Project Title: Protein structure and interactions in nanoparticle drug delivery systems
Research Overview: The objective of this project is to determine the structure, dynamics, and interactions of therapeutic proteins within nanoparticle materials designed for drug delivery applications. The Bayro lab produces in vitro assemblies of recombinant proteins and nanoparticles. The target protein to be studied is cytochrome c, which plays a critical role in cell death and is a potential anti-cancer agent. PR-CLIMB participants will probe the relationship between enzymatic efficiency and the integrity and stability of the protein in nanoparticle assemblies. The nanoparticle systems will include self-assembling organic compounds, liposomes, and virus-like particles. The expected outcome of these studies is to determine the effects of drug-delivery encapsulation on protein structure and dynamics, with the goal of designing more efficient bionanomaterials.
Field of Chemistry: Biophysical Chemistry
Skills/Techniques: PR-CLIMB participants will express and purify proteins, produce protein encapsulation systems under various experimental conditions, and investigate protein structure and dynamics via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in solution and in solids. They will learn protein biochemistry and basic spectroscopic techniques, as well as participate in discussions of the current literature in the fields of nanotechnology, biomaterials, protein NMR spectroscopy, and a variety of biophysical techniques.
Field of Chemistry: Biophysical Chemistry
Skills/Techniques: PR-CLIMB participants will express and purify proteins, produce protein encapsulation systems under various experimental conditions, and investigate protein structure and dynamics via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in solution and in solids. They will learn protein biochemistry and basic spectroscopic techniques, as well as participate in discussions of the current literature in the fields of nanotechnology, biomaterials, protein NMR spectroscopy, and a variety of biophysical techniques.