Amyloids for Nanoparticle Synthesis, Wiring, Energy, and Remediation (ANSWER).
University
Sponsor
NSF; ICAM-I2CAM
Goals
The objective is to modify beta solenoid proteins like the spruce budworm antifreeze (upper left) to act like the “amyloid” protein aggregates in Alzheimer’s disease in a controlled manner. With these controlled arrays, we can modify the sides of the proteins to grow nanoparticles for applications in energy generation such as novel photovoltaics, bind to materials like graphene for making novel energy storage devices (lower image), scaffold designed enzyme arrays, or guide stem-cells to grow tissues
Issues
This interdisciplinary research spans chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering, and provides opportunities for both hands on experimental research as well as theory and simulation of molecules and materials. These proteins give an unprecedented level of control to materials/device properties that could begin to rival DNA scaffolds in the precision “programming” of properties while offering more robust materials strength against heat, UV light, and chemically intense environments.
Tools and Methods
Protein expression, modification, and characterization
Nanoparticle synthesis and characterization
Synthesis of rotein-nanoparticle hybrids and characterization
Spectroscopy and microscopy
Computer simulation and modeling
active electrical ionisatio
Desired Majors
Physics
Computer Science
Chemistry
biochemistry
Biomedical engineering
Electrical Engineering
Prep
Knowledge of basic principles of chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and computer modeling and wet lab experience.
Sponsor
NSF; ICAM-I2CAM