Designing novel smart sensor interfaces based on a biologically abundant peptide motif: coiled-coils

Project Information

smartCC

Grant agreement ID: 705857

DOI

10.3030/705857

Project closed

EC signature date 16 March 2016

Start date 1 June 2017

End date 15 September 2019

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Total cost

€ 159 460,80

EU contribution

€ 159 460,80

Coordinated by

MAX-PLANCK-INSTITUT FUR NACHHALTIGE MATERIALIEN GMBH
Germany

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - smartCC (Designing novel smart sensor interfaces based on a biologically abundant peptide motif: coiled-coils)

Reporting period: 2017-06-01 to 2019-05-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Smart interfaces, i.e. interfaces that change their properties on external triggers, such as temperature or electrode potential are a promising technology that can be applied in materials science, biotechnology or medicine. In this project a novel approach to realize such smart interfaces is investigated by applying a group of biologically abundant molecules, the coiled-coil peptides. The novel interface will allow for new applications that foster biotechnological research and technological progress.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

(I) The adsorption of coiled-coil peptides to hydropphilic-hydrophobic switchable germanium interfaces has been studied. The results indicate a completely different adsorption mechanism for the studied peptides. A manuscript for dissemination is in preparation.
(II) Coiled-coil binding to mixed SAMs has been studied. The studied systems show no switchable behaviour. For future work a different binding mechanism must be targeted. A manuscript for dissemination is in preparation.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Smart interfaces based on coiled-coils open fascinating possibilities for applications. However, a realization is more difficult than anticipated. Difficulties arise from the interplay between peptide-peptide and peptide-interface interactions. During preparation these interactions affect significantly, the properties of the final interface. The project results provide an insight into these factors and their effects and build a base for further research in this direction.

Basic design and targeted working principle of a coiled-coil based smart interface.