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The biophysics of macromolecular crowding - a comprehensive experimental study of model systems

ReferenceE04113
Principal Investigator / Supervisor Professor Wilson Poon
Co-Investigators /
Co-Supervisors
Professor Peter Pusey
Institution University of Edinburgh
DepartmentDept of Physics and Astronomy
Funding typeResearch
Value (£) 190,086
StatusCompleted
TypeResearch Grant
Start date 01/01/1996
End date 31/03/1999
Duration39 months

Abstract

Most in vivo biochemistry and in vitro biotechnology occurs in aqueous media with a high concentration of macromolecules or other suspended/solvated species (e.g. organelles). The resulting macromolecular crowding can have important consequences. Chemical equilibrium, and thus structural adoption, can be significantly altered. Diffusive processes can slow down by an order of magnitude. We propose an extensive experimental program to study phase behaviour and diffusion in well characterised model systems which mimic generic crowded biomedia. In particular, we will probe diffusion using a novel two-colour dynamic light scattering technique which allows us to study optically turbid, concentrated samples. Results obtained should provide a much-needed baseline for any future studies on more realistic systems.

Summary

unavailable
Committee Closed Committee - Engineering & Biological Systems (EBS)
Research TopicsX – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research PriorityX – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative X - not in an Initiative
Funding SchemeX – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme
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