An isoperibol calorimeter for the investigation of biochemical kinetics and isothermal titration calorimetry

Isothermal titration calorimetry is a technique used to measure the enthalpy change associated with a molecular binding interaction. From these data, the binding constant for the reaction can be determined. In the scope of a larger project to design a high sensitivity instrument for collecting such data, the current methods in isothermal titration calorimetry were investigated. Further calorimetric experience was acquired by designing a large scale calorimetric device. Dilution reactions with dimethyl sulfoxide and water were conducted to measure the excess enthalpy of binding. The inaccuracy of these measurements necessitated the more careful design of an isoperibol calorimeter. This calorimeter was modeled was an arrangement of coupled thermal masses and capacitances in order to fully understand its transient response to a thermal input. Dilution reactions and a neutralization reaction with HCl and NH40H were performed on the system and the results were used to make recommendations for the design of the future high sensitivity device.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Mechanical Engineering.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2007

Author dc:creator

• Amadi, Ovid Charles

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Ian W. Hunter.

• Mechanical Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/40401

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/40401