharged trigonal planar structure and an anionic sp³-hybridized borate species. This versatility allows for the judicious selection of ligands to construct a wide array of boron complexes (Bcomplexes) with unique molecular architectures and diverse properties. The stability of boron-based reversible covalent bonds is highly influenced by factors such as pH and the concentration of endogenous molecules like carbohydrates and glutathione. Additionally, aromatic boronic acids are well-known to undergo rapid oxidation to phenols in the presence of reactive oxygen species. This distinctive reactivity profile provides an additional layer of utility for BAs, enabling the design of materials that incorporate mechanisms to respond to specific chemical stimuli. Such responsiveness is particularly valuable in the discovery and development of new drugs for complex diseases, including cancer, neurodegeneration, and inflammation, which are often characterized by these chemical triggers as key molecular hallmarks. This presentation will focus on the use of boronic acids in the synthesis of Bcomplexes, highlighting their potential as well-defined, stimuli-responsive molecular platform

Acknowledgments

We thank FCT grants: PTDC/QUI-OUT/3989/2021 (P.G.); institutional grants UIDB/04138/2020 and UIDP/04138/2020 (iMed).

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Organizer   Giulio RAGAZZON