Replacement Light Scattering Instrument and Capability Enhancement – Measuring Biomolecular Size and Surface Charge

我们建议购买纳米级动态光散射系统(特别是马尔文Zetasizer Nano ZSP)，以取代我们在2003年购买的损坏装置，并增强我们检测溶液中生物分子的几种性质的能力。表征生物分子的大小和分子质量在不同的领域都有应用，申请者的不同的研究兴趣和专业知识反映了这一点。Graether实验室感兴趣的是了解被称为脱水蛋白的植物蛋白质如何能够保护细胞膜免受寒冷和干旱造成的损害；Zetasizer将用于阐明脱水蛋白如何防止膜融合造成的膜损伤。达彻实验室将使用该装置测量植物糖原的大小，植物糖原是一种高度支化的糖聚合物，作为生物活性分子的载体。布朗和拉迪赞斯基实验室将检查膜蛋白-膜复合体的制备，这是进行高分辨率结构研究之前的必要步骤。除了蛋白质和碳水化合物，工程师们还将使用Zetasizer来研究废物的处理。彭西尼实验室使用化学工程方法处理污染场地的废物，使用可切换的表面活性剂，而阿巴西实验室处理废水。Zetasizer将用于测量样品的大小和电荷，以优化这两种废物的处理和分离。

We propose to purchase a nano-scale dynamic light scattering system (specifically a Malvern Zetasizer nano ZSP) to both replace our broken unit purchased in 2003 and to increase our capability to examine several properties of biomolecules in solution. Characterizing the size and molecular weight of biomolecules has applications in diverse fields as is reflected in the diverse research interests and expertise of the applicants. The Graether lab is interested in understanding how plant proteins, named dehydrins, are able to protect cell membranes from damage caused by cold and drought; the Zetasizer will be used to elucidate how dehydrins prevent membrane damage caused by membrane fusion. The Dutcher lab will use the unit to measure the size of phytoglycogen, a highly branched sugar polymer, as a carrier for bioactive molecules. The Brown and Ladizhansky labs will examine the preparation of membrane protein – membrane complexes, a necessary step before carrying out high-resolution structural studies. Beyond proteins and carbohydrates, the Zetasizer will be used by engineers to study the treatment of waste. The Pensini lab uses chemical engineering methods to treat waste at contaminated sites using switchable surfactants, while the Abbassi lab treats wastewater. The Zetasizer will be used to measure both the size and charge of samples to optimize the treatment and separation of these two kinds of waste.