Date of Last Revision

2023-05-02 15:13:40

Major

Chemistry - Polymer Option

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Date of Expected Graduation

Summer 2015

Abstract

Interactions between macromolecule species and fluorescently labeled phospholipids were explored in supported lipid bilayers (SLBs). The concentration and the lateral mobility of the labeled phospholipids within the confocal volume were determined via fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. Low molecular weight polystyrene was used for the neutral charged macromolecule. Three separate concentrations of polystyrene were used and a significant change in lateral mobility of phospholipids was found for the SLB doped with all three concentration of styrene from polystyrene (molecular weight = 1000). Polyester with mimic lysine pendant groups was used for the cationic polymer at physiological pH. A large decrease in the mobility of head labeled lipids was found when the polyester was introduced to the bilayer. The same polyester was used on an experiment with SLBs doped with negatively charged, tail labeled phospholipids. However, a faster diffusion coefficient was found for the SLB when introduced to the polycationic molecule. This is contradicting to previous reports but this is just a preliminary observation. More experiments need to be completed to further determine these relationships. Overall, important groundwork has been completed to help describe the dynamics of the lipid-macromolecule interface.

Research Sponsor

Dr. Adam Smith

First Reader

Dr. Chrys Wesdemiotis

Second Reader

Dr. Michael Konopka

Included in

Biophysics Commons

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.