I first
became interested in research on the Poly lactic-go-clycolic acid (PLGA)
copolymer after previous research with my advisor, professor Blaisten-Barojas,
on a molecule called Met- enkephalin which is an endogenous opoid peptide,
which is naturally present in the brain. Professor Blaisten-Barojas suggested
we use similar research methods to learn more about the effects of various
solvents on PLGA and the conditions under which it undergoes dissociation.
Our
research involves running molecular dynamics simulations which allow the
modeling of the physical movements of the PLGA molecule under forces imposed by
various solvents, such as water and ethyl acetate. The results of the molecular
dynamics simulation is a new set of coordinates for the ensemble of molecules
involved. Using this, we can look at the changes in the physical structure of
the PLGA molecule. On a weekly basis, I can generally be found conducting my
research on a computer. Usually, I am setting up the parameters for additional
molecular dynamics simulations or writing code which will allow us to analyze
the results of such simulations. For example, this week, one thing we
discovered through the analysis of some molecular dynamics data was how the
end-to-end distance of PLGA changes, in a water solvent.
I would like
to be a physics researcher in the future, so the research I am currently doing
is exactly what I would like to be doing in the future. Although, in the
future, I most likely won’t be working on this exact topic, the experience and
possible publications that come with this experience are highly valuable. I
consider myself very lucky to have this opportunity and to work with my
wonderful advisor, Professor Blaisten-Barojas.
