Work

Egg with PEG–A Lysozyme Based Experiment to Teach Protein Modification and Gel Electrophoresis to Chemistry Undergraduates

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Part of the journey to excellence in any discipline is learning how to apply theory and understanding to a wide range of applications. In this article, we present a cross-disciplinary laboratory experiment designed to expose second year undergraduate chemists to the principles of protein modification and gel electrophoresis. This 6 h experiment, tested across two years, enlightens chemistry students to the working practices of biochemists/chemical biologists through the PEGylation of cysteine residues within lysozyme. PEG-maleimide in two different sizes is used to modify lysozyme following incremental reduction by tris(2-carboxyethyl) phosphine. Variation in reducing agent concentration, PEG chain length, and presence of denaturant in reaction buffer provided a range of interesting results and highlights several learning outcomes. The experiment design broadens and reinforces chemistry student’s skillsets by discovering SDS-PAGE gel preparation and analysis, while relating other areas of theoretical and practical chemistry to a bioconjugation based study.

Source: Journal of Chemical Education

DOI: 10.1021/acs.jchemed.4c01031

Authors: Alexander J Wright, Bethany H Jeffery, David M Beal

Institution: University of Kent

Language: English

Topic: Various Chemistry Research Topics

Subfield: Physical and Theoretical Chemistry

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500