Like everyone, I was busy preparing the poster and myself for its presentation. Posters looked great. The Symposium was fast-paced! I didn’t have time to see the others as we all left quickly to enjoy what time is left of the summer. So… see everyone in September after school is back in session.
Also… Jimmy … Macromolecules are a a broad category of molecules that are often referred to as biomolecules in the Biology TEKS. The electrospray mass spec can provide the atomic mass for any macromolecule/biomolecule that can be linearized and contains ions. From my brief training, peptides can be injected directly into the instrument (see original post’s picture). However, other molecules such as carbohydrates and nucleic acids are often run thru tubing for a HPLC connected nearby the equipment. From my reading on the internet, the fatty acids in lipids can also be linearized and charged so they too can be analyzed.
Week was busy with preparing data for poster. Also, learned about Electrospray Ionisation Mass Spectrometry.
July 3rd/tomorrow is Day 12 (last day) of data collection… just in time for the July 4th holiday! My plan is to not work at the university on Friday; however, I will work on the poster’s overall layout at home. After the last Friday group meeting , I decided to add a short intro on the poster about the biochemistry of amino acids & peptides to explain how they self-assemble into nanofibers of the hydrogels. Hopefully, everyone has a fun and safe holiday!
My project is to help characterize the mechanical properties of my mentor’s peptide hydrogels after incubating in the media. Last week, we prepared a cell culture plate with hydrogels for 3, 5, 7, 10 and 12 days post-incubation. The hydrogels are incubating in media and are retrieved each day listed. I am using the Rheometer to determine the Storage Modulus (G’) and Loss Modulus (G”) I am also collecting the media to determine the pH. So… I am preparing “lots” of Excel graphs and data tables.
When the summer began, six weeks sounded like enough time to complete an “ambitious” research project. We are continuing to synthesize more peptides for use on Viri’s graduate work; however, the new proteins will be purified about the time the poster is presented. 🙂 In addition to FMOC sythesis of proteins, I also am learning how to use the MALDI mass spectrometer to analyze the new peptides and use ChemDraw to draw the peptides. As of this week, we decided to only use three instead of six peptides and start the preparation and incubation of the peptide hydrogels. We also tested the Rheometer for use with the smaller hydrogels used in the cell culture. So, now we are scheduled to finish the experiments with time to analyze the data and prepare the poster.
Maldi mass spectrometer
Week 1 in the Lab
My summer project primarily centers around the effect of the media on the peptide hydrogels to be used for encapsulating MSCs that for a future in vivo study. To start, we were busy making a 21-amino acid peptide using the FMOC method during the first week. The entire process can take several days. The process has alot of steps that are repeated. Viri (grad student) would do one step so I could see how to do the step and then she guided me on my physically duplicating her step. The FMOC process involved a resin (looks like beads/see picture) that holds the growing peptide. To generalize, the technique required protection and deprotection of the amine in each amino acid while its incorporated into the growing peptide. The efficiency of each step was monitored by taking a “nano-sized sample” and adding ninhydrin. After heating, test samples were generally either blue or brown indicating deprotection or protection had occurred. All the colors were appropriate so the peptide should be in its correct sequence. The crude/impure peptide should be finished with dialysis on Monday. We will use the mass spec next week to determine if the peptide is correct.We have to prepare more peptides for before in vitro testing of the peptides in hydrogel. Viri is also growing and staining MSC cells for encapsulation. 
I really enjoyed this year’s RET-Nanotechnology’s Orientation Trip to Ocean Star Oil and Gas Museum in Galveston (https://www.galveston.com/oceanstar/). It was more of a Professional Development than a “field trip.” The “building” is actually the original Ocean Star Oil rig platform that was converted into the museum. The tour guide taught us about geological formations, equipment and the general history related to oil drilling offshore. The old hyperbaric chamber, deep-sea sub & diving suits and well drill bits were especially interesting . Exhibits included incredible models of geological formations and various parts to oil rigs. There was even a wall that matched “personality” types and possible career choices ranging from engineering, laboratory product development and administrative jobs in the oil and gas field. There also was an incredible view of the Galveston Bay. The tour was followed up with a “workshop” on existing lessons and activities related to Oil & Gas Industry’s engineering, energy usage and oil products. There were informative handouts and demonstrations on engineering activities. The presenting teacher also shared her experience with modifying the lessons and activities for different grade levels. And … every teacher left with an educational door prize and ideas for lesson plans.
K-12 Educators Disseminating Research from Rice University, Arizona State University, and University of Texas-El Paso
Maldi mass spectrometer
