Microorganism growth in water supplies is a major problem in ecological research. The objective of this research was to synthesize peptide-polymer conjugates for isolating the algae: <i>Chlamydomonas reinhardt</i>ii (CR). The cell walls of <i>Chlamydomonas reinhardt</i>ii (CR) are primarily made up of 4-hydroxyproline rich glycopeptides, and it has been shown that synthetic 4-hydroxyproline rich peptides tightly bind to the cell wall of CR. Peptides with various hydroxyproline residues (6,9,12) and a beta-alanine linker were designed to test the effect of the poly-proline chain length on its ability to bind to the cell wall of CR. In order to couple the peptides onto the carboxylated polymer, the C-terminus of the peptide was modified to an amino group. Further work needs to be done on optimizing the peptide-polymer coupling reaction alongside determining the optimal diamine for C-Terminus modification. This experience allowed me to adapt to novel situations, grow as a researcher, and develop vital diplomatic skills. I was fortunate enough to meet incredible people through this program and make life-long friendships. I was also very fortunate to be able to travel through Europe with some of these amazing people and have the ability to learn so much, not only about the places I visited, and the science I did, but also about myself.

Summer in Germany: Exploring Europe, making friends, and synthesizing peptides

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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