Genetically controlled self-assembly of inorganic-bioorganic hybrid structures: From sponge genes to layered functional materials

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Over millions of years, sponges have evolved the ability to fabricate and assemble hydrated amorphous silica into complex, layered morphologies (spicules), which are hierarchically structured. While anthropogenic silica synthesis requires a combination of caustic chemicals and high temperature, the gene-regulated biosilicification of sponges occurs with high fidelity at ambient conditions, in an aqueous environment. In addition, the biogenously formed inorganic-bioorganic hybrids have extraordinary properties, far exceeding human engineering capabilities. With the discovery of silicatein (enzyme) and silintaphin (scaffold protein), versatile tools have become available to harness biosilicification. Silicatein has broad substrate specificity and has been used to manufacture nano-structured biosilica and other innovative composites that cannot be obtained through traditional chemical synthesis. Silintaphin directs the assembly of silicatein monomers to filaments and, concurrently, the assembly of nanoparticles to synthetic spicules. The goal of this project is to exploit self-assembly, structure-directing and biocatalytic capabilities of these proteins, in combination with various nanosized building blocks, for the generation of bioinspired nanostructured materials with new property combinations. For this purpose genetically-modified primmorphs (3D sponge cell culture) will be used as biofactories. In addition, bioengineered proteins will be employed to design in vitro smart materials with added functionalities (e.g., thermoresponsiveness, self-healing, and mechanical stress sensing).