MRI: Acquisition of An Isothermal Titration Calorimeter for Research and Teaching Creative Activities

有了这项来自主要研究仪器（MRI）计划的奖项，德克萨斯基督教大学的Sergei Dzyuba教授及其同事Jean-Luc Montchamp，Onofrio Annunziata和Youngha Ryu将获得等温滴定量热仪。该奖项将加强各级的研究培训和教育，特别是在以下领域：（a）基于聚乙烯的功能纳米凝胶（乙烯醇）-配体络合，（B）不可水解的次膦酸DNA类似物，（c）测定超分子聚合物网络内的相互作用，（d）离子液体辅助的有机溶剂凝胶化，和（e）焦磷酸硫胺素（TPP）类似物的制备和它们与TPP核糖开关的结合亲和力的评价。是一种非常敏感的热力学技术，用于表征物质之间的结合相互作用，例如小分子和酶之间的结合相互作用。ITC直接测量装订过程中吸收或释放的热量。这提供了对化学和生物化学结合相互作用的强度的洞察。热量计还将被纳入德克萨斯基督教大学的几个高年级实验室课程，但它也将被邻近的机构，如德克萨斯女子大学，UT-阿灵顿，北德克萨斯大学和UNT健康科学中心使用。这一工具不仅将用于研究，而且将用于教育和外联活动。

With this award from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, Professor Sergei Dzyuba from Texas Christian University and colleagues Jean-Luc Montchamp, Onofrio Annunziata and Youngha Ryu will acquire an isothermal titration calorimeter. The award will enhance research training and education at all levels, especially in areas such as (a) functional nanogels based on poly(vinyl alcohol)-ligand complexation, (b) non-hydrolyzable phosphinic DNA analogues, (c) determination of interactions within supramolecular polymer networks, (d) ionic liquid-assisted gelation of organic solvents, and (e) preparation of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) analogues and evaluation of their binding affinity to the TPP riboswitch.Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) is a very sensitive thermodynamic technique that is used to characterize binding interactions between species such as those between a small molecule and an enzyme. ITC measures directly the heat absorbed or released during a binding process. This provides insight on the strength of chemical and biochemical binding interactions. The calorimeter will also be incorporated into several upper division level laboratory classes at Texas Christian University but it will also be accessible to neighboring institutions such as Texas Woman's University, UT-Arlington, University of North Texas and the UNT Health Science Center. This instrument will be used not only in research but also in educational and outreach activities.