System for the detection of singlet oxygen and triplets in cells and in other complex environments

• Grant number: 09/53845-2
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program
• Start date: August 01, 2010
• End date: December 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biophysics - Radiology and Photobiology
• Principal Investigator: Mauricio da Silva Baptista
• Grantee: Mauricio da Silva Baptista
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• EMU web page: Página do Equipamento Multiusuário não informada
• Type of equipment: Tipo de Equipamento Multiusuário não informado
• Manufacturer: Fabricante não informado
• Model: Modelo não informado

Abstract

Reactive oxygen species, including free-radical and electronically excited species, are important in a variety of phenomena in nature, from the processes of photosynthesis inhibition and skin damage caused by sun exposure to pathological manifestations, such as neurodegenerative diseases and cancer, and even in clinical treatment protocols for photodynamic therapy. The understanding of these phenomena in complex systems, principally of biological origin, is gained through the development of tools designed to detect triplets and singlet oxygen. In this project, our proposal is to utilize the infrastructure available in our laboratory for the detection of singlet oxygen in solution, as well as other equipment also available in the laboratory, and to develop a multi-user centralized laboratory for the detection of triplets and singlet oxygen in cells and on surfaces. At this facility we will be able to characterize the specific site of singlet oxygen generation, as well as to quantify triplets with precision. In subproject 1, the research group led by Professor Baptista will employ molecular and nanometric photosensitizers, which the group has synthesized, in order to establish relationships among the structure, activity, and mechanism of cell death of photosensitizers, as well as to provide a detailed characterization of the process of injury in giant vesicle membranes. We believe that these studies will allow the development of clinical protocols adapted for photodynamic therapy, as well as furthering the understanding of other physiological and pathological conditions in which an oxidative imbalance occurs, as in neurodegenerative diseases and in skin damage caused by exposure to the sun. In subproject 2, the research group led by Professor Medeiros will use the facility in order to characterize damage to biomolecules and specific markers in proteins and nucleic acids in a model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In subproject 3, the research group led by Professor Miyamoto will use the new facility in order to elucidate the molecular details of the biological damage that can be caused by polyunsaturated fatty acids. Various associated projects will benefit from this facility. These projects involve researchers in the fields of physics, chemistry, and biochemistry, engaged in studies of artificial photosynthesis, nanomaterials, antioxidants, photodynamic therapy etc. (AU)