CHED 317 |
| Poly(GVGVP) is an elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) that undergoes a conformational change when passing through its transition temperature. This temperature induced folding of ELP results in a thermo-mechanical energy conversion in bulk cross-linked ELP. Substitution of the valine residues with other amino acids can lead to other forms of energy transduction including chemo-mechanical and opto-mechanical conversions. To date, these energy conversions have only been observed in bulk, and not at the molecular level. In order to scale down this response to the molecular level, we are preparing modified ELP that will associate in small, well-defined aggregates. The modified ELP is expressed in an E. coli expression system. After purification conformational changes of the ELP assemblies are characterized using spectroscopic methods. The ultimate goal is to use these molecular transducers as a way to transfer energy to nano-scale devices. |
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Undergraduate Research Poster Session: Nanotechnology
11:00 AM-1:00 PM, Monday, April 7, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Hall A, Poster
Division of Chemical Education |