Replacement Light Scattering Instrument and Capability Enhancement – Measuring Biomolecular Size and Surface Charge

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We propose to purchase a nano-scale dynamic light scattering system (specifically a Malvern Zetasizer nano ZSP) to both replace our broken unit purchased in 2003 and to increase our capability to examine several properties of biomolecules in solution. Characterizing the size and molecular weight of biomolecules has applications in diverse fields as is reflected in the diverse research interests and expertise of the applicants. The Graether lab is interested in understanding how plant proteins, named dehydrins, are able to protect cell membranes from damage caused by cold and drought; the Zetasizer will be used to elucidate how dehydrins prevent membrane damage caused by membrane fusion. The Dutcher lab will use the unit to measure the size of phytoglycogen, a highly branched sugar polymer, as a carrier for bioactive molecules. The Brown and Ladizhansky labs will examine the preparation of membrane protein – membrane complexes, a necessary step before carrying out high-resolution structural studies. Beyond proteins and carbohydrates, the Zetasizer will be used by engineers to study the treatment of waste. The Pensini lab uses chemical engineering methods to treat waste at contaminated sites using switchable surfactants, while the Abbassi lab treats wastewater. The Zetasizer will be used to measure both the size and charge of samples to optimize the treatment and separation of these two kinds of waste.