This document contains summaries of three laboratory assignments from a biomedical techniques course at the University of Puerto Rico - Cayey. The first summary describes learning about nanotechnology and observing nano fibers using an electron microscope. The second discusses using nanoparticles and affinity chromatography to isolate specific proteins, then using SDS-Page gel electrophoresis to measure the results. The third summary explains how computer programs help researchers visualize proteins and compare them to databases to understand protein-protein interactions and design new drugs.

1. Spring Semester 2012-13
University of Puerto Rico - Cayey
RISE Program
Template for Laboratory Summaries of Assignment 1 Biol. 4997-Biomedical Techniques
Due date April 5, 2013
Reg.# 7 Name Juan E. Maldonado Weng Date: April 4, 2013
Summary 4. Nanotechnology and Electron Microscopy February 22, 2013
In this laboratory given by Prof. W. Otaño, the goal was to be able to understand Nano scaled materials
and many of their useful functions. The main advantage that nanoparticles have is their size which can
be less than 100 nanometers. Because of this defining feature, they have a beneficial area to volume
ratio which helps with chemical reactions. Also, certain weak bonds will react differently towards
them. In the lab, we had a very impressive hands-on experience with an Electron Microscope (EM)
that allows for the exploration of extremely miniature objects. The EM bombards an object with
electrons and using highly advanced cameras. Utilizing the EM we were able to observe Nano fibers
that we, as a team, created. These nano fibers can used in many fascinating ways like for sensitive
measuring units, for tough building material and even for medical applications, like tissue engineering
or drug delivery. Nanotechnology has been an amazing breakthrough in science providing endless
possibilities for discoveries in the medical field. Being able to observe interactions at nano scale can
unlock new mysteries resulting in a better treatment of diseases and conditions.
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Summary 5. Column Chromatography and SDS-Page March 1, 2013
“Why do we need to isolate proteins?” This was a very important question for anyone who participated in
this lab. Proteins are very important to sustain function in cells, but how can we efficiently get proteins? The
answer is nanoparticles! Through a method called Affinity Chromatography, nanoparticles could attract the
specific proteins. Since the nanoparticles would be magnetic, with a strong magnet, the particles could be
easily collected and washed in various stages to collect the proteins. It is greatly effective since nanoparticle
have an advantage due to their high surface to volume ratio. To measure results in this lab, a SDS-Page is
required because this tool is able to separate proteins with their polarity. If the procedure was done correctly,
the SDS-Page would have bands of proteins from only a certain stage of the cycle. This is beneficial in the
scientific community because nanoparticles can be used to collect necessary nutrients and substances.

2. Medically, this tool is important for those patients who require supplements that are not easily acquired
through their diet.
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Summary 6. Protein – Protein Interactions: an In silico approach March 15, 2013
In an endlessly growing world of pharmaceuticals, many scientists try to discover new ways to treat patients.
Either through constant modification of current medicinal drugs or through just plain mistakes, researchers
will always find new amazing substances. These researchers find these drugs after years of hard work with
unyielding dedication. To find what is needed to make a new drug is not as simple as preparing a
sandwich. But tools of the modern era are helping to make it easier. Through computer analysis,
researchers can see proteins that are relevant to certain conditions. Computer programs help researchers
visualize what they are working with, and it helps them compare data with other international databases. In
a 3D model representation of a protein, a researcher can map the benzene structures. It provides a window
in which to insert the drug with similar structures. This is very helpful when trying to understand how
structure correlates with function. Medically, finding new drugs is hope for many patients with yet incurable
diseases or untreatable conditions.
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