Matt Rohlfing

RESEARCH SUMMARY

Since the introduction of the chemotherapy drug Cisplatin, research has been underway to discover less toxic, more effective platinum-based variations. The Bierbach lab, more specifically, works to create derivatives of a dual platinating/intercalating DNA targeted agent,[PtCl(en)(N-[acridin-9-ylamino)ethyl]-N-methylpropionamidine] dinitrate (Pt-Amidine). This potential drug along with its methyl derivative [PtCl(en)(N-[acridin-9-ylamino)methyl]-N-methylpropionamidine] dinitrate (Pt-Amidine Me) show exciting potential in their high activity in cancer cells. My current project is the optimization of synthesis of these two compounds along with their analysis in order to assist in the submission of an upcoming publication.

EDUCATION

2008-present: Bachelor of Science, Department of Chemistry, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC
2008-present: Bachelor of Arts, Department of Romance Languages, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC

POSITIONS AND HONORS

2010-present: Undergraduate Researcher, Department of Chemistry, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC