RUI: Selection and assessment of biomimetic templates for mineralization

ID: MPS/DMR/BMAT(7623) 1306117 PI: Gerdon， Aren ORG: Emmanuel college标题：RUI：矿化仿生模板的选择和评估技术：本提案的目的是支持和指导从事矿化和仿生学研究的本科生。磷酸钙和其他固体材料在体内的生物矿化存在于无机化学、生物化学和材料科学的交叉领域。这个界面是研究领域的中心，从我们海洋中的硅藻二氧化硅生产到先进技术的材料生产。在退行性骨病和龋齿的流行中也发现了实际的相关性，这表明需要发展新的恢复性医疗程序。虽然对骨形成和再生过程的了解尚不完整，但研究已经鉴定出羟基磷灰石(Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2；羟基磷灰石（HAP）是一种具有潜在医疗保健应用的材料，因为它与骨和牙齿的矿物相非常相似。本研究的目的是：(1)通过开发综合分析方法，提供实时石英晶体微平衡（QCM）质量分析、光学显微镜和受控微流体溶液动力学来阐明HAP形成的动力学；(2)通过组合鉴定独特和构象的DNA适体来提高仿生模板的可用性，这些适体可以增强矿化的成核、生长和结晶度。在实现这些目标的过程中，该项目可能产生：(1)鉴定高亲和力的HAP结合DNA适体，(2)HAP生物矿化的新模板，以及(3)用于生物化学和生物工程应用的新分析工具。非技术：本提案的目的是支持和指导从事矿化和仿生学研究的本科生。这里提出的所有研究都将由一所文科院校的理科本科生完成，该院校有培养女科学家的记录。主要的重点将放在指导和培训本科生进入大一或大二的研究阶段，并确保这些学生为更大的科学界做出贡献并融入其中。参与研究的学生将接受多种仪器方法（QCM，光学和电子显微镜，FT-IR等），生化方法（PCR，电泳等）和一般研究方法的培训。这将扩大他们进入工业劳动力或研究生学习的机会。由于该项目的跨学科性质，该提案将对伊曼纽尔学院的可持续研究和科学与教育部门的基础设施产生重大的积极影响，并鼓励主要研究者与其他教师以及校园内的研究生之间的合作。这项研究的结果将通过当地和全国会议的演讲和同行评审的出版物在校园内外提供。这项工作将影响到来校园参加生物医学研究研讨会的高中生，这些研讨会与这项研究有关，并由本科生研究人员举办。一名有前途的高中生也将被招募加入研究小组，与本科生并肩工作。夏季的工作将继续影响一年级理科学生，因为他们在普通化学课程中参与研究体验实验室，由本科生研究人员领导，目的是利用研究和发现吸引一年级学生参与STEM教育。总的来说，这些研究对本科生具有变革潜力，并将发展我们对矿化过程的理解和控制。

ID: MPS/DMR/BMAT(7623) 1306117 PI: Gerdon, Aren ORG: Emmanuel CollegeTitle: RUI: Selection and assessment of biomimetic templates for mineralizationTechnical: The purpose of this proposal is to support and mentor undergraduate students pursuing research in mineralization and biomimetics. Biomineralization of calcium phosphate and other solid materials in vivo exists at the interfaces between inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, and materials science. This interface is central in research areas ranging from diatomaceous silica production in our oceans to materials production for advanced technologies. Practical relevance is also found in the prevalence of degenerative bone disease and dental caries, which suggest a need for the development of new restorative medical procedures. While knowledge of the bone formation and regeneration process is incomplete, research has identified hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2; HAP) as a material with potential in healthcare applications due to its close resemblance to the mineral phase of bone and teeth. This research aims (1) to elucidate the kinetics of HAP formation by developing integrative analysis methods that provide real-time quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) mass analysis, optical microscopy, and controlled microfluidic solution dynamics, and (2) to improve the availability of biomimetic templates by combinatorial identification of unique and conformational DNA aptamers that can enhance nucleation, growth, and crystallinity of mineralization. In working toward these goals, this project may yield: (1) the identification of a high affinity HAP-binding DNA aptamer, (2) a new template for HAP biomineralization, and (3) new analysis tools for biochemistry and bioengineering applications.Non-Technical: The purpose of this proposal is to support and mentor undergraduate students pursuing research in mineralization and biomimetics. All research proposed here will be completed by undergraduate science students at a liberal arts institution with a record of training women scientists. A primary focus will be on mentoring and training undergraduate students as they enter into research at the freshman or sophomore level and on ensuring that these students contribute to and integrate with the larger scientific community. Students involved in research will be trained in numerous instrumental methods (QCM, optical and electron microscopy, FT-IR, and others), biochemical methods (PCR, electrophoresis, and others), and general research methods. This will broaden their opportunities to enter into the industrial workforce or graduate studies. The proposal will have a significant positive impact on sustainable research and the infrastructure of the science and education departments at Emmanuel College due to the cross-disciplinary nature of the project and by encouraging collaboration between the principle investigator and other faculty as well as between research students across the campus. Findings from this research will be made available on campus and off campus through local and national conference presentations and peer-reviewed publication. This work will impact high school students that come to the campus for Biomedical Research Symposium workshops related to this research and run by undergraduate researchers. One promising high school student will also be recruited to join the research group and work side-by-side with the undergraduates. Work in the summer will carry forward to impact first-year science students as they engage in a research experience lab in their general chemistry course, led by undergraduate researchers, with the goal of using research and discovery to engage and attract first year students to STEM education. Collectively, these studies have transformative potential for undergraduate students and will develop our understanding and control of the mineralization process.