The Co-Assembly of Collagen-Mimetic Peptides and Natural Proteins

We are developing synthetic peptides that non-covalently attach to natural proteins, augmenting their properties and developing novel hybrid functional materials. Using a set of hydrophobic-residue containing collagen-mimetic peptides that self-assemble into nanodiscs, we aim to encapsulate membrane proteins, increase protein hydrogel hydrophobicity, and create novel materials using structural proteins. Preliminary results suggest nanodisc interactions with the reaction center-light harvesting complex I (RC-LH1) could elucidate additional RC-LH1 structural and functional information, useful for the development of next generation solar cells. Furthermore, electron micrographs of nanodiscs embedded in collagen type I (COL I) hydrogels provide evidence for the enhancement of hydrophobic properties of COL I, and the potential for sequestering hydrophobic molecules for drug delivery. Lastly, nanodisc induced assembly of the structural protein tropomyosin is explored with the intent of enhancing the structural properties of COL I hydrogels.