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Synthesis and Conformational Analysis of Functional Molecules

Summary

The course is designed to help students acquire knowledge on various functional molecules related to biological organisms and the technology related to the handling of these molecules. Oligopeptide, a type of bio-related functional molecule, will be used as an experiment model to help students acquire techniques for synthesis, purification and purity testing, as well as methods used in the analysis of its structure.

Course Contents

1. Lectures

・Types of bio-related functional
molecules
・Purification of chemical compounds
(gel filtration chromatography,
high-performance liquid
chromatography)

・What is a peptide?
・Peptide synthesis
・Confirmation and structural
analysis of chemical compounds
(nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum, mass spectrometry)

2. Practical Training

・Technology in handling general low-molecular organic compounds
・Peptide synthesis using solid phased synthesis method
・Determining compound purity using high-performance liquid chromatography
・Compound purification using gel filtration chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography
・Analysis of the molecular structure of organic compounds using mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrums

Structure and Schedule

Lectures will be given using books and reference material on basics. Progress will be presented in seminar style followed by written submission as a report. Experiments on synthesis and refinement will be performed according to procedures specified in protocol. Reports will be made once per week and meetings will be called as needed.

Course Option

Exercise problems related to synthesis and purification will be decided upon through private consultation with each student

Course Objectives

General information of the basic bio-related low molecules will be studied initially. Peptides will be used for synthesis and purification experiments to help students acquire knowledge on the basic concepts of organic compounds and related analytical devices.

Fundamental skills required for the course

It is desirable that students have a basic knowledge of organic chemistry, biochemistry or bio-organic chemistry. Students are required to have basic knowledge of the handling of organic solvents.

Examples of Research Theme Combinations

The following list shows examples of research projects that can be combined with this course.
"Analysis and identification of synthetic organic compounds"
"Analysis, purity testing and conformational analysis of naturally-occurring organic compounds"

Assessment of academic achievement

Scores will be given on a scale of 1 to 5 for the items listed below. An average score of 3.5 is considered a passing score.

(1) Level of understanding of the basics on bio-related functional molecules (focusing on functional peptides)
(2) Level of understanding of organic compounds
(3) Level of understanding of the isolation and purification of compound
(4) Final presentation and report