A Novel Approach to nanoscale materials assembly using bioengineered spider silk fusion proteins: a generic materials approach
Lead Research Organisation:
Nottingham Trent University
Department Name: School of Science & Technology
Abstract
In the present research proposal we will use a novel biomimetic approach to the synthesis of nanocomposites using silk fusion (chimeric) proteins. The experimental design for the project involves the design, cloning, expression, analysis and characterisation of the fusion proteins in a range of physical forms (David Kaplan, Tufts University, USA) and the use of these proteins in materials synthesis (Carole Perry, Nottingham Trent University, UK) with some of the materials being assessed for their mechanical and other properties as they arise(Rajesh Naik, Airforce research Laboratories, USA) . Our aims are (1) to evaluate silk protein chimeric designs to optimize materials 'assembly space' (structure, morphology), (2) to prepare silk nanocomposites with a range of metal/oxide functionality in a variety of different material forms (from solution, and as fibres and films) under environmentally benign reaction conditions (aqueous processing), (3) to investigate the possibility of making multifunctional silk-based nanocomposites, and (4) correlate mechanical properties with design chemistry. The hypothesis for the proposed study is that nanocomposite material features can be optimized (structure, morphology, etc) and controlled (on a range of length scales) through appropriate design of chimeric (fusion) proteins in which the self-assembling structural domains and the functional (mineral or metal forming) domains are linked at the molecular level. Our goal is to elucidate how alterations in the chemistry of the two domains will lead to predictable changes in composite materials properties including tensile strength. The outcome of the proposed studies will be an entirely new family of novel nanocomposite materials, embracing the self-assmbly and remarkable mechanical properties of silk proteins but with added functions due to the chimeric mineralizing domains encoded in the new bioengineered proteins. We anticipate an entirely new approach to polymer design to generate novel composite materials through the proposed three year programme. The range of potenital applications for these materials is vast and includes military, space, performance car racing, elite sports wear, functional filters and materials for wound dressing and medical applications.
Publications
Canabady-Rochelle LL
(2012)
Bioinspired silicification of silica-binding peptide-silk protein chimeras: comparison of chemically and genetically produced proteins.
in Biomacromolecules
Perry CC
(2009)
From biominerals to biomaterials: the role of biomolecule-mineral interactions.
in Biochemical Society transactions
Currie HA
(2011)
Genetically engineered chimeric silk-silver binding proteins.
in Advanced functional materials
Puddu V
(2014)
Interactions at the silica-peptide interface: the influence of particle size and surface functionality.
in Langmuir : the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids
Mieszawska AJ
(2010)
Nanoscale control of silica particle formation via silk-silica fusion proteins for bone regeneration.
in Chemistry of materials : a publication of the American Chemical Society
Puddu V
(2012)
Peptide adsorption on silica nanoparticles: evidence of hydrophobic interactions.
in ACS nano
Boix E
(2014)
Preparation of hexagonal GeO2 particles with particle size and crystallinity controlled by peptides, silk and silk-peptide chimeras.
in Dalton transactions (Cambridge, England : 2003)
Belton DJ
(2012)
Silk-silica composites from genetically engineered chimeric proteins: materials properties correlate with silica condensation rate and colloidal stability of the proteins in aqueous solution.
in Langmuir : the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids
Description | (1) Novel suite of genetically produced fusion proteins produced (2) Novel methods developed for miniaturization for studies of composite mineral formation- kinetics, aggregation, quantification of component concentrations and materials characterization (3) New methods developed for the chemical synthesis of chemical chimeras using cocoon silk with multiple sites for peptide-mineral binding (4) New methods developed for the mechanical testing of miniature samples |
Exploitation Route | Methods applicable to a wide number of 'material- (bio)molecule pairings for the synthesis of new materials for biomedical, and industrial applications. |
Sectors | Aerospace Defence and Marine Agriculture Food and Drink Chemicals Electronics Healthcare Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology |
Description | Still at research stage- though aspects of the programme are being developed in conjunction with our collaborator on the EPSRC funded programme (Professor D.K. Kaplan) via NIH funding to develop materials that will adhere to dental/ bone materials, whilst exhibiting antibacterial characteristics. |
First Year Of Impact | 2010 |
Sector | Healthcare,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
Description | Airforce Office of Scientific Research |
Amount | £316,500 (GBP) |
Funding ID | FA9550-10-1-0024 |
Organisation | Airforce Office of Scientific Research |
Sector | Public |
Country | United States |
Start | 01/2010 |
End | 12/2012 |
Description | Airforce Office of Scientific Research |
Amount | £316,500 (GBP) |
Funding ID | FA9550-10-1-0024 |
Organisation | Airforce Office of Scientific Research |
Sector | Public |
Country | United States |
Start | 01/2013 |
End | 12/2015 |
Description | Tufts University |
Organisation | Tufts University |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
Start Year | 2007 |
Description | Tufts University |
Organisation | Tufts University |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
Start Year | 2007 |