Students Presley Cole and Briana Martinez from the Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) College of Mathematics, Sciences, and Health Professions recently published their research in Tetrahedron, an organic chemistry journal. Their study investigates a safer synthesis method for a fluorine-modified version of the epilepsy drug Dilantin (phenytoin) and explores why it has a longer duration in the body, but lower effectiveness compared to Dilantin.
Under the guidance of Dr. Thomas Shell, associate professor of chemistry, Cole and Martinez developed a new three-step synthesis approach for the compound, bis(para-fluorophenyl) phenytoin (pF-PHT), avoiding toxic byproducts while comparing its properties with those of Dilantin. They found that pF-PHT stays active in the body longer, but its reduced seizure-control activity likely stems from slower liver metabolism rather than differences in its physical properties.
“At LMU, we are deeply invested in creating environments where students like Presley and Briana can explore, innovate, and lead,” said Dr. Adam Rollins, dean of the LMU College of Mathematics, Sciences and Health Professions. “Guided by outstanding faculty mentors like Dr. Shell, our students contribute to scientific understanding and gain experiences that shape their professional futures. This publication highlights the potential of our students to impact real-world issues through scientific inquiry.”
Martinez presented these findings at the Southeastern Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Atlanta, Georgia. She will also present at the Annual Meeting of the Tennessee Academy of Science, hosted by LMU in November.
"I am very grateful to have been able to participate in this research,” said Martinez. “Presenting it was a wonderful experience that opened my eyes to the impact of our work. It was also very cool to meet so many professors and students who loved chemistry just as much as I do! I learned so much working with Dr. Shell and Presley Cole. I would not trade the experience for the world. "
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in the liberal arts and professional studies. The main campus is in Harrogate, Tennessee. For more information about the undergraduate and graduate programs available at LMU, contact the Office of Admissions at 423-869-6280 or email at admissions@lmunet.edu.
