Synthesis and characterization of deoxycholic acid derivatives with possible biological effects on cancer cells and as potential disinfectants

Hydrophobic derivatives of bile salts, such as deoxycholic acid, have been shown to have biological activity in certain types of cells; these derivatives cause apoptosis or programmed cell death, due to a series of biochemical reactions that occur within the cell. The aforementioned mechanism is of utmost importance in living organisms, as it regulates the destruction of genetically damaged cells and therefore, prevents diseases such as cancer from developing. Additionally, these derivatives could also be used as disinfectants for the elimination of bacteria resistant to conventional combat methods, which corresponds to another possible application and reason for their synthesis. Through the present research project, it is intended to synthesize and characterize two new derivatives of deoxycholic acid, in which it is sought to expand the hydrophobic surface by means of the introduction of a secondary amide group in the 3 β position of the aforementioned acid; subsequently the carboxyl group at position 24 will be reduced to obtain a primary alcohol. In parallel, biological tests will be carried out which, although they are not part of this project, will be commented on in its discussion. Although in past research, synthesis routes have been developed for bile acid derivatives, the importance of these two new derivatives lies in the fact that they have not been previously synthesized and therefore their possible cytotoxic and antimicrobial effects are unknown