Molecular Biomechanics of Fibrous Proteins and Related Biopolymer Systems.

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My lab investigates the molecular biomechanics of structural biopolymers. Our goal is to understand relationships between molecular structure, physical chemistry, mechanical properties and the function in living organisms. However, we are keenly aware that the basic science we gather can be used in the development of new structural proteins through genetic engineering and also can provide direction for the development on novel technologies by mimicking designs found in Nature. In the current proposal we will investigate the following kinds of biopolymer systems. 1. High-performance protein fibers: We will continue our efforts on the development of genetically engineered silks by investigating the role of silk fibroin sequence on the strain-rate dependence of mechanical properties in spider dragline silks. Virtually all mechanical studies with spider silks to date have quantified properties with low strain-rate testing protocols, but these silks function dynamically in both webs and in safety lines, where they experience very high strain rates. A new impact tester will allow us to evaluate material properties under test conditions that span the mechanical functions that have influenced the evolution of these remarkable materials. We will also continue our investigations of intermediate filament (IF) based materials and their draw-transformation into silk-like fibers. Our focus will be on the development of di-tyrosine and transglutaminase-based covalent crosslinking processes for modulating properties and for fibre-reinforced composite assembly. 2. Rubber-like proteins and composites: we have worked for decades on the structure and properties of elastin and the functional design of arteries. We will continue this important work with mechanical and structural analyses of the single elastic lamellae from mouse aorta, which will provide insights into our recent discovery of elastin property gradients in the thoracic aorta. We will continue our studies of resilin-based elastic materials in collaboration with Dr. Hongbin Li at UBC. Our role will involve electro-spinning silk or IF-based filaments into resilin hydrogels, creating fiber-reinforced elastic composites that have potential for tissue engineering.