Elucidating Structure Versus Function Relationships for Adsorbed Enzyme Layers

Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh PA

Investigators

Abstract

The objective of this project is to investigate structure-function relationships for adsorbed enzymes in an integrated manner using a battery of experimental tools. These include a set of complementary, non-invasive spectroscopic and imaging tools to quantitatively analyze the adsorbed layer structure on well-characterized surfaces. Also, a new assay to non-invasively measure the rates of enzyme-catalyzed reactions on exactly the same types of surfaces would be used. Quantities to be determined include adsorption isotherms and kinetics, structural information on both individual molecules and the adsorbed layer, active site accessibility, and enzyme activity.