The objective of this Early-Concept Grant for Exploratory Research (EAGER) project is to develop a novel concept for patterning single protein with ultrahigh resolution (below 10 nm). The approach is based on self-assembly and self-recognition and originates in the intracellular environment that is too crowded to allow diffusion to be an efficient mechanism for the movement of materials within the cytoplasm. Specifically, in situ polymerized microtubule (cytoskeletal filaments) affixed vertically to the tip of an atomic force microscope serves as track for purified kinesin molecular motors; under the chemical energy derived from adenosine triphosphate hydrolysis kinesin is deposited from the microtubule tip onto a glass surface situated in close proximity leading to nanoarrays of single protein.
This EAGER-developed technology benefits society in areas as: drug delivery, screening, nanoelectronics, and nanosensors. Beyond recognizing the value of this technology through the proof of principle that biological molecules can be used for printing nanoarrays with ultrahigh resolution, this research also provides solutions to patterning individual nanomaterial (both organic and inorganic). The inherent interdisciplinary nature offers tremendous opportunities for enticing and integrating students with educational experience across diverse disciplines (two graduates will be employed by this program). The advances in the field of biomimetic-based nanomanufacturing will be incorporated in two courses Cellular machines at WVU and Processing of Biomaterials at RPI. Lastly, the PI will use Society for Biological Engineers at WVU to popularize bionanotechnology by generating inexpensive posters highlighting the advances and thus contributing to public education in nanotechnology and outreach to underrepresented populations, (i.e., women, rural communities).
The duration of the EAGER CMMI- 1049150 was one year, i.e. September 01, 2010- August 31, 2010. This project was in collaboration with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, PI: Prof. Douglas B. Chrisey (EAGER CMMI-1049147). The objective of this EAGER project was to develop a novel concept for patterning single protein with ultrahigh resolution (below 10 nm). The approach was based on self-assembly and self-recognition present in the intracellular environment where efficient mechanisms are used for the movement of materials within the cytoplasm by the cytoskeletal filaments and molecular motors under the chemical fuel energy, i.e. adenosine triphosphate hydrolysis. This EAGER-developed technology could benefit society in areas as diverse as: drug delivery, screening, nanoelectronics, and nanosensors. Beyond recognizing the value of this technology through the proof of principle that biological molecules can be used for printing nanoarrays with ultrahigh resolution, this research also provides solutions to patterning individual nanomaterial (both organic and inorganic). The inherent interdisciplinary nature offered opportunities for enticing and integrating students with educational experience across diverse disciplines (i.e. chemical engineering, biology and biomedical engineering). The advances in the field of biomimetic-based nanomanufacturing of single protein patterns were incorporated in the course developed by the PI at West Virginia University, i.e. Cellular machinery. Lastly, the PI contributed to public education in nanotechnology and outreach to underrepresented populations (i.e. posters were selected to be part of the CMMI Engineering Art Competition; moreover, posters were included in the "Imaging the invisible", a WVNano’s exhibit in the downtown Morgantown Arts Walk, at the Morgantown History Museum, Morgantown, WV).
