RUI: Investigations of Pattern Formation and Morphology in Two Dimensional Self-Assembled Model Biomembranes

ID：MPS/DMR/BMAT（7623）1207544 主要研究者：本杰明·斯托特鲁普：奥格斯堡学院职称：- 我知道二维自组装模型生物膜中图案形成和形态学的研究智力优势：复杂和多组分的浆细胞膜为纳米技术的进步和新材料的开发提供了灵感。 在过去的十年中，围绕胆固醇在该系统内的超分子横向组织的重要性达成了共识。 今天，胆固醇被认为是至关重要的横向组织这些膜在体外（脂质单层和双层）和体内（浆细胞膜）系统。 在含有胆固醇和磷脂的Langmuir单分子膜中，所观察到的相分离已被证明是长程静电力和二维线张力之间竞争的结果。 然而，重要的问题仍然是关于这些系统的真正平衡性质，其域的大小分布，以及胆固醇的分子结构在所观察到的相分离中的作用。 本项目将测试的假设，即相分离的脂质单层含有胆固醇的形态可以控制的过渡动力学，单层组成，和甾醇结构，使图案化的固体基板。 控制脂质膜图案化的动机来自于自组装脂质系统在生物传感器和其他生物材料制造中的应用。 脂质单层通常用于在固体基质上制造支撑的脂质双层。 此外，该项目将探索使用相分离的脂质单层在空气-水界面组织纳米颗粒。 通过合作和伙伴关系，该项目将扩展最近开发的模型卷积显微镜技术，新的线张力测量方法，并将新型微流体流动池纳入传统的荧光显微镜设置。更广泛的重要性：本项目的科学目标将在一个主要的本科院校的研究背景下实现。 提供高质量的研究经验，以培训和鼓励来自不同背景的本科生追求科学，技术，工程和数学的职业生涯一直是首席研究员作为教育工作者和导师在过去七年中的核心组成部分。 根据奥格斯堡学院的人口统计数据，主要研究者将继续鼓励和招募NSF定义的代表性不足的人群参与。 除了通过研究密切的教师互动，该项目将为学生提供机会，通过与合作者和实践科学家定期接触，发展他们对职业和职业目标的理解。 首席研究员将利用奥格斯堡的本科生研究和研究生机会办公室（URGO），通过专业培训以及奖学金和研究生院申请过程中的援助来补充这些经验。 每周的小组会议为学生提供了建立沟通技巧和信心的机会。 学生将通过在区域和国家会议上的演讲以及在同行评审的出版物上的合著参与结果的传播。 该项目还将丰富奥格斯堡学院的本科课程。 本研究中使用的荧光显微镜和图像分析技术将纳入大二和大四课程物理专业的本科实验室经验。

ID: MPS/DMR/BMAT(7623) 1207544 PI: Stottrup, Benjamin ORG: Augsburg CollegeTitle: RUI: Investigations of Pattern Formation and Morphology in Two Dimensional Self-Assembled Model BiomembranesINTELLECTUAL MERIT: The complex and multi-component plasma cell membrane provides inspiration for advances in nanotechnology and the development of new materials. In the past decade, consensus has grown around the importance of cholesterol for supramolecular lateral organization within this system. Today, cholesterol is recognized as crucial in the lateral organization of these membranes in both in vitro (lipid monolayers and bilayers) and in vivo (plasma cell membrane) systems. In Langmuir monolayers containing cholesterol and phospholipids the observed phase separation has been shown to be the result of a competition between long-range electrostatic forces and line tension in two dimensions. However, important questions remain regarding the true equilibrium nature of these systems, the size distribution of their domains, and the role of cholesterol's molecular structure in the observed phase separation. This project will test the hypothesis that the morphology of phase separated lipid monolayers containing cholesterol can be controlled by transition kinetics, monolayer composition, and sterol structure to enable the patterning of solid substrates. Motivation to control lipid membrane patterning comes from the applications of self-assembled lipid systems to the fabrication of biosensors and other biomaterials. Lipid monolayers are regularly used in the fabrication of supported lipid bilayers on solid substrates. Additionally, this project will explore the use of phase separated lipid monolayers to organize nanoparticles at the air-water interface. Through collaborations and partnerships this project will extend recently developed techniques in model convolution microscopy, new line tension measurement methods, and incorporate a novel micro-fluidic flow cell into a traditional fluorescence microscopy set-up. BROADER IMPACTS: The scientific objectives of this project will be achieved within the context of research at a primarily undergraduate institution. Providing high quality research experiences to train and encourage undergraduates from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics has been a central component of the principal investigator's role as an educator and mentor over the past seven years. Consistent with the demographics of Augsburg College, the principal investigator will continue to encourage and recruit participation from NSF-defined underrepresented populations. In addition to close faculty interactions through research, this project will provide students with opportunities to develop their understanding of vocational and career objectives through regular contact with collaborators and practicing scientists. The principal investigator will leverage Augsburg's Office of Undergraduate Research and Graduate Opportunities (URGO) to supplement these experiences through professional training as well as assistance in the application process for fellowships and graduate school. Weekly group meetings provide students with opportunities to build communication skills and confidence. Students will participate in the dissemination of results through presentations at regional and national conferences as well as co-authorship of on peer-reviewed publications. This project will also enrich the undergraduate curriculum at Augsburg College. Fluorescence microscopy and image analysis techniques used in this research will be incorporated into undergraduate laboratory experiences for physics majors in sophomore and senior level courses.