Nano- and Micro-scale Patterning of Virus Assembled Enzymatic Cascades for Bio-Energy Harvesting
Abstract
Enzyme cascades are essential to a variety of biological processes that include the production of metabolic compounds, generation of sensing molecules and the harvesting of energy. Such enzymatic cascades represent a treasure-trove of processes that if controlled could provide a novel source for the synthesis of new materials, therapeutics and energy. However, to achieve this potential new methods for assembling and interfacing enzyme-based cascades within in vitro systems are needed. In this proposal we seek to address this need through the use of unique virus-like nano-rod assemblies for both the nanoscale patterning and microscale compartmentalization of enzyme cascades within controlled in vitro microfluidic devices. Planned studies will focus on an enzymatic biofuel cell for the conversion of sucrose into oxidizable glucose and fructose for direct electron transfer. Enzyme-based biofuel cells hold particular promise for the powering of microscale systems including biologically implantable devices and sensors for in vivo threat detection. Our team has developed a robust Tobacco mosaic virus Ð like particle (TMV-VLP) platform whose assembly can be controlled and patterned at the level of an individual particle (nanometer scale) or in mass assemblages along the surface of microfluidically-controlled electrodes (micrometer scale). Specific efforts will 1) investigate TMV-VLP structure and assembly modifications required to promote nanoscale enzyme patterning on the VLP nanorod surface, 2) develop and characterize systems to efficiently interface VLP-patterned biofuel enzymes onto electrode surfaces, and 3) examine microfluidic systems for the controlled microscale compartmentalization of VLP-patterned enzymes for enhanced bioenergy generation. When combined, results from these studies will provide fundamental information on the effects of enzyme cascade patterning and electrode interfacing to enhance in vitro biofuel cell activity. It is also anticipate that the information and systems developed in this study will be broadly applicable to an array of enzymatic cascades, providing a universal platform for testing and optimizing portfolios of biocatalyst.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 07, 2018
- Source ID
- W911NF1710137
Entities
People
- James N Culver
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- United States Army
- University of Maryland