Transcript Slide 1
Magnetic, Fluorescent Hybrid Particles Paul S. Russo (Louisiana State University) We make submicron particles composed of a solid, glass-like core and a soft, protein-like shell. The particles also contain tiny magnets, which respond to a magnetic field, permitting collection at a magnet. These particles combine the features of proteins, such as the ability to recognize stereochemistry (an important part of drug design) with the properties of particles (easy manipulation). In practice, the particles might “find” desired targets in solution and “fetch” them for use or delivery. Many other applications are envisioned. The image at top left shows how we imagine the particles. At right, a cut-away view shows the magnetic inclusions (orange) and fluorescent layer (green). The micrograph at bottom shows how the particles assemble into linear chains under an applied magnetic field. A child who drags a magnet through a sand pile sees a similar thing…on a much larger scale. DMR-Award #0606117 ~ 500 nm Magnetic, Fluorescent Hybrid Particles Paul S. Russo (Louisiana State University) DMR-Award #0606117 The PI’s work with the Chemical Education Foundation (CEF) continues. Daniel Hulgan, Louisiana’s entrant to CEF’s “You Be the Chemist Challenge”, won the national championship in Philadelphia June 19, 2009, aided by a supporting family, LSU grad student Damien Narcisse, and teacher Dena Nabers of Westdale Middle, a Baton Rouge public school. Daniel frequently studied with the Louisiana State runner-up, Ikechi Akujobi. The PI has nothing to do with preparing these amazing kids; however, launching the Challenge here (with much help from LSU’s Brenda Nixon) seems to have given them something to aim for…and hit. Louisiana delegation at CEF National Challenge in Philadelphia. Lab members who have worked on hybrid particles. The bottom photo uses the magic of PhotoShop to assemble, in one virtual place and time, the hybrid particle team this award has supported over the years. Not all these people have even met! Only NSF can support discovery-driven research over the period required for success. We have only tapped the surface of what can be discovered about the hybrid silica-polypeptide particles. Perhaps the most important broader impact so far is these students themselves: three (3) have gone to industrial positions, another took a prestigious postdoc, and the rest continue their explorations at LSU. We haven’t forgotten to integrate research and teaching; Melissa Collins (leftmost) assisted the local Challenge competition by serving as a judge. She and a new addition to the team will help the PI and his freshman chemistry class develop additional CEF study materials this fall.