MRI: Acquisition of an isothermal titration calorimeter for research and education in chemistry

北肯塔基大学的Stefan Paula教授和他的同事Heather Bullen将获得一个等温滴定量热计（ITC），该奖项来自由化学部门共同资助的主要研究仪器（MRI）项目。该提案旨在加强各级的研究培训和教育，特别是在以下领域：(a)蛋白质/配体相互作用的表征，(b)铁载体/金属氧化物相互作用对生物膜形成的影响，以及(c)定制纳米颗粒与血脑屏障脂质模型相互作用的研究。等温滴定量热法（ITC）是一种非常灵敏的热力学技术，用于表征物种之间的结合相互作用，如小分子与酶之间的结合相互作用。ITC直接测量在结合过程中吸收或释放的热量。这提供了对化学和生化结合相互作用强度的见解。这种热量计也将被纳入北大的实验课，并将为附近辛辛那提大学的合作者提供服务。这一工具不仅将用于研究，而且还将用于对高中和初中的教育和外联活动。

With this award from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program that is co-funded by Chemistry, Professor Stefan Paula from Northern Kentucky University and colleague Heather Bullen will acquire an isothermal titration calorimeter (ITC). The proposal is aimed at enhancing research training and education at all levels, especially in areas such as (a) characterization of protein/ligand interactions, (b) impact of siderophores/metal oxide interactions on biofilm formation, and (c) studies of custom nanoparticle interactions with blood brain barrier lipid models.Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) is a very sensitive thermodynamic technique that is used to characterize binding interactions between species such as those between a small molecule and an enzyme. ITC measures directly the heat absorbed or released during a binding process. This provides insight on the strength of chemical and biochemical binding interactions. This calorimeter will also be incorporated into laboratory classes at NKU and will serve collaborators at nearby University of Cincinnati. This instrument will be used not only in research but also in educational and outreach activities with high and middle schools.