Platform Technology for Functional Protein Attachment

We have developed a platform technology for attaching functional biological macromolecules, including structural proteins, enzymes, antibodies to surfaces. This technology is based on polymers modified or created by plasma methods. The IP relating to the new surface structures is protected. The surfaces are unique in providing covalent binding sites capable of immobilizing protein directly from solution while preserving its biological function. The technology can be used to functionalize any surface (polymers, semiconductors, metals and ceramics) and can covalently bind all proteins tested so far.

This is a highly interdisciplinary project carried out in collaboration with Professor Anthony Weiss from the School of Molecular and Microbial Biosciences and Professor Cris dos Remedios from the School of Medical Sciences. Together with Professor Weiss we have demonstrated covalent coupling of the extracellular matrix protein tropoelastin and are exploring its effects in cell attachment and signalling for in vivo applications. The expression system that Professor Weiss developed for tropoelastin based on synthetic gene technology, underpins this work. Professor dos Remedios brings to the team the expertise in biosensing and protein array technologies required to develop applications in these fields and we are actively exploring signal to noise performance in his antibody arrays.

Fundamental research in this project now focuses on the mechanisms of interaction between the biological molecules and the surface. Specifically, we are probing the nature of the covalent attachment and studying the local environment that optimizes the long-lived bioactivity. Initial investigations into this area, were carried out by Fulbright scholar, Christopher MacDonald, and Oxford University undergraduate, Jennifer Tilley, who was awarded the Best Student in Materials Science Award at the UK's prestigious 2008 Science, Engineering and Technology Student of the Year awards for her work done in our group. Additional applications as novel proactive surfaces for implantable medical devices are actively being developed with industry partners.