Art A. Rodriguez Professor, Physical and Biophysical Chemistry
		1999 - current	Director of Graduate Studies
		2005 - 2006	Interim Chair of the Department of Chemistry
		1987	Ph.D., University of North Texas
		1982	B. S., Sul Ross State University
		Office:	SZ 571
		Email:	rodriguezar@ecu.edu
		Phone:	(252)328-9804

Research Interests

• We are employing fullerenes as model systems to probe molecular dynamics and complexation properties with macromolecules of biological significance.  These studies are also being used to develop a universal model for describing molecular dynamics in liquids. 

• Our group is currently utilizing quantum dots to develop biosensors for diagnostic purposes.  The diagnostic technique currently being used to test for prostate cancer (CaP) is dependent on detecting prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in the serum.  This diagnostic protocol is however limited since frequently it can not differentiate between CaP and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).  The recent discovered correlation between the over-expressed protein d-catenin and the occurrence of prostate cancer (CaP) provides a unique opportunity for developing a specific diagnostic essay based on this correlation.  The scientific question we are addressing in the initial phase of this project is the feasibility of developing a QD-biosensor that is robust, sensitive, and highly selective toward detecting the d-catenin protein. 

Selected Publications

• “Experimental and theoretical analysis of the dynamics of fullerene C70 in various aromatic environments,” R. M. Hughes and A. A. Rodriguez, J. Phys. Chem. A, submitted.
   

• “Comparison of and investigation into the size affects on the rotational dynamics of two spherical molecules: CCl₄ and C₆₀,” K. B. Nichols and A. A. Rodriguez, J. Phys. Chem. A, 109 (13), 3009 (2005).
   

• “Field Dependent Relaxation and Molecular Dynamics of C₆₀ in Chlorobenzene-d₅: Addendum,” N. H. Martin and A. A. Rodriguez, J. Phys. Chem. A, 109 (03), 534 (2005).
   

• “Analysis of the Spin-Lattice Relation Rate and Reorientational Dynamics of Fullerene C₇₀ in Chlorobenzene-d₅,” R. M. Hughes, P. Mutzenhardt, L. Bartolotti, and A. A. Rodriguez, J. Mol. Liq., 116, 139, (2005).
   

• “Field Dependent Relaxation and Molecular Dynamics of C₆₀ in Chlorobenzene-d₅,” Ned H. Martin, Mervat H. Issa* and A. A. Rodriguez, J. Phys. Chem., 104 (48), 11278, (2000).
   

• “Monoclonal Antibody DS6 Detects a Tumor-Associated Sialoglycotope Expressed on Human Serous Ovarian Carcinomas,” K. P. Kearse, N. L. Smith, D. A. Semer, L. Eagles, J. L. Finley, S. Kazmierczak, C. J. Kovacs, A. A. Rodriguez and A. E. Kellogg-Wennerberg, Int. J. Cancer, 88, 866, (2000).

Art Rodriguez

Department of Chemistry

East Carolina University

300 Science & Technology Building

Greenville, NC  27858

252-328-9804