Microscopically Controlled Biomineralization at Genetically Engineered Protein Templates

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This project is aimed at generating an experimental protein system designed to simultaneously develop a fundamental materials processing capability, and to develop a fundamental understanding of interfacial protein-inorganic crystal molecular recognition. The key contribution of this work arises from the experimental capability to precisely control the three-dimensional spatial distribution of carboxylate residues on a protein surface. Two proteins, streptavidin and protein G, have been carefully selected for this study. They both have a predominance of beta-sheet and delta-helix secondary structure, and, thus, provide a defined scaffolding on which to manipulate the placement of glutamic and aspartic acid side chains. The resolution and three-dimensional spatial control provided by genetic engineering capabilities cannot be currently matched by other techniques. This work thus represents a unique and powerful addition to the experimental characterization of molecular recognition in biomineralization.