Bioengineering of stimuli-responsive molecules with advanced functional properties for therapeutic and biotechnology applications

About the Project

About the Project:

Biological polymers, such as proteins and nucleic acids, are responsible for a vast range of biological functions. The ability to modify proteins in a rational manner has led to the development of advanced therapeutics, many of which rank among the most commercially successful medicines (1). Yet we are only beginning to explore the full potential of directed protein evolution (2) and to learn how to engineer proteins and other biopolymers with predetermined structures or functions. Another fast-growing area of bioengineering research focuses on DNA/RNA and peptide aptamers. Generated using SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment) or various display systems, respectively, these molecules have found widespread applications in diagnostics, therapeutics, and biosensing due to their high specificity, stability, and ease of synthesis.

One of the most exciting yet least developed areas of protein engineering concerns the design of stimuli-sensitive molecules for therapeutic, biotechnology, biosensing, and biomaterials applications. This project will address these emerging needs. To this end, we have developed a number of thermo-responsive and pH-responsive protein-based systems and characterised them using biochemical and biophysical techniques; some of this research has been published (5–7). A common feature of these proteins is their ability to self-assemble in a sequence-specific manner and then disassemble in response to thermal or chemical stimuli. Another system under development focuses on voltage-sensitive proteins. Combining such molecular systems with sensitive elements such as magnetic or elastic nanoparticles, light-excitable groups, chemically modifiable groups, or their combinations yields highly tuneable, stimuli-responsive biomaterials suitable for a variety of life science and therapeutic applications.

The key aim of this PhD research project is to create molecules with new functional properties and molecular systems capable of changing their physical or chemical characteristics in response to their immediate molecular environment or external stimuli such as ultrasound, heat, mechanical force, chemical triggers, or direct electrical stimulation. The project will employ a combination of cutting-edge molecular biology, biochemical and biophysical methods, and advanced analytical approaches to develop new stimuli-responsive biomolecules with enhanced functional properties for therapeutic and biotechnology applications. The research will be conducted in the Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London (8).

Eligibility:

Applicants should have at least an Upper Second (2:1) undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Biological Sciences, or another related discipline, or a Master’s degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering field. They should also have an interest in molecular engineering, protein-protein or protein-DNA interactions, assay development, or a related area of bioanalytical sciences. Applicants must meet the University’s English language requirements.

Before you apply:

Prior to submitting their online application, the applicants are encouraged to contact the supervisor directly. Please include a full CV in your email, specifying details of subjects studied and any research projects undertaken, outline your research interests and preferences, and specify the preferred start date.