Soft Biomolecular Materials and Interfaces

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

This proposed research program combines elements of protein design, biophysics, and soft condensed matter physics to create and study novel protein-based soft nanostructured materials based on biomolecular self-assembly. My lab has expertise in the use of established biological methods for creating polymer-like proteins with novel structural and functional features. One of the outstanding advantages of biologically engineered protein polymers is the ability to precisely control their sequence and molecular weight, thereby allowing for the selection of molecular attributes (such as protein conformation) and control of the association of proteins into supramolecular assemblies and materials. Such protein-based materials have a wide variety of applications in cell and tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and targeted drug delivery. The proposed program will focus on several thematic areas: (1) Associating protein networks, (2) Soft Biofunctional Protein Interfaces, and (3) Soft Protein-Inorganic Nanocomposite Materials. The research in these interdisciplinary thematic areas will build on my current research programs and existing collaborative relationships with groups in Canada and abroad, and will provide HQP with a broad and cutting edge training experience that will prepare them for careers in this rapidly developing interdisciplinary biomaterials field.