Award Abstract #0216655
MRI/RUI: Acquisition of Isothermal Titration and Differential Scanning MicroCalorimeters for Chemistry and Biology Research

NSF Org:	CHE Division of Chemistry
Initial Amendment Date:	July 25, 2002
Latest Amendment Date:	November 21, 2002
Award Number:	0216655
Award Instrument:	Continuing grant
Program Manager:	Joan M. Frye CHE Division of Chemistry MPS Directorate for Mathematical & Physical Sciences
Start Date:	August 1, 2002
Expires:	July 31, 2004 (Estimated)
Awarded Amount to Date:	$117220
Investigator(s):	Stephen Dunham sdunham@colby.edu (Principal Investigator) Paul Greenwood (Co-Principal Investigator) Dasan Thamattoor (Co-Principal Investigator)
Sponsor:	Colby College 4000 Mayflower Hill Waterville, ME 04901 207/872-3000
NSF Program(s):	EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES, MAJOR RESEARCH INSTRUMENTATION
Field Application(s):
Program Reference Code(s):	BIOT, 9184, 9150
Program Element Code(s):	9150, 1189

ABSTRACT

With support from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, Stephen Dunham, Paul Greenwood and Dasan Thamattoor of Colby College will acquire an isothermal titration calorimeter (ITC) and differential scanning microcalorimeters (DSC) for chemistry and biology research. Research projects that will exploit this equipment include a) structural studies of modified oligonucleotides; b) metal ion binding affinities and stabilities of modified DNA aptamers; c) binding affinities of DNA aptamers to biological targets; d) ion binding affinities and structural characterization of proteins in nematocysts; e) ion binding selectivity of polyoxa[n]peristylanes; f) computer aided molecular design and guest-host chemistry of H2-antagonists; and g) structural analysis of RNase mutants that allow self-fertilization in plants.

Calorimetry is an extremely useful tool in modern analytical chemistry. Calorimetric analysis is used to measure the thermal energy (heat) exchange that occurs during molecular interactions and reactions. Thus it can provide a very reliable and sensitive method for determining the thermodynamic properties of materials such as changes in heat capacity of liquid and solid samples. Colby College is an undergraduate institution, and the availability of these instruments will have a strong impact on undergraduate research. In addition, commercial ITC and DSC microcalorimeters are currently not available in the state of Maine.

Please report errors in award information by writing to: awardsearch@nsf.gov.