(79i) Biomimetic Design and Assembly of Functional Materials Using Bacteriophage

Bionanoscience has achieved breakthroughs across diverse scientific fields by revealing extraordinary properties at the molecular level. However, a significant challenge persists in translating their unique characteristics to macroscopic real world. Many biologically produced materials in nature exhibit hierarchical structure formations and diverse functions across multiple lengths scales. Drawing inspiration from nature, we focus on biomimetic material design and assembly to tackle the engineering challenges in nanoscience. In this presentation, I will introduce bioinspired material design and novel approaches to harness multiscale functionalities using M13 bacteriophage (phage). The phage offers a safe and versatile platform with numerous engineering advantages, including programmable surface interaction and phase transition achievable through genetic modification and assembly. Our approach involves precise molecular programming of the phage’s coat proteins to facilitate target-specific bindings and stimuli-responsive phase transitions. Leveraging the capabilities of the phage, we have developed sustainable chemical separation systems, structural tissue engineering materials and liquid crystalline assemblies. Our research demonstrates how biomimetic design and assembly of biological building blocks can be utilized to tackle environmental challenges and facilitate the advancement of complex materials.