The objective of this research program is to develop through genetic engineering technology a family of "affinity bioadhesives" for specific eukaryotic cell attachment applications. In an ongoing research program, Genex has produced a series of recombinant adhesive proteins based on the polyphenolic protein of the blue mussel. In Phase I of the program proposed herein Dr. Link plans to extend this technology to the area of cell culture attachment by developing novel fusion proteins which she terms "affinity bioadhesives". To accomplish this she will assemble hybrid genes that encode fusion proteins carrying the cell attachment region of human fibronectin fused with the engineered mussel adhesive. These fusion proteins will be expressed in yeast, purified and evaluated for their adhesive and cell attachment properties. These first engineered affinity bioadhesives will test the feasibility of the approach. %%% Affinity bioadhesives have potential application in cell culture research and large scale culture of mammalian cells.
