9406391 Liff The three-dimensional structure of the cross-linked high-sulphur protein matrix of wool fibers is still largely unknown. This project will investigate (1) the conformational preferences of the chains of the matrix and the conformational implications of the characteristic pentapeptide repeat and (2) the degree and the homogeneity of the crosslinking in the matrix network formed by disulfide bonding. These parameters constitute essentially full characterization of a cross-linked polypeptide system. To study these issues liquid state High Resolution 2D NMR, as well as solid state NMR, which involves the analysis of chemical shift anisotropy and quadropolar interactions, will be applied to model polypeptide systems. An understanding of the structure of the interfilament matrix is one of the most important problems in the biophysical chemistry of natural fibers and it is of special interest to materials science, where natural materials are studied to foster new ideas for designing novel man-made materials. %%% The purpose of this research is to elucidate the structure of the biopolymeric networks formed by cross-linked high-sulphur proteins of wool fibers. An understanding of their structure is one of the most important problems in biophysical chemistry of natural fibers and is of special interest to materials science where natural materials are studied to foster new ideas for designing novel man-made materials. A variety of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance techniques will be used as they are the most appropriate and the most powerful tools for this investigation. ***
