PMSE 84 |
| Physical and chemical functions of organisms are carried out by a large number of proteins through predictable and self-sustaining interactions. In Nature, biomolecule-material interaction is accomplished via molecular specificity and high efficiency leading to the formation of functional molecular constructs. With the recent developments of nanoscale engineering in physical sciences, and the advances in molecular biology, we are now able to combine genetic tools with synthetic nanoscale constructs, and create a hybrid methodology, molecular biomimetics. Here, we genetically select and design peptides with specific binding to and assembly on functional solid materials and use them as nucleators, catalyzers, growth modifiers, molecular linkers and erector sets, fundamental utilities for nano- and nanobio-technology. We will focus on fundamental issues in genetic design, molecular recognition, and assembly of peptides and practical implementation in biosynthesis and fabrication towards molecular and nano-imaging, sensing (diagnostics), and regeneration. The research is supported by USA-ARO-DURINT, NSF-MRSEC, and NIH programs. |
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Hierarchically Ordered Functional Materials
8:30 AM-12:00 PM, Monday, August 20, 2007 Westin Boston Waterfront -- Grand Ballroom E, Oral
Division of Polymeric Materials: Science & Engineering |