Biomolecular Interactions and Transformations on Geochemical Interfaces
Abstract
Molecular processes at geochemical interfaces play a key role in the fate and transport of chemical and biological species in the environment. The proposed studies focus on surface adsorption of biomolecule with different geochemical interfaces such as oxide, oxyhydroxide, carbonate and clay mineral surfaces as well as the surface chemistry and biomolecular transformations that can occur at these interfaces. The goal of the proposed activities will be to address and answer outstanding questions concerning biomolecular interactions with geochemical surfaces and the transformation of biomolecules on geochemical surfaces. For example, the question as whether surfaces ÒprotectÓ or ÒstabilizeÓ biomolecules in the environment as it relates to degradation and oxidation pathways will be addressed. Additionally, how do these different surfaces interact with biomolecules as a function of pH and ionic strength. Overall, there are two main objectives of the proposed activities. The first objective is to investigate adsorption of biomolecules and their interactions on different mineral surfaces. Specifically, the adsorption of proteins and DNA on oxides, oxyhydroxides, clays and carbonates will be probed using different analytical techniques to develop a better understanding of how minerals with different surface properties, such as surface charge and binding sites etc., change these interactions. The second objective is to investigate the surface chemistry and transformation of biomolecules to determine how these surface-biomolecular interactions impact biomolecule transformations. In the proposed studies, we will specifically investigate the impacts of wet/dry cycling, thermal degradation and photochemical oxidation of DNA and proteins to better understand how these biomolecules transform in the environment and the impact of surface adsorption on these transformation pathways.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 27, 2023
- Source ID
- W911NF2310181
Entities
People
- Vicki Grassian
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- United States Army
- University of California, San Diego