Molecular Recognition in Biological Systems and Bioinformatics

Protein behavior and dynamics within restricted space; chemical sensors and systems; environmentally benign solvent systems; biodegradable materials; anti-fouling materials; laser spectroscopy.

Our research centers on understanding important systems at the molecular level. This understanding is used to develop new: (i) chemical sensor systems, (ii) environmentally benign solvent systems, and (iii) platforms for accelerating wound repair.

• SLM model 48000 multi-harmonic Fourier instrument (frequency domain). This system is capable of routine steady-state fluorescence anisotropy and intensity, picosecond time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy and intensity decay, and phase-resolved fluorescence measurements.
• Hybrid SLM model 4850 fluorimeter. This system uses frequency-domain cross correlation detection with photomultiplier tubes or time-domain detection with a microchannel plate photomultiplier tube and time correlated single photon counting detection. This system is capable of steady-state and picosecond (frequency- and time-domain) fluorescence measurements under one-, two-, and three-photon excitation conditions.
• Femtosecond Ti:sapphire laser system. This system consists of a Coherent model Mira 900F Ti:sapphire laser, a cw argon-ion pump laser (Coherent, model Innova 400), a pulse-picker (Coherent, model 9200), cavity dumper (Coherent, model Pulseswitch) and a second and third harmonic generation system (CSK, model Super Doubler/Tripler). This laser system produces 100-200 fs long pulses at any wavelength between 725 and 950 nm (fundamental), 363 and 475 nm (second harmonic), and 242 and 317 nm (third harmonic). Average powers in excess of 1.5 W are possible.
• An IBH model 5000-W-SAFE with flashlamp (40 kHz), LED (1 MHz), and diode laser (1 MHz) excitation. This system is capable of performing picosecond and nanosecond time correlated single photon counting fluorescence measurements.
• A home built time-resolved fluorimeter. This system consists of N2 pump laser (PTI, model GL-3300) and a dye laser (PTI, model GL-301l). Detection is performed with a fast-wired photomultiplier tube and a 200 MHz digital oscilloscope (Tektronix, model TDS 350). The dye laser output is tunable between 350 and 800 nm and produces 600 ps long pulses at 5-10 Hz. The system is ideal for recording time-resolved anisotropy and intensity decays that are greater than ~ 20 ns.
• Two SLM model 8100 steady-state fluorimeters. These systems are capable of routine steady-state fluorescence anisotropy and intensity measurements.
• HP 8452A diode array spectrophotometer. This system is used for recording routine UV-Vis electronic absorbance spectra.
• Chromex model 250 cmi Raman system with CCD detection and custom high-pressure interface. This system is used for recording routine Raman spectra. Excitation is at 514.5 nm (argon-ion laser).
• Two CCD-based Olympus BX-FLA epi-fluorescence microscope systems. One system has a Princeton Instruments, model TE/CCD-1317-K with model ST-138 controller. The second system is equipped with an Optronics model QuantiFire 4-megapixel CCD.
• Gilson model Quad-Z 215 robotic liquid handling system.
• A Cartesian Technologies model ProSys 5510 robotic pin printer system.
• Ocean Optics model xyz-200x150x100 robotic 3D mapping table. This system will be used in concert with the requested liquid handler (see above) for the high throughput screening campaigns.
• Two CW argon-ion laser (Spectra-Physics model 164, Coherent model 90-6).
• CW intracavity-doubled argon-ion laser (257 nm, Lexel Lasers model 95 SHG)
• Two CW Omnichrome He-Cd lasers (325 nm).
• CW Liconix He-Cd laser (442 nm).
• Over one dozen high- and mid-pressure pumps.
• A cache of high-pressure custom optical cells for supercritical fluid work. Most cells operate up to 300 bar and 350K. One cell is available to operate up to 2,500 bar.
• Six (6) dedicated IBM compatible PCs for off-line data analysis, simulations/modeling, graphics, code development and word processing.

• Sensors for many classes of proteins (interleukins to ricin)
• Pro-inflammatory cytokines
• Growth factors

Disease diagnostics, Volatile biomarkers, Drug detection, Protein detection.

• Fluorescence spectroscopy of all types
• Microscopy
• Materials libraries

Most optically-based analytical methods.

View at: http://www.chem.buffalo.edu/bright.php