Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Physical Chemistry Seminar Series

Professor Jean K. Chung, Colorado State University
January 13, 2025 — 2:00pm, Tykeson 140
Hosted by: Andrew Marcus

Title: Lipid Membrane Structure in Catalysis and Reactivity

The cellular membrane not only defines the boundary of the cell, but also mediates the communication with the environment and organizes vital processes in space and time. In the inflammation process, liberating polyunsaturated fatty acids from phospholipids. The fatty acids are then oxidized by lipoxygenase, which leads to the overall oxidation of the membrane that underlies aging and a host of diseases. Here, we explore how the structural integrity of the cell membrane is linked to both the hydrolysis of phospholipids by phospholipase A2 and lipid peroxidation by lipoxygenase. We use model membrane systems, such as lipid vesicles and supported lipid bilayers combined with fluorescence spectroscopy and imaging to investigate the reactions involved in membrane breakdown.

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Organic/Inorganic/Materials Seminar Series

Professor Robert Strongin, Portland State University
3:30 pm, 110 Fenton Hall
December 5, 2024 
Hosted by NRT

Title: Advances in Abiotic Biosensors and Targeted Molecular Probes

For the past three decades our group has addressed fundamental challenges in biomedical diagnostics. Applications have included the detection of cancer, cardiovascular disease and redox-related disorders. The general approach involves the development of design principles for transforming relatively simple pH dyes into inherently targeted, highly selective long wavelength and NIR-active agents that function without the need for conjugation to biomolecules. This has allowed us to develop abiotic chemical indicators to detect intriguing disease biomarkers such as specific sugars, amino acids and low-abundant phospholipids. In addition, molecular probes that target human pancreatic cancer tissue have been synthesized and evaluated.