Development and Characterization of Novel Bioluminescence Sources
Abstract
The overall objective is to discover, design and demonstrate the feasibility of bioluminescent materials for use in marking, tagging, and anti-tamper applications. Bioluminescent (biological light emission) materials are non-toxic and biodegradable and can be incorporated into landing zone markers, anti-tamper systems, perimeter security systems, friend versus foe marking systems, etc. The bioluminescent materials only emit after proper activation, not spontaneously. Furthermore, the duration of the emission and the color of the signal can be varied over the visible range and into the near-Infrared region by the bioluminescence energy transfer (BRET) process. Bioluminescent coatings may also be used in anti-tamper and other security-related applications.The project will focus on the development of new bioluminescent systems based onfirefly luciferases, light-emitting dipterians, and materials supplied by collaborators. Theresearch plan addresses two major objectives: (1) To develop efficient firefly luciferase-basedsources of near-IR (nIR) light: and (2) To develop and characterize new bioluminescencesystems. The major objectives will be accomplished through the investigation of individualprojects that include: (Objective 1) synthesizing and testing novel firefly luciferin analogsincluding some from the laboratories of collaborators; engineering new red-emitting fireflyluciferases to produce nIR via the bioluminescence resonance energy transfer process (BRET);constructing fusion proteins of luciferases and infrared fluorescent proteins as BRET nIRsources; (Objective 2) cloning new beetle luciferases; characterizing the bioluminescence systemof the dipterian Orfelia fultoni; engineering a highly thermostable luciferase; producing glowingnanowires; and studying marine worm systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 09, 2018
- Source ID
- FA95501810017
Entities
People
- Bruce R Branchini
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Connecticut College
- United States Air Force