Here are some possible lipid biophysics projects you can participate in during 2006 summer and beyond. To learn more or to inquire about these projects, please contact Ben Stottrup.

Investigate the Mixing Properties of Cholesterol and Phospholipids Mixed lipid monolayers containing cholesterol have been shown to possess unique and interesting thermodynamic features. Specifically, the miscibility phase diagrams of many phospholipid/cholesterol systems have two upper critical points. This observation first made with fluorescence microscopy is consistent with the condensed complex theory of cholesterol within lipid monolayers. Recently, it has been observed that other sterols with similar structural properties to cholesterol also have this property. Ongoing project will continue during the summer of 2006.

Develop a Surface Potential Probe for Lipid Monolayer Studies The surface potential of lipid monolayers can be measured using an ionization method. The project offers a challenging opportunity to develop skills in electronics, data acquisition, and computer interfacing. Once built this surface potential probe can be tested and calibrated using known standards. Join the Lipid Biophysics lab and work on this exciting experimental project.

Develop the Protocols for a Sodium Dithionite Assay to Measure Transbilayer Diffusion The sodium dithionite assay can be used to determine the transbilayer movement of lipids between leaflets. Students working on this project will adapt this existing fluorescence assay for use here at Augsburg College.

Software Development There are a number of computer programming opportunities in the lab. For example, Gibb's triangles are used to represent the pressure or temperature phase behavior of ternary mixtures. An initial computer programming project would develop a user friendly way to plot these ternary phase diagrams.

Design an Automatic Trough Cleaning and Deposition System One way to increase the accuracy of pressure area isotherms is to reduce the random errors of lipid monolayer deposition. Students interested in this project will explore possible ways of making monolayer deposition more repeatable.

Research	Introduction	Techniques	Members	Publications	Home