Department of Chemistry
Summer 2007 Research
Research Projects offered by Dr. Heitz
1. Spectroscopic Studies of Lysozyme Proteins in Solution and at Polymer Surfaces
Lysozyme is the predominant protein in ocular fluid (i.e., tears). The presence of this protein has many implications in the contact lens industry. The ability to develop improved strategies for manufacturing contact lenses and solutions rests on the understanding of how lysozyme interacts with both polymer surfaces and solutions that contact lens wearer's use. Understanding protein denaturation is an important aspect of this developmental work since a variety of mechanisms exists by which a protein can be denatured. Further, the extent and reversibility of lysozyme denaturation is of particular importance if one is to understand how to maximize product effectiveness.
With these thoughts in mind, the goals of this research project are two-fold: 1) to determine the extent to which lysozyme denatures in a variety of solutions, both developmental and current market products and 2) understand the behavior of lysozyme at a polymer interface. Toward these ends, two primary tasks students will learn about are the:
Beyond these tasks, students will participate in all aspects of these studies including sample preparation, data collection and analysis, and ultimately organization of results for publication. Other responsibilities may include participation in group meetings and performing literature searches/reviews. The experience gained by students will be comprehensive, focusing on all aspects related to original research.
2. Probing Solvation in Supercritical FluidsSupercritical fluids have received a great deal of attention in several important areas of chemistry. The most widespread use comes from analytically based application of supercritical fluids to a variety of technologies. Supercritical fluid extraction and supercritical fluid chromatography are rapidly gaining popularity in numerous applications such as pharmaceuticals, polymer and food sciences, and environmentally focused processes. Supercritical fluids show great promise for use in remediation and restoration processes because of their ability to remove contaminants from wastewater and soil as well as use in the destruction of toxic chemicals. One advantage associated with using supercritical fluids over conventional solvents lies in reducing the usage of traditional solvents that are hazardous, expensive, or difficult to dispose of. This represents an important step in the development of chemical processes that are overall more environmentally friendly. Supercritical CO2 is by far the fluid most commonly used because it has mild critical conditions, is non-toxic and inexpensive.
In this project, we are interested to learn how solutes are solvated in a supercritical fluid. Issues such as solute-solvent interactions, solute-solute interactions, reactivity, and equilibria are the primary focus of the spectroscopic studies.
Students will learn to operate a picosecond time-resolved fluorescence spectrometer to measure both steady-state spectra and time-resolved data. The lab is also equipped with a Nd:YAG nanosecond laser system to perform related time-resolved measurements. In addition, students will learn proper handling of high-pressure equipment to generate supercritical CO2 (Tc = 31 ° C, Pc = 73 atm). Students will participate in all aspects of these studies including sample preparation, data collection and analysis, and ultimately organization of results for publication. Other responsibilities include participation in group meetings and performing literature searches/reviews. The experience gained by students will be comprehensive, focusing on all aspects related to original research.
3. Probing Solvation in Novel Media
This project is parallel in approach and scope with the project above, “Solvation in Supercritical Fluids”. Novel green (environmentally friendly) chemistry is of particular interest in chemical research and we are specifically interested in solvation processes. A variety of media are of interest including neat ionic liquids, ionic liquids solvated in a supercritical fluid, and reverse micelle chemistry. Some computational work may be applicable depending on a particular student’s interests.
All applications materials must be received in Rm 229 Smith Hall by Monday, March 26, 2007 at 4:00 pm.
Emma Lazarus Exhibit on Display at Brockport's Drake Memorial Library
Death Penalty Discussion Takes Various Forms on Brockport Campus
Rev. James Netters delivers powerful address at Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial Lecture
Prison Drama to Help Engage Brockport Campus in Discussion of Death Penalty
Red Cross Blood Drive
10 am - 4 pm
CSA Newlyweds
9 pm - 11 pm
CSA Success VS Sell-Out
9 pm - 11 pm
Thursdays In The Cafe
7 pm - 8:30 pm
CSA Speed Dating
9 pm - 11 pm
