Chemical, photochemical and biochemical transformation of selected bioactive compounds

The project builds on our previous research into the degradation of selected addictive substances and natural antioxidants. The monitoring of metabolites of bioactive compounds is part of an interdisciplinary research effort. The core objective is to elucidate the biochemical transformation of important biologically active polyphenolic compounds using a new and unique approach. In collaboration with Faculty of Pharmacy we will combine the identification of metabolites formed in human liver in vitro (using subcellular fractions of human liver homogenates and precision-cut liver slices) with the determination of reaction intermediates (using in situ spectroelectrochemical techniques based on a newly developed 3D-printed platform) and elucidation of the reaction mechanism (using voltammetric diagnostics and UV/Vis, IR, and MS identification techniques). At our department, we will electrochemically generate the initial products formed after electron transfer. The combination of a biochemical approach, leading to the identification of final stable metabolites formed in the human liver, with a spectroelectrochemical approach, enabling the determination of reaction intermediates and reaction mechanisms, may provide comprehensive information and clarify the role of electron and proton transfer in the biological activities of the tested polyphenols. Detailed knowledge of the metabolic pathways of these compounds is essential for understanding their biological activity and/or potential toxicity in humans.