Engineering the Translation Apparatus for the Synthesis of Electronically Active Sequence-defined Polymers
Abstract
The proposed effort seeks to engineer and repurpose the translation apparatus (including the ribosome and the associated factors needed for polymerization) to produce new classes of sequence-defined polymers (SDPs) as the development of synthetic routes toward these molecules promises technological breakthroughs in advanced functional materials, nanotechnology, electronics, and beyond. To achieve the project vision, the MURI team will modify the ribosome s active site to promote alternative A-B polycondensation reactions in cell-free systems, with an emphasis on electronically active, conjugated SDPs. Specifically, the proposed effort will focus on making electronically conjugated SDPs and characterizing the resulting materials. Tasks include: (i) the design and synthesis of novel tRNA-monomers for ribosome mediated condensation reactions; (ii) the development of engineered translation machinery for synthesis of conjugated SDPs in a cell-free system; and (iii) the synthesis of electronically active SDPs and the characterization of their structural, electronic, and optoelectronic properties. SDPs will be produced, purified, and chemically characterized to validate the identity of materials and fidelity of methods. In addition, the team will characterize the physical and electronic properties of SDPs using cutting-edge methods in single molecule and bulk materials characterization. To validate the success ofribosomal-based syntheses, the team will also prepare authentic samples of target oligomers by organic synthesis as a positive control. Due to the high-risk nature of the proposed research plan, complementary approaches are also offered to mitigate potential challenges.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 27, 2017
- Source ID
- W911NF1610372
Entities
People
- Michael C Jewett
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Northwestern University
- United States Army