Membrane Localization of Pyrene-Trehalose Conjugates (PYRETs)

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Abigail Hagwood (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: "The disaccharide trehalose is found in many organisms that can survive in extremely cold or dry environments. According to the ""hydration hypothesis , € trehalose interacts with the glycerol/phosphate regions of lipid bilayers and displaces water molecules , preventing ice crystals from puncturing the cell when frozen. In order to control the depth of trehalose penetration into membranes , we have attached the nonpolar fluorophore pyrene to trehalose via one- , three- , and five-carbon spacers. The conjugates , which we call PYRETs , are sufficiently soluble in ethanol-water to be purified by reversed-phase HPLC. Proton NMR showed low symmetry and integrations consistent with a single pyrene anchor per disaccharide unit. The effects of PYRETs on membrane dynamics is shown by fluorescence spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Long-term , PYRETs may be useful in cryopreservation of red blood cells."

Additional Information

Publication

Thesis

Language: English

Date: 2018

Keywords

trehalose, pyrene, membrane localization, hydration hypothesis

Subjects

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