Generation, Functionalization and Distribution of de novo Designed Protein Nanomaterials
Proteins are large molecules that have complex three-dimensional (3D) structures that give them sophisticated cellular functions. To provide access to complex protein structures not found in nature, Professors Baker and King of the University of Washington and Professor Yeates of University of California Los Angeles collaborate to compute and precisely control the assembly of proteins into 3D architectures. The research team shares these capabilities with the engineering and scientific communities and constructs a Designed Protein Nanomaterial (DPN) database to enable others to rapidly build on these advances. The long-term goal is to allow predictable design of protein-based materials for use in a wide range of applications such as targeted drug delivery, functional materials for energy conversion, and other chemical technologies. The interdisciplinary project provides excellent research training opportunities to postdoctoral researchers and students.