In Situ Investigation of Nanoscale Dynamic Processes in Templated Crystallization of Structural Biopolymers
Abstract
RESEARCH PROBLEM: Understanding and modeling dynamic assembly processes at the nanoscale is instrumental in nanomanufacturing new advanced materials. However, the investigation at the nanoscale of assembly phenomena is generally limited to static snapshots, as current investigative tools provide a mean to obtain information at specific time points but luck the capabilities of providing information on the dynamic component of materials assembly, ultimately limiting the definition of universal rules that can describe the dynamic of assembly processes. In this scenario, nanomanufacturing of structural proteins natural polymers that can be used as technical materials to bridge the interface between the biotic and abiotic worlds has been strongly affected by the lack of understanding the forces at the nanoscale that govern molecular assembly. TECHNICAL APPROACHES: The aim of this program is to address this need by using a video-rate atomic force microscopy (VR-AFM) to visualize and measure the dynamic processes that govern the assembly of structural proteins. VR-AFM allows to measure and visualize with sub-nanometer spatial resolution, in wet conditions, and with a time resolution of milliseconds, dynamic assembly phenomena in protein, enabling the development of models that can predict protein assembly as well as providing a new way to investigate driving forces responsible for spontaneous and directed hierarchical organization in structural proteins. Using silk fibroin as model for structural biopolymers and nanofabrication techniques based on directed assembly, the proposed project will focus on study with a VR-AFM the fundamental principles that govern the formation of silk fibroin nanostructures. ANTICIPATED OUTCOME: We anticipate the following program outcomes: (i) Mechanistic understanding of structural protein assembly in nanostructured materials; (ii) Definition of universal models that describe structural protein assembly; (ii) Definition of new nanomanufacturing strategies to engineer nanostructured materials of complex geometry and defined physical properties. IMPACT ON DOD CAPABILITIES: The fundamental knowledge acquired through this research program will be ancillary for the definition of unprecedented nanomanufacturing techniques to engineer nanostructured materials with foreseen applications in: 1) shock-absorbing materials, 2) compartmentalized materials and 3) fractionated material, which could impact a wide range of applications of interest to the ONR. Reduction of friction, augmented mechanical properties, under-water adhesives, and material controlled-decomposition could improve the performance of ships and vessels as well as open new doors to close-in ISR systems for situation awareness and programmed-degradation upon distribution in the environment. APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 29, 2020
- Source ID
- N000142012203
Entities
People
- Benedetto Marelli
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy