Our research interests are in the area of non-aqueous biocatalysis. Specifically, we study the effect of organic solvents on the stability and catalytic properties of a class of enzymes known as serine proteases and lipases. This area of study is health relevant because it enables the use of enzymes for the synthesis of chiral drugs and drugs precursors. The main hypothesis, based on preliminary data, is that organic solvents shape an enzyme's flexibility, thereby affecting its catalytic properties. Additionally, it is well known that most enzymes are not as active in organic solvents as they are in their natural aqueous medium. We hypothesize that this is due to disruption of the enzyme's delicate catalytic machinery, which comes about from changes in the polarity of the enzyme's active site induced by organic solvents. Our projects are designed to address these hypotheses, and due to the unique nature of organic solvents, several different spectroscopic techniques are used (H/D exchange by NMR and FTIR, EPR, FRET, Fluorescence anisotropy decay, and 19F NMR). Recently, we also began to explore methods to stabilize and to enhance the cell transfection of siRNAs. SiRNAs are small (about 20 bases) double stranded RNA fragments that have been recently discovered to be very effective gene regulators. This new project involves working with mammalian cells, chemically modifying siRNA and synthesizing a variety of cationic polymers to stabilize and transfect the siRNAs.

The position being advertised is for an individual with a Ph.D. degree in Chemistry or Biochemistry. He or she should have expertise in NMR and spectroscopic methods, as well as in chemical kinetics. Please contact Dr. G. Barletta. ;

The University of Puerto Rico at Humacao is a public, four year liberal arts college located in the east of the Island of Puerto Rico (a common wealth of the USA). If not an American Citizen or permanent resident of the USA, the chosen candidate will need a proper USA visa (J-1).