Synthetic biology approaches to exploring property-function relationships of reflective proteins for adaptive coloration and repellence
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Manchester
Department Name: Chemistry
Abstract
Using modern synthetic biology and recombinant DNA approaches, the aim of this study is to establish methods for (1) the synthesis and characterisation of novel reflectin proteins and (2) the fabrication of reflectin-based films/fibres with desirable optical, structural, and adaptive properties. Achieving these aims will require probing the sequence-property-function relationships of reflectins by firstly rapidly exploring the sequence-structure-functional space using high-throughput assembly, expression and structural/functional characterisation methods, and secondly, designing and utilising methods of fabrication and functional characterisation of reflectin-based films/fibres and photonic structures. Initially, methods for both the hyper-variation of reflectin domains and domain-domain assembly of reflectin sequences into full-length genes will be developed, which will involve predictions of folded structure, estimation/exploration of domain boundaries, and investigations into the role of conserved amino acids in defining optical properties and domain structural integrity. The solubility of reflectin variant domains will then be probed using C-terminal GFP tagging before full-length constructs are formed using automated combinatorial assembly methods and screened for desired solubility. Finally, both the orthogonal introduction of non-canonical amino acids (amino acids possessing novel chemical, physical, and biological properties) will be probed with the aim of introducing novel functionality, likely unattainable by nature, into assembled reflectin domains, followed by the functional analysis of these synthetic reflectin proteins. Methods of fabrication of reflectin-based films and fibres will be explored and developed, for example using spin-, dip, and flow-coating, and sol-gel processing, with the aim of developing materials with desirable properties, particularly adaptive colouration and repellence.
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/R512035/1 | 01/10/2017 | 31/12/2022 | |||
| 1961806 | Studentship | EP/R512035/1 | 01/10/2017 | 30/09/2021 | Emmanuel Wolde-Michael |
| Description | Previously unreported optical properties of reflectin-based materials have been revealed, such as ultraviolet and infrared reflectance, and the angle-dependent reflectance of these materials has been characterised for the first time. Optical properties were found to be conserved among reflectins from various isoforms. Alternative, multilayer configurations were designed and fabricated, which were found to possess less angle-dependent reflectance. Novel method of controlling the optical properties of reflectin-based materials has been developed, integrating and utlising light-activated phytochromes to control reflectance properties. Conserved full-length reflectin properties within the smallest repetitive region of the protein reported. Enhanced hydrophobicity of reflectin-based coatings via post-fabrication treatment reported. |
| Exploitation Route | The outcomes described here suggest a method of reducing the angle-dependent reflectivity of reflectin-based materials and a novel method of controlling their optical properties. It also describes the conservation of full-length properties within small regions of the protein, and demonstrates how CNCs properties can be combined with reflectins to produce novel materials. If characterised further, and shown to be accurate, these findings may enable a move toward the development of reflectin-based camouflage technologies. |
| Sectors | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Environment |
| Description | Chemistry PGR conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | University of Manchester Chemistry PGR conference, June 2019 - Poster prize winner (out of 58) |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | DSTL synthetic biology showcase |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Gave poster presentation at DSTL synthetic biology showcase (Wantage, May 2019) |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | DSTL synthetic biology showcase 2018 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | (Edinburgh, May 2018): Poster presentation |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017,2018 |
| Description | EUSynBioS Symposium |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | (Toulouse, Oct 2019): Poster presentation |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | SYNBIOCHEM symposium |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | (Manchester, March 2018) Delivered poster presentation and short talk |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |