Exploring how biopolymers behave at water interfaces
Official title: Probing structures and hydration of biopolymers at aqueous interfaces using chiral-selective vibrational sum frequency generation spectroscopy
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11010953 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how proteins and nucleic acids behave when they come into contact with water at places like cell membranes, which could help us create better materials for things like delivering medications more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | June 10, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $401,571 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM156522-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11010953 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that could benefit from advanced biomaterials, such as those requiring targeted drug delivery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to biopolymer interactions or those not requiring biomaterials for treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how biopolymers like proteins and nucleic acids change their structure when they interact with water at interfaces, such as cell membranes. By using a specialized technique called chiral-selective vibrational sum frequency generation spectroscopy, the study aims to understand the hydration and stability of these biopolymers in different environments. This knowledge could lead to advancements in designing better biomaterials, including drug delivery systems, by revealing how these molecules function at critical biological interfaces.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the development of more effective drug delivery systems and biomaterials that improve patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using similar techniques has shown promise in understanding biopolymer behavior, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yan, Elsa Chui Ying — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Yan, Elsa Chui Ying
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.