Synthetic scaffolds and protein assemblies for engineering applications

Abstract

S-layer proteins, which naturally self-assemble on the exterior of cells, provide an interesting basis for the creation of synthetic scaffolds. In this thesis, I created a plasmid which produces a recombinant form of a well characterized S layer protein, sbpA, which has a number of properties ideal for nanotechnology applications. I also explored purification of both the native and recombinant forms of sbpA. Together these preliminary studies are the first, necessary, steps towards quantitative generation of crystallization conditions and the ultimate modifications of the protein form for a wide variety of engineering applications.