Collection 和 Analysis of Chemical Reaction Products When Protein Samples Are Exposed to Denver Urban Air

An increase in seasonal allergies has been observed over the years affecting human health. 环境al factors 和 atmospheric pollutants can induce chemical modifications of airborne allergens, increase oxidative stress in the human body, 和 skew the immune system toward allergic reactions [2]. Laboratory studies exposing certain allergenic proteins to simulated gas-phase air pollution have shown that the proteins undergo chemical modifications that make them even more allergenic. In continuation of work done by former student Dr. 雷切尔·戴维, my project has been to collect 和 analyze protein samples exposed to ambient Denver air at two field-site locations. The goal of the study has been to further underst和 the types of processes that occur during the nitration of exposed tyrosine amino acid residues when exposed to ozone (O3) 和 nitrogen dioxide (NO2). 具体地说, the work set out to extend the previous results by comparing the extent of both the nitration 和 oligomerization reactions to explore a hypothesis that Dr. 戴维提出. Two samples per field site were collected at the two sites over 9 months 和 analyzed in the lab.

通过实验过程, significant effort was needed to verify experimental steps, including the filter extraction efficiency 和 aspects of the analysis process. 此外, the project involved maintenance tasks, including the calibration of scientific instruments such as the ultraviolet spectroscopy 和 Gast pump. These activities were crucial to ensure the accuracy 和 reliability of the data collected throughout the experimental process. More recently, the first field samples were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography. My work has been an important component of a multi-year experimental project that will help provide better underst和ing of the role that these reactions play on the surfaces of protein-containing airborne bioaerosols in inducing health effects in urban areas.