Interaction study between quercetin and biological membrane models via Langmuir-Blodgett films and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)

Abstract

This project is related to IC project 2011/00890-0, which involves the study of interactions between a representative class of polyphenols, quercetin, and models of biological membranes via lipid monolayers (Langmuir films) with distinct electrical nature in order to contribute to the development of pharmacological applications. The project will be carried out at the University of Windsor, Canada, and is focused on the deposition of the lipid monolayers onto solid substrates (LB films) for the study of quercetin-lipid interactions via SERS and AFM. From the results, it will be proposed possible molecular mechanisms involved in drug-biomembrane interactions. The choice of doing such experiments in the group of Professor Ricardo F. Aroca at the University of Windsor is justified for several reasons. Professor Aroca is internationally recognized as an expert in Raman scattering and SERS, as shown by his the number of publications, invited talks at international events, books and book chapters related to this field. He also has a laboratory equipped with all facilities necessary to carry out this project: evaporator systems for the production of SERS substrates with thickness and temperature controllers, two independent micro-Raman systems that operate in the visible (514, 633 and 785 nm) and the ultra-violet (325 and 447 nm) region, Langmuir trough and AFM microscope. This project at University of Windsor will also contribute greatly to improve the student background not only academically and technically but also in terms of his life due to the contact with another culture day-by-day, besides improving his skills concerning the English language. (AU)