New sensing modalities based on designed self-assembling protein nanomaterials
Abstract
The long-term vision of the proposed research is to harness the power of protein chemistry toprogram self-assembly of molecular nanosensors in lipid bilayers. Taking a bottom upapproach, we intend to answer key outstanding questions in the field of bioinspired sensortechnology. Can membrane proteins be designed to have ligand responsive ion transductance?To what extent can designed protein nanopores be functionalized to support sensitive detectionof other molecular entities in solution? Is it possible to program logic into membrane boundprotein nanosensors? Nature uses proteins to carry out a wide range of sensing functionalities. Naturally occurring protein sensors have been repurposed to have altered specificity for a variety of applications. However, there is a limitation to how much the function of a naturally occurring protein can be modified, and extensive modification frequently leads to destabilization and poor solutionbehavior. More fundamentally, the approach of creating new technology by modifying whatexists already in nature is quite primitive—what is needed for long term progress are firstprinciples-based methods for building new materials and sensors from the ground up.During the first three-year project period, we will establish an integrated theoretical andexperimental approach to generating new classes of sensors based on hyperstable de novodesigned, self-assembling integral membrane protein nanochannels that are ligand and lightresponsive. Success in this endeavor will open the door to design of self-assembling proteinnanosensors for inexpensive, rapid, and sensitive detection of single molecules ranging in sizefrom small drug molecules to complex nucleic acid polymers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 11, 2018
- Source ID
- FA95501810297
Entities
People
- David Baker
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of Washington