9308063 Palmore This Fellow will study the interaction of proteins with surface components. A common problem with the design of biosensors, artificial organs and synthetic biological fluids is the inability to control surface/fluid interactions. Current design of biologically compatible materials is based on studies of protein adsorption at structurally ill-defined surfaces. Molecular mechanisms by which proteins are adsorbed are poorly understood. Specifically, this Fellow will study the adsorption of cytochrome c at several well-defined surfaces. Results of the studies will lead to the development of a strategy toward the rational design of biocompatible surfaces, and development of a general technique for study of protein adsorption. This work will be performed in the laboratory of Professor George Whitesides at Harvard University. ***