Upgrade of FTIR spectometer for biophysical studies

傅立叶变换红外光谱是评估生物分子结构变化的一种优秀技术。要求提供资金用于升级已有11年历史的Thermo Electron Magna 550 FTIR仪器，该仪器已在我司广泛使用。仪器在其当前状态下不起作用。这一最新的仪器将用于评估蛋白质二级结构的变化，监测蛋白质的稳定性和展开模式，评估与配体结合和蛋白质-蛋白质相互作用有关的二级和三级结构变化，以及监测硫醇基团周围蛋白质结构的扰动。更新的部件将为记录光谱提供更高的灵敏度，并配备改进的数据分析软件。此外，升级是经济的；它的价格是新的FTIR光谱仪的一半。该仪器将服务于三名研究人员及其小组的需求，是实验蛋白质化学研究生课程的重要组成部分。这一基本光谱工具的经验将是我们的学生追求生物化学研究职业生涯的宝贵财富，无论是在学术界还是在工业领域。

FTIR spectroscopy is an excellent technique for assessing changes in biomolecular structure. Funding is requested for the upgrade of an 11 year-old Thermo Electron Magna 550 FTIR instrument that has been used extensively in our department. The instrument is not functioning in its present state. This updated instrument will be used for assessing variations in the secondary structure of proteins, to monitor protein stability and patterns of unfolding, to assess secondary and tertiary structural changes associated with ligand binding and protein-protein interactions, and to monitor perturbations in protein structure around thiol groups. The updated components will provide greater sensitivity for recording spectra and come with improved software for data analysis. Moreover, the upgrade is economical; it is half the price of a new FTIR spectrometer. The instrument will service the needs of three researchers and their groups and is a vital component of a graduate course in experimental protein chemistry. Experience with this basic spectroscopic tool will be an asset for our students to pursue careers in biochemical research, whether in academia or industry.