Mapping Molecular-Level Dynamics to Mesoscale Mechanics in Composite DNA-Based Biomaterials
Abstract
Most naturally occurring biomaterials, such as cytoskeleton, are heterogeneous biopolymer blends (composites) that display captivating and useful scale-dependent viscoelastic properties that are completely controlled by polymer topology, stiffness, size and concentration. Thus, biopolymer blends are powerful platforms for developing dynamic, hierarchical, multifunctional materials. However, understanding the underlying macromolecular dynamics, interactions, and stress propagations that lead to the unique macroscale mechanics is critical to precisely spatiotemporally tuning composites to have desired material properties. The PI will design blends of DNA and proteins with systematically varied topologies, stiffnesses, sizes and concentrations. Characterizing and linking together molecular dynamics and mechanical properties of these blends will determine the molecular properties necessary to achieve specific novel material properties, thereby enabling a bottom-up approach to biomaterial design. Using DNA, one of the most well-controlled and tunable polymer platforms in existence, will allow for precise modulation of mechanics over an unparalleled parameter space.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 08, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1230166
Entities
People
- Rae Robertson-Anderson
Organizations
- University of San Diego