Objective This proposal describes a novel strategy for the embedding of vitamin B12 into a nano-sized protein reactor, in order to study the mechanism of reductive dechlorination reactions. This work will be the first study to observe catalysis in the alpha-hemolysin nanoreactor and will pave the way to the design of new biologically friendly catalysts for the degradation of harmful poly-chlorinated pollutants. In the experimental apparatus, preformed pores, (Staphyloccocal alpha-hemolysin) will be introduced into planar bilayers by adding small amounts of the pore protein to one chamber. Reactions are monitored by recording the modulation of the ionic current that flows through an individual pore at a fixed applied potential in millisecond time scale. The observation of catalysis in the engineered pores is our aim to provide new opportunities to examine mechanistic steps that might be missed in ensemble measurements by known techniques. We propose to insert super reduced vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) into alpha-hemolysin pore under anaerobic conditions. This will yield a functional nanoreactor, which can be considered as a biosensor, to detect very small amounts of contamination of chlorinated waste molecules in the environment, as well as serve as a platform for single molecule studies. These experiments will shed light into the proposed reaction mechanism on reductive dechlorination of poly-chlorinated ethenes at a molecular level of detail. Understanding the steps of the carcinogenic vinyl chloride; VC formation will provide the knowledge to construct environmental friendly, “cell free” catalysts to prevent the accumulation of these carcinogens in the environment. Fields of science engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensorsbiosensorsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsnatural scienceschemical sciencescatalysis Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IIF - Marie Curie Action: "International Incoming Fellowships" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IIF See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IIF - International Incoming Fellowships (IIF) Coordinator THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD EU contribution € 173 240,80 Address WELLINGTON SQUARE UNIVERSITY OFFICES OX1 2JD Oxford United Kingdom See on map Region South East (England) Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Oxfordshire Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Linda Polik (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
