Saskia Rapp

 Faculty of Science and Engineering | Bachelor Maastricht Science Programme

"Stereoselective Synthesis of Glycomimetics
Using the [4+2] Inverse Electron Demand Hetero Diels-Alder Reaction"

Saskia's elevator pitch
"Life in our cells is sweet! Cells are coated with complex sugars on their surfaces, known as glycans, that play crucial roles in our body's functions. Unfortunately, cancer cells display altered structures of these sugars on their surface, aiding in cancer metastasis. To counter this, we developed a range of glycomimetic molecules designed to block the action of enzymes responsible for the display of these sugars on cancer cells. By inhibiting these enzymes, we aim to disrupt the process that allows cancer cells to enter tissues, ultimately preventing the spread of cancer and improving the outlook for those battling cancer."