Molecular scale scaffolding, cables, motors, ion pores, pumps, coatings, and chemically powered levers composed primarily of proteins are all found in nature. Proteins provide superior catalytic abilities over traditional inorganic type catalysts and the simplified reaction conditions of enzymes require less complex engineering than catalytic reactors. Our objective is to develop the capability to build enzymatic nanomaterials and nanodevices that mimic useful biological reactions. We are interested in attaching recombinant enzymes to nanoporous materials as long-lifetime biological reactors for a variety of applications. We are analyzing the structure of individual biomolecules using a variety of single-molecule spectroscopies to better understand their properties and functions in living cells.
Nanotechnology is the creation of useful materials and structures sized at the nanometer scale.
Protein catalysts or enzymes have precise control over specific chemical reactions, reducing unwanted side-reactions. Recombinant DNA technology enables the production of novel proteins with enhanced properties not found in nature. The main drawback with enzymes is fragility. We seek to use nanoscale materials that can be combined with enzymes to dramatically improve the durability of enzymes, create localized high concentrations of protein and reduce costs by minimizing losses. Enzymes are known to catalyze more than 5000 diverse chemical reactions.