Spider silk membranes: structure, function and artifical synthesis
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Nottingham
Department Name: Sch of Chemistry
Abstract
Progress has recently been made by the named Pis in developing efficient methods for the artifical synthesis of particular types of spider silk proteins (spidroins). The project rotation will involve peptide sequencing of native silk and/or sequencing of cDNAs from silk glands from spiders that produce silks that have rather different physical characteristics to those that have already been characterised. Ultimately we hope to apply the technology that we have already developed to artificially synthesise these novel silks.
Organisations
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB/M008770/1 | 01/10/2015 | 31/10/2024 | |||
| 1644422 | Studentship | BB/M008770/1 | 01/10/2015 | 30/09/2019 |
| Description | Introducing targeted amino acid sequences into the primary sequence of 4RepCT enabled controlled proteolysis in the presence of relevant matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 2 and MMP9. Two mutated versions of 4RepCT were successfully expressed from E. coli. Only one mutant (N156P) was able to produce fibres in the presence of thrombin protease or with either MMP. Over the course of 1 week, proteolytic degradation was observed by both MMP2 and MMP9 with the N156P mutant fibre while the soluble protein was clearly cleaved into subsequent degradation products. The technique used to identify potential cleavage and mutation locations was also applied to natural silk sequences, identifying locations for potential applications. |
| Exploitation Route | Of the 7 identified mutations, only 2 were successfully expressed. Future work should concentrate on expressing the remaining mutants, if possible. Work should be conducted in quantifing physical degradation, potentially by use of conjugated or quenched dyes. |
| Sectors | Healthcare,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| Description | Creative sparks mentor |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | The PIP project role will provide support to Ignite!'s outreach interventions in the schools, with a particular focus on the Creative Sparks element of the programme. Creative Sparks Awards are given to young people that demonstrate exceptional creativity, and 10 Year 12 pupils across Nottingham with a chemistry focus are expected to start their Creative Sparks awards in September 2018. They will be provided with a personalised programme of support and mentoring. As part of my PhD placement, I was involved in meeting with 8 year 12 students and 3 year 11 students to begin their Creative spark programme. During this time, I also acted as a mentor for the students, providing them with career advice and support. At the end of my 3 month placement I attended a Real Science in School's symposium where the Creative Sparks ran their own stall of experiments and explained to primary school pupils, teachers and councillors what they were undertaking and why. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| URL | https://www.ignitefutures.org.uk/creative-sparks |
| Description | Lab13 school engagement |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Lab_13 - a science space in a school led by the pupils and supported by a scientist in residence. 5 new Lab_13s are being established in Nottingham North, with funding from Science and Technology Facilities Council. The PIP project role will contribute to the development and co-ordination of the Scientists in Residence element of the project within these five new Lab_13s. As a Scientist in Residence for Dovecote primary school, I was involved in teaching and organising afternoon activities for 8-9 year 5 and 6 pupils during my PhD placement. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| URL | https://lab13network.wordpress.com/ |