Brandi Yoder Chem430 F16

Chemistry/Biochemistry Research 430

Fall 2016

Brandi Yoder

Junior Biochemistry Major

Research Times

Monday 2-5pm

section 01 = 0.25 credit = 4 hours per week.

Proposed Research Project

The Langmuir Monolayer Technique is used to study surface chemistry and can be used to model the cell membrane of a eukaryotic cell. Liposomes can also be used as a model due to the lipid bilayer that is produced, allowing for the interpretation of how particles interact with the hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions of the membrane. Once a standard concentration of lipids found in the membrane can be determined and liposomes made reproducibly, nanoparticles of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide will be introduced to investigate how metals interact within the cell membrane, in order to ultimately determine if the particles in over the counter beauty products embed our skin. The compression isotherms of four lipids that are major components of the epithelial cell membrane were taken at body temperature in order to interpret how the lipid behaves in the skin. Liposomes were considered as a technique to study the bilayer due to the use of fluorescence when making them. A fluorescent lipid is introduced to the lipid or lipids that are being studied and the liposomes are then tested using a fluorimeter that allows for a graphical display of the excitation and emission. The compression isotherms have been interpreted and the fluorimeter mastered.

Enter Project Title here

Designing a Model Cell Membrane to Investigate the Absorption of Nanoparticles in Our Skin

General Information

Advisor: Dr. Audra Sostarecz

Instruments to be used

Flourimeter, Langmuir Monolayer Trough

References (2 minimum)

1. 2.

Research pledge

I, Brandi Yoder, have read the Chem/Bioc 430 course syllabus and understand the general structure and expectations of the research program. The above material was prepared after consultation, and in conjunction with my research advisor.