Interdisciplinary Bioinorganic Chemistry Laboratory

Bioinorganic chemistry courses are becoming more common at undergraduate educational institutions, as evidenced by the increase in the number of commercially available textbooks on the subject. Development of laboratory experiments are needed to supplement the material taught in a bioinorganic chemistry lecture. Siderophores are often highlighted in bioinorganic lecture courses. Providing a fascinating laboratory component to enhance the bioinorganic lecture material would make this field of study tangible to students. The laboratory experiment reported here utilizes synthetic techniques and instrumental analysis to characterize a model iron (III)-catecholamide siderophore using dopamine as the ligand. To synthesize iron (III) dopacatecholate anion two methods were developed with either the use of a stirring hot plate or a chemical microwave apparatus. The results of both experiments yield the same model siderophore product as determined through Ultraviolet-Visible (UV- Vis) spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) (mid/far). This laboratory can also be incorporated into biochemistry, instrumental analytical, inorganic and organic student laboratories. Students also need to consult literature articles to complete analysis of the spectral data collected. Understanding both the experiment and the journals can be assessed through data collection, conclusion remarks and post-laboratory questions.