Synthesis of Thiocoumarin-Based Photoresponsive Compounds for Controlled Therapeutic Applications

Authors: Marin Penner, Maeko Plotena

Field of Study: Chemistry

Faculty Mentors: John Fetse

Easel: 45

Timeslot: Afternoon

Abstract: The ability to control therapeutic activity with high spatial and temporal precision remains a central challenge in drug delivery. Light-responsive systems offer a non-invasive strategy to achieve this control, enabling on-demand activation of biomaterials at the site of interest while minimizing off-target effects. Among photoresponsive platforms, coumarin-based scaffolds have emerged as versatile motifs for light-mediated activation. In this study, we report the synthesis of a thiocoumarin-based biomaterial engineered for activation with green visible light to enable controlled delivery of a peptide therapeutic. The compound was synthesized through a multi-step organic route, purified by flash chromatography, and characterized by TLC, NMR, and mass spectrometry to confirm structural integrity and purity. A peptide payload was prepared via solid-phase peptide synthesis and conjugated to the thiocoumarin alcohol. Ongoing studies are evaluating the photolytic activity of the resulting construct to enable on-demand therapeutic release in functional assays.