Myoglobin spectra as a function of pH and temperature
Research focuses on Near-Infrared (NIR) Spectroscopic measurements of Myoglobin (Mb) Oxygen saturation in the beating, blood-perfused Male Guinea pig heart. Accurate NIR Spectra of Myoglobin Oxygen saturation my be hampered by the presence of numerous unique Cytochromes, Hemoglobin, and Cytochrome Oxidase in the Mitochondria of the heart tissue. To account for Cytochrome Oxidases addition to the NIR spectra of Myoglobin, the student will be responsible for extraction and purification of Cytochrome Oxidase from frozen sheep heart. In addition, the student will also determine the effects(if any) that pH has on the actual Myoglobin NIR Spectra. In the process, the student will become proficient with the workings of a Langendorff heart-perfusion apparatus, learn to use and write simple programs on statistical and graphical software packages such as Matlab and Labview. Working in the Eric O. Feigl laboratory will provide the student with an excellent introduction to research and proper laboratory techniques.
