Developing Novel Protein-based Materials using Ultrabithorax: Production, Characterization, and Functionalization

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dc.contributor.advisorMatthews, Kathleen S.
dc.contributor.advisorBondos, Sarah E.
dc.creatorHuang, Zhao
dc.date.accessioned2013-03-08T00:34:34Z
dc.date.available2013-03-08T00:34:34Z
dc.date.issued2011
dc.description.abstractCompared to 'conventional' materials made from metal, glass, or ceramics, protein-based materials have unique mechanical properties. Furthermore, the morphology, mechanical properties, and functionality of protein-based materials may be optimized via sequence engineering for use in a variety of applications, including textile materials, biosensors, and tissue engineering scaffolds. The development of recombinant DNA technology has enabled the production and engineering of protein-based materials ex vivo . However, harsh production conditions can compromise the mechanical properties of protein-based materials and diminish their ability to incorporate functional proteins. Developing a new generation of protein-based materials is crucial to (i) improve materials assembly conditions, (ii) create novel mechanical properties, and (iii) expand the capacity to carry functional protein/peptide sequences. This thesis describes development of novel protein-based materials using Ultrabithorax, a member of the Hox family of proteins that regulate developmental pathways in Drosophila melanogaster . The experiments presented (i) establish the conditions required for the assembly of Ubx-based materials, (ii) generate a wide range of Ubx morphologies, (iii) examine the mechanical properties of Ubx fibers, (iv) incorporate protein functions to Ubx-based materials via gene fusion, (v) pattern protein functions within the Ubx materials, and (vi) examine the biocompatibility of Ubx materials in vitro . Ubx-based materials assemble at mild conditions compatible with protein folding and activity, which enables Ubx chimeric materials to retain the function of appended proteins in spatial patterns determined by materials assembly. Ubx-based materials also display mechanical properties comparable to existing protein-based materials and demonstrate good biocompatibility with living cells in vitro . Taken together, this research demonstrates the unique features and future potential of novel Ubx-based materials.
dc.format.extent179 p.en_US
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdf
dc.identifier.callnoTHESIS BIOCHEM. 2011 HUANG
dc.identifier.citationHuang, Zhao. "Developing Novel Protein-based Materials using Ultrabithorax: Production, Characterization, and Functionalization." (2011) Diss., Rice University. <a href="https://hdl.handle.net/1911/70269">https://hdl.handle.net/1911/70269</a>.
dc.identifier.digitalHuangZen_US
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/1911/70269
dc.language.isoeng
dc.rightsCopyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.
dc.subjectApplied sciences
dc.subjectPure sciences
dc.subjectBiological sciences
dc.subjectUltrabithorax
dc.subjectSpaital patterning
dc.subjectSelf-assembly
dc.subjectBiomaterials
dc.subjectBiochemistry
dc.subjectNanotechnology
dc.subjectBiophysics
dc.titleDeveloping Novel Protein-based Materials using Ultrabithorax: Production, Characterization, and Functionalization
dc.typeThesis
dc.type.materialText
thesis.degree.departmentBiochemistry and Cell Biology
thesis.degree.disciplineNatural Sciences
thesis.degree.grantorRice University
thesis.degree.levelDoctoral
thesis.degree.nameDoctor of Philosophy
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