Protein Engineered Biomaterials for MRI-Traceable Drug Encapsulation

Inspired by nature’s biopolymers, we engineer artificial protein materials on the genetic and chemical level leading to new properties, specifically traceability. We employ synthetic and chemical biology to construct our materials and endow them with theranostic ability. In particular, we have fabricated protein-derived nanomaterials: coiled-coil fibers and helix-elastin block polymers. We investigate the fundamental self-assembly and molecular recognition capabilities of these systems. More importantly, we are able to harness these structure as well as others to interface with small molecule therapeutics and cells. Our studies lead to insights in how we can program self-assembling protein biomaterials to be visualized and deliver therapeutics.