Bio-Directed Synthesis of Structurally-Defined Protein Materials
Abstract
Proposed Title: Bio-Directed Synthesis of Structurally-Defined Protein Materials Agency Routing Number: 342 Research Area: Biomaterials and bionanotechnology Program Manager: Dr. Laura Kienker Email: laura.kienker@navy.mil Abstract Nature has evolved numerous protein-based materials with intricate nano-scale structures (e.g. viral capsids, amyloid fibers, collagens) that endow remarkable properties at the macro-scale (e.g. protection, energy absorption, and underwater adhesion). Protein-based materials are particularly interesting because they are assembled from a narrow set of basic subunits into a diversity of precise 3D structures with versatile function and properties. Thus, harnessing biological machinery for protein synthesis could provide a powerful approach to creating new, structurally-defined materials from basic building blocks. Still, to realize this vision, precise control of assembly is necessary along with a more complete understanding of structure-function relations. Towards this end, the proposed project aims to develop a system for the bio-directed synthesis of protein materials and the high throughput screening of novel material properties. We will demonstrate the utilization of this bio-directed platform by screening for stronger underwater adhesives. Successful completion of this project will provide a novel platform for the high-throughput, bio-directed synthesis of protein materials with precisely-defined structures. This platform could be used to 1) screen for a variety of new material functions beyond underwater adhesives (e.g. anti-fouling and energy-absorption), 2) to study structure/function relationship of protein materials, and 3) to test new material theories, ultimately facilitating research within the ONR contractor community and expanding research in biomaterials. More importantly, the proposed technology will pave the road for the bio-directed synthesis of advanced materials with precisely defined multi-scale structures, bringing transformative changes to current material science.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2016
- Source ID
- N000141512515
Entities
People
- Fuzhong Zhang
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- Washington University in St. Louis