Combinatorial Surface Chemistry: Novel Approach Towards Biomimetic in 2D

迈阿密大学的Roger Leblanc教授在分析和表面化学项目的支持下，利用二维组合化学技术生产新的生物活性表面。这个想法是利用工程肽脂在空气/水界面传播。在项目一中，考虑到如果这些物种有足够的组合，平均应该有排列整齐的肽段来模拟实际酶的活性位点。第一个目标是乙酰胆碱酯酶。在第二个项目中，β -淀粉样蛋白的二维聚集将被探索。人们将寻找新的分子来充当β -破片剂。第三个项目是研究肽帽荧光量子点作为光学生物传感器。单层技术、FTIR光谱、原子力显微镜和扫描电子显微镜将用于研究。这项工作涉及分子识别、信号和生物传感器等领域。研究淀粉样蛋白聚集并了解其确切机制将有助于合理设计β -薄片破片剂，从而被认为是预防阿尔茨海默病的药物。由于水环境中的稳定性问题，纳米颗粒的许多应用一直受到阻碍，而这里的方法可以延长设计颗粒的使用寿命和坚固性。此外，未被充分代表的少数民族学生也包括在这个西班牙裔服务学院的暑期体验中。

Professor Roger Leblanc of the University of Miami is supported by the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program to utilize a two-dimensional combinatorial chemistry technique to produce novel bioactive surfaces. The idea is to utilize engineered peptide lipids spread at an air/water interface. In project one, it is considered that if enough combinations of these species are present, there should on average be aligned peptide sections that mimic active sites of actual enzymes. The first target is Acetylcholinesterase. In the second project, the aggregation of beta-amyloid in two dimensions will be explored. New molecules that act as beta-sheet breakers will be sought. A third project is to study peptide-capped fluorescent quantum dots as possible optical biosensors. Monolayer techniques, FTIR spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy will be used in the studies.This work lies in the areas of molecular recognition, signaling and biosensors. Studying amyloid protein aggregation and understanding its precise mechanism will enable rational design of beta-sheet breakers that are putative drugs for preventing Alzheimer's disease. Many of the applications of nanoparticles have been held back due to stability issues in aqueous environments, and the approaches here could serve to lengthen lifetimes and ruggedness of designed particles. In addition, underrepresented minority students are included within summer experiences at this Hispanic Serving Institute.