Team:Dundee/Modelling
DRY LAB
Introduction
BioSpray
The models for the BioSpray focus on each of the components of the BioSpray binding with their targets in the sample.
Objective
The aim of a model describing the binding between haptoglobin and haemoglobin is to find the optimum concentration and binding rates that we require for visual detection of haemoglobin in the sample from the crime scene. The more complex formed the more likely it will be that the haemoglobin will be visually detected using the biospray.
Model FormationHaemoglobin is a tetramer, with two \(\alpha\) chains and two \(\beta\) chains. Haptoglobin binds to haemoglobin in two stages. Firstly the haptoglobin binds to the \(\alpha\) chains of the haemeoglobin only. This first reaction is reversible and the complex can dissociate. The haptoglobin then binds to the \(\beta\) chains of the haemoglobin to form an extremely strong complex. This reaction is not reversible. These reactions can be described by the scheme: