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

来自德克萨斯基督教大学的Sergei Dzyuba教授和他的同事Jean-Luc Montchamp、Onofrio Annunziata和Youngha Ryu将获得一个等温滴定量热计。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)基于聚乙烯醇-配体络合的功能纳米凝胶，(b)不可水解的磷酸DNA类似物，(c)超分子聚合物网络内相互作用的测定，(d)离子液体辅助有机溶剂凝胶化，以及(e)焦磷酸硫胺（TPP）类似物的制备及其对TPP核开关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相互作用，如小分子与酶之间的结合相互作用。ITC直接测量在结合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见解。热量计也将被纳入德克萨斯基督教大学的几个高年级实验课，但它也将被邻近的机构使用，如德克萨斯女子大学、ut -阿灵顿分校、北德克萨斯大学和UNT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.