Modeling the Behavior of Copolymers and Biopoloymersat Penetrable Interfaces (Materials Research)

共聚物的界面性质有助于增加 聚合物复合材料的强度和控制的行为 生物界面上的蛋白质。 巴拉兹博士会分离出 控制共聚物界面活性的因素 可穿透的界面，例如不混溶的 聚合物和脂质膜表面。 采用理论 通过模型和计算机模拟，她将探索 分子结构，溶剂质量和温度对 合成链和生物链的界面活性。 的 以往的研究结果将产生指导方针， 具有增强的机械性能的材料。 通过研究 蛋白质-膜相互作用，她将分离出的功能， 促进脂质双层内通道的形成。 为了发展有效的理论模型，特别是 与其他理论家进行讨论是有益的， 重要的是，通过实验来验证预测。 在 研究聚合物在共混界面的行为，化学 德克萨斯大学工程系是独一无二的， 提供这两种机会。 同样， 斯克里普斯研究所还提供了一个特殊的 环境：理论家和实验者目前都是 探索蛋白质在这个中心界面的行为。 合作将大大提高巴拉兹博士的能力 去追寻这些主题。 东道机构的互动活动包括： 建立本科研究机会计划， 德克萨斯大学化学工程系，自 本科阶段对学生的影响至关重要， 学生最终的职业选择，以及积极的研究经验 是鼓励学生 追求科学事业;并在斯克里普斯，提供了一系列的 非正式研讨会展示高分子物理概念 可用于确定生物聚合物的行为， 生物学家和物理学家之间的交流。 本项目进一步促进了VPW计划的目标，即（1） 为妇女提供机会， 工程和科学的学科由NSF支持， (2)鼓励女性从事科学和工程职业 通过提高女性科学家和工程师的知名度， 受雇于工业、政府和学术机构。 通过 鼓励妇女参与科学，这是一个宝贵的 投资于国家未来的科学活力。

The interfacial properties of copolymers contribute to increasing the strength of polymer composites and controlling the behavior of proteins at biological interfaces. Dr. Balazs will isolate the factors that control the interfacial activity of copolymers at penetrable interfaces, such as the boundary between immiscible polymers and the surface of lipid membranes. Using theoretical models and computer simulations, she will probe the effect of molecular architecture, solvent quality and temperature on the interfacial activity of synthetic and biological chains. The results of the former studies will yield guidelines for fabricating materials with enhanced mechanical properties. Through studies of protein-membrane interactions, she will isolate the features that promote the formation of channels within the lipid bilayers. In order to develop valid theoretical models, it is particularly beneficial to have discussions with other theorists and, most importantly, to test the prediction through experiment. In studying the behavior of polymers at blend interfaces, the Chemical Engineering Department at the University of Texas is unique in providing both these opportunities. In a similar manner, the Scripps Research Institute also provides an exceptional environment: both theorists and experimentalists are currently exploring the behavior of proteins at interfaces at this center. The collaborations will significantly enhance Dr. Balazs's ability to pursue these topics. Interactive activities at the host institution include: establishing an Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program in the Chemical Engineering Department at the University of Texas, since the undergraduate years are critical in terms of influencing the students' ultimate career choices, and active research experiences are one of the most effective ways of encouraging students to pursue scientific careers; and at Scripps, delivering a series of informal seminars to demonstrate how concepts in polymer physics can be used to determine the behavior of biopolymers to facilitate communication between biologists and physicists. This project furthers VPW program objectives which are (1) to provide opportunities for women to advance their careers in engineering and in the disciplines of science supported by NSF and (2) to encourage women to pursue careers in science and engineering by providing greater visibility for women scientists and engineers employed in industry, government, and academic institutions. By encouraging the participation of women in science, it is a valuable investment in the Nation's future scientific vitality.