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Science at the Edge
Engineering Seminar
February
28th, 2014
11:30
a.m.
Room1400
Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building
Refreshments
served at 11:15 a.m.
Vikas
Nanda
Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Rutgers
University
Pushing on a string - the design of protein fibers
Abstract
Advances in the field of computational protein structure modeling has allowed the field to design synthetic proteins with enhanced
properties and new functions. However, the engineering of protein fibers such as collagen has proved challenging, given our limited
understanding of how these proteins fold and the molecular forces that hold them together. Collagen assembles in a hierarchic
fashion from nanometer scale molecules to micron and millimeter scale fibers and gels. We have designed a series of synthetic
collagen-like fibers whose properties are providing insights into the mechanisms by which natural collagens fold and assemble.
Designer fibers are already leading to applications as self-assembling biomaterials and bio/nano devices.
Bio
Dr. Nanda earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biology at Caltech, and his doctorate in biochemistry at Johns Hopkins
University. As a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, he developed computational tools for protein design
and structure prediction. In 2006 he joined the biochemistry faculty of the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School at Rutgers
University. His current research includes developing synthetic protein mimics of the extracellular matrix, understanding the molecular
basis of food protein allergy, and developing novel peptide therapeutics for cancer, diabetes and flu using non-natural amino acids.
For further
information please contact Prof. Christina Chan, Department of
Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at [log in to unmask]
Persons with disabilities have the right
to request and receive reasonable accommodation. Please call the
Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at
355-5135 at least one day prior to the seminar; requests
received after this date will be met when possible.