Biomolecular Materials: Structure, Phase Behavior, and Interaction

9301199基于萨芬亚同步加速器的小角度和广角X射线散射方法将用于表征(1)天然和重组的自组装膜蛋白、(2)功能化的生物分子界面和(3)基于膜蛋白与缔合聚合物络合的新材料的结构、相行为、层间相互作用和大分子间的相互作用，以及蛋白质形状的稳定性。该项目是一项涉及实验和理论的跨学科努力。该理论将使用统计力学技术来解决具有内部自由度的膜的相行为和力学，以及研究复杂流体中潜在的自缔合的基本问题。使用同步辐射光源的X射线技术将用于研究蛋白质(从天然膜中分离出来)与聚合物或其他分子或表面结合的复合体的结构和动力学。目标是开发一个新的环境，例如一个聚合物分子巢，膜蛋白将与之相关联。如果这种缔合结构被开发出来，它将代表一种新的“生物分子”材料，可以在三维网络中捕获光活性分子和其他膜分子。这种结构可用作存储元件、生物传感器或其他系统。该项目是跨学科的，既涉及理论又涉及实验部分。***

9301199 Safinya Synchrotron based small- and wide-angle x-ray scattering methods will be used to characterize the structure, phase-behavior, and interlayer (in lamellar preparations) and inter-macromolecular interactions, and the protein shape stability of (1) native and reconstituted self-assembled membrane proteins, (2) functionalized biomolecular interfaces, and (3) a new material which will be based on membrane proteins complexed with associating polymers. The project is an interdisciplinary effort involving experiment and theory. The theory will use statistical mechanics techniques to address the phase bahavior and mechanics of membranes with internal degrees of freedom, as well as to examine fundamental issues underlying self association in complex fluids. %%% X-ray techniques employing radiation from synchrotron light sources will be used to investigate the structure and dynamics of complexes involving proteins (separated from native membranes) which are associated with polymers or other molecules, or surfaces. The objective is to develop a new environment, such as a nest of polymer molecules, with which the membrane protein will associate. If such an association structure is developed, it would represent a new "biomolecular" material which could trap photoactive and other membrane molecules in a three-dimensional network. Such a structure may be useful as a memory storage element, biosensor or other system. The project is interdisciplinary and involves both a theory and an experimental component. ***