Antonetta Axup Chem430 F16

Chemistry/Biochemistry Research 430

Fall 2016

Antonetta Axup

Junior Biochemistry Major

Research Times

T/Thur 2-4 pm

section 01 = 0.25 credit = 4 hours per week.

section 02 = 0.50 credit = 8 hours per week.

Proposed Research Project

General Information

Advisor: Audra Sostarecz

Other research student collaborators: here

Other Research Collaborators: here

Proposal

Langmuir Monolayers of sweet orange essential oil, the phospholipids dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol (DPPG) and E.coli lipid extract were used to investigate the antibacterial properties of essential oils. The Langmuir Monolayer technique is a useful one for the formation of model cell membranes by allowing analysis of the interactions between the molecules and their organization capabilities. Monolayers using the sweet orange oil as a subphase with DPPC added were found to be more fluid, and to be less stable, as indicated by a low surface pressure at low molecular areas when compared to monolayers with ultra pure water as the subphase. Similarly, monolayers using the sweet orange oil as a subphase with the E. coli lipid extract added were found to be more fluid, and to be less stable, as indicated by a low surface pressure at low molecular areas when compared to monolayers with ultra pure water as the subphase. These results were also found with the trials of DPPG. Further investigations will involve using a simpler gram-negative model, such as 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine (DPPS), since E. coli is a more complex gram-negative model, and observing those results in the orange oil, changing the concentration of the oil in the subphase and using different essential oils as subphases.

Instruments to be used

Langmuir Monolayer Trough

Research pledge

I, Antonetta Axup, 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.