The main goal of this NIH funded project project is to characterize the DNA binding capacity and mutational activity of four novel bioreductive anticancer drugs. These novel compounds have synthesized belongs to a new family of cationic alkaloids known as benzazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium salts (BQS's). Dr. Zayas´s group have been working on the caharacterization of the mechanism of action of these potentail anti cancer agents. The analysis of DNA adduct formation is also being study with the aplication of high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) to characterize the nucleoside interaction capacity. The cell toxicity, apoptosis induction and caspases activation of these drugs are being analyzed with tumor cells in culture. Further studies are being performed to better described the binding of these cationic compunds with key cellular organelles such as mitochondria and DNA.

This study will determine the presence of PAH in sediments of the Cucharillas wetland by developing an extraction and characterization method using High Performance Liquid Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-MS).

Cytotoxic Study: Effects of Di-ethylhexyl Phthalate and Mono ethylhexyl Phthalate on a Normal Human Lymphocytes Cell Line
The main objective of this study was to determine the toxicity of the phthalates Di-ethylhexyl (DEHP) and its principal metabolite, Mono-ethylhexyl (MEHP) on the TK-6 human lymphoblast cell line. Phthalates are a family of compounds used widely in the manufacturing industry and in the production of plastics. Exposure to these compounds can be through personal and consumer items such as health care and beauty products. Are considered estrogen disrupters but also have been observed effects over the respiratory systems by the scientific community. Studies related with the phthalates exposure have been performed however are limited as well in human cells.

Plasticizer principal metabolite (2 Ethyl-1-Hexanol) effects over the human lymphoblast TK6 cells

The main objective of this study is to determine the toxicity of the 2-Ethyl-1-Hexanol on the TK6 human lymphoblast cell line. The 2-Ethyl-1-hexanol (EH) is an organic alcohol produced in the cells as result of the biotransformation of di-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP). The exposure of humans to the compound 2-Ethyl-1-hexanol can be through environmental sources such as paint lacquer, inks, rubber, dry cleaning and plasticizers, e.g. PVC. .