MRI/RUI: Acquisition of an Isothermal Titration Calorimeter

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With support from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, the Department of Chemistry at Reed College will acquire an isothermal titration calorimeter. This equipment will enhance research in a number of areas including a) the determination of the affinity of metal ion-dependent regulatory proteins for cognate and non-cognate metal ions and the stoichiometry of combination; b) studies on enzyme mechanisms; and c) investigations into biologically active analogs of the polypeptide antibiotic bacitracin. Calorimetry is an extremely useful tool in modern analytical chemistry. Calorimetric analysis is used to measure the thermal energy (heat) exchange that occurs during molecular interactions and reactions. Thus it can provide a very reliable and sensitive method for determining the thermodynamic properties of materials such as changes in heat capacity of liquid and solid samples. Reed College is an undergraduate institution, and the availability of these instruments will have a strong impact on undergraduate research.