Date of Award
Summer 7-20-2018
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Integrative Biology (MSIB)
Department
Biology
Committee Chair/First Advisor
Dr. Jonathan McMurry
Major Professor
Dr. Melanie Griffin
Second Committee Member
Dr. Lisa Ganser
Abstract
In this study, BLI is used to explore various molecular interactions to demonstrate molecular binding and to provide quantitative characterization of binding kinetics and affinities of phage-protein and DNA-protein interactions. The results of this study demonstrate novel use of biolayer interferometry to immobilize whole Sf6 bacteriophage onto the biosensor to measure the binding to its outer membrane host receptor protein OmpA. The use of BLI also demonstrates the technology as a probe to predict and verify binding interactions at the molecular level to assign the role of protein function in both Vibrio fischeri and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Each aim of this research project will demonstrate novel applications of BLI technology to further characterize molecular interactions in an inexpensive, time-efficient manner that produces real-time data. Upon determining the relationship of intriguing molecular interactions of each aim, BLI technology will also be highlighted to support the notion that this technology can be used to further determine or expand the understanding of intercellular mechanisms regulated in a variety of microorganisms.