Low-Cost Physical Models of Proteins

描述（由申请人提供）：该项目的目标是开发所需的技术，通过注射成型方法生产精确、低成本的蛋白质和其他分子结构的物理模型。实现这一目标需要两种不同的技术创新。首先，新的软件将允许将蛋白质的复杂几何结构展开成一组片段，每一个片段都是可塑的。其次，需要进一步开发PHAST快速加工工艺。在这个过程中，陶瓷模具首先是由快速原型制作的复杂主模式铸造而成。最终的金属注射成型工具是由粉末金属填充在陶瓷模具上，并在高温下与熔融铜合金渗透而成。这种方法创造了一个具有复杂几何形状的硬金属注塑模具，这实际上是传统方法不可能创造的，成本只是传统机械加工的一小部分。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The goal of this project is to develop the technology needed to produce accurate, low-cost physical models of proteins and other molecular structures by an injection molding approach. Two different technical innovations are required to make this possible. First, new software will be created to allow the unfolding of the complex geometry of a protein into a collection of fragments, each of which is moldable. Second, further development of the PHAST rapid tooling process will be required. In this process, ceramic molds are first cast from a complex master-pattern created by rapid prototyping. The final metal injection molding tool is then created from powdered metal packed against the ceramic mold and infiltrated at high temperature with a molten copper alloy. This approach creates a hard metal injection mold with a complex geometry that would be virtually impossible to create by traditional methods, at a fraction of the cost of traditional machining. The successful completion of this project will result in the production of a collection of physical models that can be used to introduce students to concepts of molecular structure and function. No other technology currently exists with which physical models of these structures can be produced at a cost that will allow their widespread dissemination. The physical models of proteins and other molecular structures that will result from this project will be used in science classrooms at both the secondary and undergraduate levels to attract a broader spectrum of students to careers in the molecular biosciences. These physical models are especially useful in capturing the interest of under-represented minority students who might not otherwise develop an interest in pursuing careers in science.