Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy observes differences in the absorption of left and right circularly polarized light by chiral molecules. CD spectroscopy is divided into far and near UV applications.
There are many applications for CD spectroscopy in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Physics, Chemical and Biological Engineering, and Material Sciences. In Biology and Biophysics, far UV CD spectroscopy (180 to 240 nm) makes use of the optical activity of the protein backbone and can be used to investigate the secondary structure of proteins. In contrast, near UV CD spectroscopy (250 to 350 nm) can produce a finger print of the environment of aromatic amino acids in proteins. But CD spectroscopy does not stop here. It is also an invaluable tool to investigate peptides, lipids, RNA and DNA.
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Exciting Possibilities in Biology, Biochemistry and Biophysics:
Secondary structure of proteins, peptides, RNA and DNA
Thermodynamic stability
Folding and refolding
Ligand induced changes in structure and stability
Tertiary structure and conformational changes of proteins (near UV CD observing contributions from phenylalanines, tyrosines and tryptophans)
Stopped-flow spectroscopy in single mixing or sequential mixing experiments using CD, absorption, fluorescence or fluorescence polarization
Users have to receive hands-on training from Dr.Erbse, before they are allowed to use the CD independently. Interested users should contact Dr. Erbse to schedule training. The training will cover recording CD spectra, temperature ramps and data deconvolution as needed. If possible, training will be done employing actual samples provided by the new user if.
The protocols give step-by-step instructions for basic CD experiments assuming the right cuvette holder and accessories are already in place and the user has been trained on the instrument. They do not replace the training.
After your training is completed, you will be invited to join the CD Google Calendar. Please sign up as far long in advance as possible and change your booked time if your plans change. Somebody else might be waiting for free
The CD is located in the on the third floor of JSCBB in the D-Wing, room D381, on East Campus. Proxcard access is required after normal hours and on weekends.
Regular user groups are expected to opt into the pool and pay an monthly share that goes towards the general up keep of the Shared Instruments Pool. For detailed information please contact Dr. Annette Erbse.
User groups are required to provide a valid speedtype to cover the costs of the high pressure liquid nitrogen tank, used for the instrument purge. The cost for new tanks will be rotated between current user groups.
Users are expected to provide all consumables specific to their experiment.
Users are expected to treat the shared cuvettes with care and to replace them if they are damaged during use.
Users are expected to pay for repairs or parts that are necessary due to damage caused by their carelessness or neglect.
The cost of replacement lamps, filter material, and necessary repairs or services resulting from normal wear will be split based on the time used between all user groups.
Please note - Since lamps can last for two to three years, the cost of the replacement lamps might come a long time after use.
