Designed Nanoscale Interfaces Linking Biology to Measurement

Molecular biology works at the nanoscale with most cellular processes depending on complexes of proteins, DNA and membranes that have dimensions in the range 1-100 nm. In order to interface with biology any physical device should present biological components which are ordered on this scale. To achieve this control we must resort to bottom-up methods of manufacturing and this requires that the biological component displays self-assembly. All proteins self-assemble to form precise structures by the process of folding, but precise spatial arrangement needs additional control. The author will present data showing how protein engineering can be applied to membrane proteins to create new tools for the formation of precise interfaces for biochips and cell culture. The use of membrane proteins to create self-assembling bio-interfaces has led to the establishment of a spin out company (Orla Protein Technologies). Orla technology provides unique expertise for addressing these challenges. Orla interfaces can present reproducible and precisely orientated molecules (for example enzymes, receptors, cell adhesion molecules) as single layers on surfaces by self-assembly.