Microheterogeneous Media...
A wide variety of polar
molecules, such as proteins, enzymes, dyes, etc, can be hosted in the water pool of reverse micelles. Further, it
is well known that a molecule's local microenvironment has a significant impact on it's physicochemical properties, which can change significantly depending
on the amount of water present in the water pool. In the case of proteins, For example, the ability of an enzyme to retain
functionality depends strongly on the surrounding environment. Entrapment may substantially alter the
capability of the enzyme to function properly, if at all. Thus, solvation of these species within the water pool is highly
dependent on the amount of water that is present.
Proteins...
The reversibility of protein binding to polymer surfaces is not well understood. Specifically, we are interested in the
lysozyme sorption/desorption process. A distribution of protein binding is observed ranging from
proteins that are irreversibly bound to a polymer to those that appear to bind reversibly with no mal
effects upon desorption.
We are using a two-pronged approach to this system. First, we wish to use the tryptophan (trp) residues
as an intrinisic fluorescence signal source. However, since lysozyme contains six trp residues, each in
its own microenvironment within the protein, the contributions to the total signal from each trp is not
clear. To deal with this problem, we seek to mutate the trp residues such that we have only one
remaining residue. We are working this project collaboratively with Prof. Rey Sia in the Biology
Department as part of the Merck AAAS Grant Project.
Second, we are attempting to covalently attach an extrinsic fluorophore to the protein via the disulfide
bridges. The labeling chemistry of acrylodan to free thiols has been documented. But again there are
difficulties in this approach since lysozyme has four disulfide bridges. Upon examination of lysozyme's
crystal structure it appears that accessibility of the bridges will aid in limited labeling.
Ionic Liquids...
Our group is interested in looking at the dynamics of C153 solvation in phosphonium ionic liquid-based mixed solvent systems. The partner solvent may include supercritical fluids or traditional organic solvents.
Supercritical Fluids...
Another interest of our group lies in the area of supercritical fluid technology. Supercritical fluids
have gained much attention in the past few decades. We are focusing on determining the behavior of the
unique solute/solvent interactions that occur when one is near to the critical point.
Collaborative Training Dinner
5 pm - 7 pm
Faculty Staff Convocation
8:30 am - 10:30 am
Collaborative Training
1 pm - 5:30 pm
Red Cross Blood Drive
11 am - 4 pm
