Macromolecular Crystallography (MX) uses the diffraction of focussed X-rays to determine the structure of biological molecules. A complex set of remotely operated motions is focussed into a small sample volume to enable this technique. The aim of this project is to design and manufacture a support for a spectrophotometer that is compatible with the X-ray diffraction experiments performed at MX beamline I04. This will enable simultaneous diffraction and UV-vis spectroscopy measurements to describe the mechanism of enzyme reactions.
The successful candidate will work within a lively and multidisciplinary team to design and realise prototypes applying engineering principles and develop processes used for delivering state-of-the-art scientific instruments. Initially, the candidate will be immersed within the scientific team in order to fully understand the operational and spatial constraints and will have the opportunity to be involved in the operation of a fully functional lab-based endstation available for this project. This experience will then enable proposals for the new mounting system to be developed using CAD and rapid prototyping. Manufacturing techniques will include the use of 3D printers for prototype testing in the lab and on the beamline taking into account experimental constraints.
Precision alignment of the system will be required and methods for achieving and demonstrating this will be developed. The system will not be permanently installed and the speed and ease of installation (and any subsequent re-alignment) are also important parameters and significant challenges.
Finally, the student will use the newly developed system to perform measurements on samples from current research projects. The combination of MX and micro-spectrophotometry will be used to elucidate how specific biological reactions occur through the unique 3D arrangement of their atoms. The crucial role of metallic centres or organic molecules in enzymatic catalysis can be described through X-ray crystallography and absorption/emission of UV and visible light. Such information is fundamental to understand the reaction mechanisms of redox enzymes and develop medicinal and biotechnological applications.
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