Characterizing the Reactions of Surface-Bound Biological Molecules by Mass Spectrometry

Indiana University, Bloomington IN

Investigators

Abstract

This research award to Professor James Reilly of Indiana University - Bloomington, entitled "Characterizing the Reactions of Surface-bound Biological Molecules by Mass Spectrometry" is supported by the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program. The goal of the research is to explore the fundamental chemistry of protein binding to surfaces. The surface interactions will be probed using mass spectrometry. In particular the following problems will be examined: 1) the cause of reduced chemical activity of bound enzymes compared to free enzymes 2) structural changes which affect the location and number of binding sites in bound proteins 3) the effect of the surface structure on the enzyme activity. The research has the potential for high impact in the areas of surface and interfacial science as well as for mass spectrometry and biochemistry. This research is creative but high risk. It will provide the opportunities for students to work on an interdisciplinary project involving analytical chemistry and protein biochemistry. The outcome of this research could impact the fields of biotechnology, protein diagnostics, protein structure and modeling and immunoassay techniques.