Biomolecular Materials: Structure, Phase Behavior, and Interaction

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w:\awards\awards96\*.doc 9624091 Safinya The structure of artificially developed self assembled membrane-associating-proteins and peptides in multilayers will be characterized by synchrotron x-ray diffraction techniques. The objective is to elucidate protein-protein interactions in these artificial self assemblies and to develop a new class of advanced materials consisting of functionalized interfaces manipulated at the molecular level. This should lead to advanced materials useful in optical, separations, chemical sensors, and high temperature catalysis applications. We will explore the structure and hydrogel behavior in a newly invented class of lamellar hydrogels based on fluid membranes and end-anchored polymer-lipids. "bioactive lamellar gels" useful in tissue healing or drug delivery applications will be developed with activity derived from biomolecules and mechanical stability from the polymer-lipid component. %%% This project seeks to develop a new class of materials consisting of multilayers of functionalized interfaces which can be manipulated at the molecular level. The components of these materials will consist of surfactants (surface active molecules), proteins, and peptides. The materials should be useful in molecular separations and purification technologies, biological and chemical sensors technologies, and high temperature catalysis applications. A new class of recently invented hydrogels invented in this laboratory will be explored further. The lamellar gels are made from liquid phases by the addition of water, a highly unusual behavior. Because the gels contains no solid component they have the potential of incorporating combinations of biologically active molecules. We will explore the development of "bioactive lamellar gels" useful in artificial tissue development, in tissue healing, and in drug delivery applications. ***