This opportunity is for Caltech students only

Project Title:
Project Description:

An experimental, laboratory study of protein-membrane interactions using optical spectroscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and basic surface chemical measurements is proposed. The general problem to be addressed is: can proteins be attached and oriented on membrane surfaces using highly specific molecular interactions between the protein and the membrane?

This project will focus on binding proteins to ultrathin Langmuir-Blodgett films and monolayers using metal-protein interactions, and characterizing the protein-membrane complex using optical/scanning microscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

Background Information:

Specific protein attachment and orientation on surfaces is critical for the development of biosensors, biologically-based electronic devices, and crystal templates for the production of new materials. Many current immobilization methods rely on interactions specific for a given system, or use interactions that do not lead to high oriented protein arrays. Thus, they are not generally applicable to a variety of systems. In order to develop protein immobilization and orientation methods that are generally applicable to all proteins, we are using metal-containing membranes that promote protein binding via an interaction between specific protein amino acid residues and the metal-containing membrane surface. The general aim of this work is to understand the conditions required for specifically orienting and targeting proteins to membrane surfaces.

Literature references or articles that may provide more information on the project:

1. Ahlers, J., Muller, W., Reichert, A., Ringsdorf, H., and Venzmer, J. (1990) Angew. Chem. Intl. Ed. Engl., 29, 1269-1285
2. Ringsdorf, H., Schlarb, B., and Venzmer, J. (1988) Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Engl., 27, 113-198
3. Ng, K., Pack, D.W., Sasaki, D.Y. and Arnold, F.H. (1005) Langmuir, 11, 4048-4055

Requirements (skills, specific coursework, academic major, year in school, etc.):

Coursework: General Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Biochemistry would be useful.
Major: Ch, Bio, ChE
Year: Jr, Sr

Research Sponsor Name: Frances Arnold
E-Mail: frances@macpost
Division: CCE
Telephone: 4162
Address: 210-41

For further information contact Kevin Maloney, X-4123

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