Bradley University, Mund-Langowski Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Peoria, IL 61625
The adsorption of amino acids to inorganic nano-materials plays a significant role in many facets of the chemical world, such as bio-nanotechnology, the electronics industry, and environmental science. Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS) is a single-molecule spectroscopic technique that can be used to quantify small molecule binding interactions with nano-particles, proteins, and other macromolecules.In this study, the binding interactions between two amino acids, L-serine and L-alanine, and nano-colloidal silica were characterized through competitive dye binding analysis using FCS. Amino acid binding to silica was measured quantitatively by determining the percentage of bound fluorescent dye to the nano-particles when L-serine and L-alanine were introduced into solution. With additional study, the information obtained from these investigations will advance the understanding of the fundamental chemistry driving the adsorption of amino acids to inorganic nano-materials.
[Abstract (DOCX)]