University of New Hampshire
McNair Scholar, 2024
Major: Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology
Mentor: Dr. Krisztina Varga
Research Title: Investigating the Lyoprotective Properties of a Plant Antifreeze Protein
Abstract:
Lyophilization, or freeze-drying, is an important preservation method for protein-based products, such as protein pharmaceuticals. However, lyophilization introduces both freezing and drying stresses on proteins that can harm proteins. The proposed work aims to determine if AnAFP, a dehydrin-like antifreeze protein isolated from a broadleaf desert shrub, can protect the cold-sensitive enzyme lactate dehydrogenase from lyophilization damage. It is hypothesized due to AnAFP's homology to dehydrins that it can protect other proteins against both freezing and dehydration damages; however, there is limited prior research exploring whether AnAFP can provide protection against dehydration-induced damage. Lactate hydrogenase will be used as a model enzyme for AnAFP to protect, as a lactate dehydrogenase is known to be sensitive to both freezing and dehydration. It is anticipated that AnAFP may be an effective additive for protecting proteins against lyophilization, allowing for wider use of lyophilization as a preservative technique for proteins products.
