CAREER: An In Situ AFM Investigation of Cholesterol Crystal Growth

Georgetown University, Washington DC

Investigators

Abstract

This CAREER proposal seeks to establish a fundamental understanding of the molecular level mechanisms and dynamics of cholesterol crystal nucleation and growth using in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM). The chemical functionality and microstructure of cholesterol monohydrate crystal faces will be established using chemical force microscopy and phase imaging techniques. In situ AFM growth experiments will afford direct information on crystal growth mechanisms (kinetics and anisotropy) and the characterization of molecular level defects under a variety of solution and well-established model bile conditions. Crystal nucleation and growth will additionally be investigated in the presence of epitaxial mineral substrates and rationally designed inhibitors. Educational aspects of this plan include the development of a new undergraduate organic laboratory experiment concerning crystal growth from gel media, and the establishment of the first annual East Coast Graduate Student Organic Materials Symposium. %%% This is an area of solid state chemical biology that is of high relevance and importance to the medical industry. Students trained in the area of solid state organic chemistry are very competitive in the job market in areas such as pharmaceuticals.