Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

This research proposal seeks to develop a novel tool for the investigation of electric field-driven membrane transport phenomena, based on nanoparticle plasmonics and surface-enhanced vibrational spectroscopies. This research will be utilized to probe a variety of voltage-gated membrane transport processes, with an emphasis on biomimetic membrane systems. Of particular interest is the degree to which protein aggregates, such as amyloids, interact with biomembrane systems, and what kind of channels are formed as a result of this interaction. Other systems of interest include the transduction of particular protein toxins across membrane systems, and a better understanding of small molecule permeation through pre-existing protein transmembrane channels. Nanoarray electrodes composed of metal nanoparticles will be designed and engineered to allow for maximum signal attainment in various surface-enhanced spectroscopies, including surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and surface-enhanced infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (SEIRRAS). The very short decay lengths (i.e. < 10 nm for SERS) of the enhanced electric field generated by metal nanostructures makes it possible to record signal from only those species which cross the membrane and arrive at the nanostructured electrode surface, providing the basis of a new methodology for studying membrane transport phenomena. Of particular value is that this approach does not require special labels or probe molecules, and studies can be done in a real time, in situ manner. This research will contribute to our understanding of the design and development of plasmonic nanoarray electrodes, and will enhance our knowledge of voltage-gated membrane transport, particularly with respect to the interaction between aggregated protein and cellular membranes. Findings from such research will be critical to the understanding of disease processes caused by protein aggregates, and may highlight future avenues of disease research.