Engineering Research Equipment Grant: Acoustophoretic Titrator With Fiber Optic Laser Light Scattering Probe for Proteins and Micelles

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A darkfield microscope/image analysis system used in this research has obtained direct observations of protein micelles in the range of 500 to 5000 angstroms. Studies of casein micelles by this technique have shown that van der Waals and double layer forces do not adequately account for the stability of the unhydrolized micelles. An additional steric force appears to be important. In contrast, the balance between double layer forces and van der Waals forces dominate for hydrolyzed micelles. It is concluded from these observations that the accurate measurement of zeta potentials for relatively concentrated micellar solutions is essential for understanding protein micelles. This grant will be used to purchase an acoustophoretic titrator which includes a fiber optic laser light scattering probe. This instrument will allow measurement of the zeta potential and surface charge in the characterization of the behavior of solutions of protein of micelles. The objective of the project is to understand the transport fundamentals and rate processes governing interactions of protein micelles so that the behavior of these organized assemblies can be simulated using advanced computational methods. This work will lead to improved general understanding of parameters which control behavior of proteins with respect to solid surfaces, interactions between living cells in mammalian and bacterial systems, and relating the charge of peptides to their ionization potential. The understanding will have implications for biomedical technology, protein separation and purification, and biotechnology.