Chemistry

Biography

Biography: Vishnu K Tandon

Abstract

One of the most significant achievements of the 20^th Century has been the discovery and development of a large number of therapeutic agents that provide now reliable and effective treatment for many infectious diseases that had earlier caused extensive mortality and morbidity. A large number of antibacterial agents often possess quinone moiety which is of paramount significance in several biochemical processes including oxidative phosphorylation and electron transport. The biological activity imparted by 1,4-benzoquinone, 1,4-naphthoquinone and anthraquinones in most cases relies upon their ability to accept one and/ or two electrons to form radical anion or dianion species. The nature of substituents in benzoquinones, naphthoquinones and anthraquinones modulates the generation of radical anion and the redox property which is further responsible for compounds to generate oxidative radicals such as hydrogen peroxide and superoxides which damage the cells. The diverse biological effects caused by incorporation of nitrogen or sulfur atoms in the side chain or in five or six membered heterocyclic rings retaining the core quinone chromophore has been one of the main stay of structural and chemical modifications of this class of compounds. This has led us in successful development of lead antibacterial agents for future drug developments.