CAA: Gold Nanoparticle Based FRET Studies for RNA Folding: Understanding the Energy Transfer Mechanism at Nano-RNA Interface

RNA作为一种重要的生物聚合物，越来越受到重视，这比以往任何时候都更需要清楚地了解RNA分子如何折叠成其天然结构，这对它们的功能特性至关重要。该项目的目标是使用基于纳米颗粒的荧光共振能量转移（FRET）研究来监测RNA折叠。该研究采用了一种结合表面化学，生物物理学和理论的综合方法来设计界面，提供有关纳米界面生物活性的定量信息。该项目计划的活动范围包括：1）演示金纳米颗粒的激光诱导荧光（LIF）淬灭，以监测RNA折叠; 2）了解纳米颗粒的大小和形状以及分子-纳米颗粒分离在RET中的作用，分子激发态和金属中的电子态之间的分子-纳米颗粒分离决定了共振荧光（RF）量子效率。该项目具有重要的科学意义，也是开发最先进设备和传感器的关键组成部分。该项目成功完成后，这一研究成果将对美国工业促进创新和RNA传感前沿研究的发展产生重大影响。更广泛的影响：该项目成功的关键是通过正式课程、讲习班和实验室轮换，建立教育、培训和指导少数群体学生的基础设施。该项目将在杰克逊州立大学科学、工程和技术学院的更大框架中发挥重要作用，并促进教师之间的跨部门合作。增强的课程将为愿意从事生物科学家未来职业的学生提供一个强有力的起点，并将培养未来的生物学家与物理科学和纳米技术等其他学科的科学家进行互动。该项目计划的另一项活动是在高中开展外展计划，帮助科学教师完成提高更广泛受众科学素养的使命

Increasing appreciation of RNA as a crucial biopolymer demands more than ever a clear picture of how RNA molecules fold into their native structures, which are vital to their functional properties. The goal of this project is to use nanoparticle based fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) studies to monitor RNA folding. The research applies an integrated approach combining surface chemistry, biophysics and theory to engineer interfaces that give quantitative information about biological activities at the nano interface. The spectrum of activities planned in this project includes 1) demonstration of the laser induced fluorescence (LIF) quenching by gold nanoparticle to monitor RNA folding and 2) to understand the role of size and shape of the nanoparticle as well as molecule-nanoparticle separation in the RET between molecular excited states and electronic states in metal that determines the resonance fluorescence (RF) quantum efficiencies. The project is of fundamental scientific interest as well as a crucial component in the development of state-of-the-art devices and sensors. Upon successful completion of the project, this research outcome will significantly impact US industry promoting innovation and the development of cutting edge research on the sensing of RNA. Broader Impacts:Critical to the success of this project will be the establishment of infrastructure for the education, training and mentoring of minority students through formal courses, workshops and laboratory rotations. The project will play an important role in the larger framework of the Jackson State University's College of Science, Engineering, and Technology and promoting inter-departmental collaboration between faculty members. The enhanced curriculum will provide a strong starting point for students willing to pursue a future career as biological scientists and will also train future biologists to interact with scientists in other disciplines such as the physical sciences and nanotechnology. Another activity planned in this project is to conduct outreach programs to high schools, helping science teachers in their mission of enhancing the scientific literacy of wider audiences