Michael Burke - US grants

Immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography (IMAC) has proved useful in isolating proteins present in trace amounts from complex mixtures. The objective of this award is to characterize and map several IMA-adsorbents and to use the results of these studies to formulate and test protocols for the isolation of proteins from crude mixtures using cascade mode multi-affinity chromatography (CASMAC). The first goal is to characterize new gels with regard to chelating agents, metal ions and chromatography conditions. Among other methods, adsorption isotherms and NMR will be used. Secondly, these gels will be mapped using retention studies of amino acids, and model peptides and proteins. Thirdly, the investigators plan to develop and test protocols that allow fractionation of complex protein mixtures using CASMAC. It is anticipated that this work will result in making adsorbents available to the scientific community for both IMAC and CASMAC that offer incremental affinities for proteins and peptides, and that are specifically targeted for interaction with different amino acid side groups. Further the investigators plan to develop a rational approach using a series of affinity techniques to separate complex protein mixtures effectively.

The college is establishing a series of science intensive curricula aimed at students with average academic ability and an interest in science or engineering. The curricula are designed to facilitate students entering the workforce as skilled technicians after 2 years of postsecondary education and an industrial internship. Alternatively, students can continue on to complete their baccalaureate degree. This grant is aiding in the implementation of a Chemical Technology curriculum, while enriching chemistry laboratory courses for both vocational and transfer students. The college is acquiring an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer to complete the inventory for the Chemical Technology curriculum. Chemical technicians graduating from the college master the operation of the following instruments: FTIR spectrophotometer, gas chromatograph, atomic absorption spectrophotometer, high performance liquid chromatograph, uv/vis spectrophotometer, electrophoretic apparatus, ISE meters and, general laboratory apparatus like balances, ovens, and incubators.

This project is developing a program to incorporate modern applications of separation science in the undergraduate curriculum. This includes the acquisition of new capillary electrophoresis (CE) instrumentation and new liquid chromatography (HPLC) capabilities, to continue the upgrade of analytical instrumentation in the teaching program. New experiments are being developed, along the following lines, for students at the junior and senior levels: (a) CE separation and quantitation of biologically significant molecules of high molecular weight (the instrumentation also provides students with their first exposure to analysis with nanogram sample quantities); (b) separation and quantitation of pharmaceutical compounds by liquid chromatography (photodiode array detection allows students to carry out peak purity analysis); and (c) optimization of solvent composition and flow rate in LC to determine the C60/C70 ratio in locally produced fullerene samples. This program allows for the continued development of new experiments, designed to target the fastest growing segment of our student population the life sciences oriented students.

A long standing fundamental question is how plants perceive and respond to changes in their environment. In addition to sensing and signaling, understanding of the regulatory genes is advancing rapidly. Very important has been the identification and characterization of many of the 1,500 of these genes that control plant responses to cold. Many other genes are also important in plant stress adaptation and they are being characterized at a rapid rate. Studies of the heat shock response have uncovered unexpected basic cell functions and united the study of protein folding with the function of several stress proteins. Biophysical aspects of temperature stress are now better understood. A number of proteins protect plants from low temperatures and freezing damage. In short, the field of temperature stress in plants is very rich with opportunities for agriculture and forestry. Most critical at this time is bringing together scientists at molecular, cell, whole organism, and field levels. It will be a diverse gathering and include a union between diverse academic institutions within the USA and internationally including a union of academic and industry scientists. Involvement of industry is a founding principal of the Gordon Research Conferences. The timing of the 2003 Gordon Conference on Temperature Stress in Plants could not be better!