Generation, Functionalization and Distribution of de novo Designed Protein Nanomaterials

Project Personnel

David Baker

Principal Investigator

University of Washington

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Neil King

University of Washington

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Todd Yeates

University of California, Los Angeles

Email

Funding Divisions

Division of Chemistry (CHE), Division of Materials Research (DMR)

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.

Designing Materials to Revolutionize and Engineer our Future (DMREF)