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

得克萨斯基督教大学的Sergei Dzyuba教授和他的同事Jean-Luc MontChamp、OnoFrio Annunziata和Young gha Ryu获得了这项来自主要研究仪器(MRI)计划的奖项，他们将获得一个等温滴定量热计。该奖项将加强所有层面的研究、培训和教育，特别是在以下领域：(A)基于聚乙烯醇配体络合的功能纳米凝胶；(B)非水解膦DNA类似物；(C)超分子聚合物网络中相互作用的测定；(D)有机溶剂的离子液体辅助凝胶；以及(E)硫胺素焦磷酸(TPP)类似物的制备及其与TPP核糖的结合亲和力的评估。等温滴定量热法(ITC)是一种非常灵敏的热力学技术，用于表征物种之间的结合作用，例如小分子与酶之间的结合作用。ITC直接测量在装订过程中吸收或释放的热量。这提供了对化学和生化结合相互作用强度的洞察。该热量计还将被纳入德克萨斯基督教大学的几个高级实验室班级，但邻近的机构也可以使用它，如德克萨斯女子大学、德克萨斯大学阿灵顿分校、北得克萨斯大学和北德克萨斯大学健康科学中心。这一工具不仅将用于研究，而且还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.