MRI: Acquisition of a Microscale Thermophoresis System

该奖项由主要研究仪器项目和化学研究仪器项目共同支持。为了推进阿曼达·哈格罗夫教授和他的同事们的研究，杜克大学正在获取一种微型热电导入系统。该仪器促进了化学、生物化学和化学生物学领域的研究。微尺度热电泳法直接测量分子在温度梯度中的运动，以量化分子相互作用。通过测量由标记或固有特性产生的荧光来量化信号。由此产生的测量结果提供了生物、无机和有机分子之间相互作用的结构和功能表征。这一工具加强了许多部门各级学生的教育、研究和教学努力，并提供了在附近机构使用的便利条件。值得注意的是，该仪器将被用于本科生的物理化学实验室课程，学生在那里获得使用该仪器的实践经验。微尺度热导入系统奖旨在加强所有层面的研究和教育，特别是在有机化学和无机化学、化学生物学、生物聚合物和生物化学等领域。研究重点是测量RNA与小分子、多肽与金属离子以及其他生物分子和小分子之间的结合作用。此外，还追求酶、蛋白质和细胞中的域-域相互作用。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

This award is jointly supported by the Major Research Instrumentation and the Chemistry Research Instrumentation Programs. Duke University is acquiring a microscale thermophoresis system to advance the research of Professor Amanda Hargrove and colleagues. This instrument facilitates research in the areas of chemistry, biochemistry, and chemical biology. Microscale thermophoresis directly measures molecular movement in a temperature gradient to quantify molecular interactions. Signals are quantified by measuring fluorescence arising from labeling or intrinsic properties. The resulting measurements provide structural and functional characterization of interactions between biological, inorganic, and organic molecules. This instrument enhances the educational, research, and teaching efforts of students at all levels in many departments as well as provides accessibility for use at nearby institutions. Notably, the instrument would be leveraged in undergraduate physical chemistry laboratory courses where students gain hands on experience with the instrument.The award for the microscale thermophoresis system is aimed at enhancing research and education at all levels, especially in areas such as organic and inorganic chemistry, chemical biology, biopolymers, and biochemistry. Research focuses on measuring binding interactions between RNA and small molecules, peptides and metal ions, and other biomolecules and small molecules. In addition, domain-domain interactions in enzymes, proteins, and cells are pursued.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.