Study on Ca2+ diffusion through caffeine-containing xantana membranes using a potentiometric microsensor

• Grant number: 20/01612-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2020
• End date: August 31, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Mauro Bertotti
• Grantee: Paula Calli Falcoswki
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 18/08782-1 - Miniaturized and integrated chemical sensors: new fabrication platforms for biological, clinical and environmental applications, AP.TEM

Abstract

Polysaccharide membranes (xanthan and alginate) can be used for neuronal cell proliferation and differentiation. Such processes are most efficient when experiments are performed with membranes containing magnetic nanoparticles, and one possible explanation involves increasing the flow of Ca2+ ions through specific channels. Accordingly, the project has two main challenges. One of them is related to the fabrication of potentiometric microsensors for the detection of Ca2+, in experiments that will be performed in a cell with two compartments separated by the membranes under study. The experiments will be performed by using Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM) and the positioning of the potentiometric microsensor just above the membrane surface will be performed by using a Au or Pt microelectrode placed together with the Ca2+ sensor. The other goal of the research project is related to studies with caffeine-containing membranes. Due to a possible interaction of caffeine with Ca2+, caffeine may have some influence on the transport of the metallic cation through the membranes. (AU)