Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
UÇAR Ş. (Yürütücü)
TÜBİTAK Projesi, 2023 - 2026
Biohybrids, synthesized by integrating functional synthetic materials with organic matter is an exciting branch of research at the interface of materials engineering and biological science. Among these, mineral-protein hybrids are emerging materials for biomedical applications such as protein encapsulation and delivery, mineralized tissue regeneration, biosensing and intracellular or pulmonary therapeutics [1]. Integration of minerals with proteins that possess complex and fragile structures have revealed the mineral provided augmentation in storage and longevity of protein therapeutics [2]. Yet, the mechanisms and process behind the preservation potential are a still-standing frontier. The mineral hosts have also displayed functions extended beyond ensuring thermal and chemical stability such as enabling intracellular delivery of proteins and prolong their circulation time in body [3, 4]. The exciting properties of mineral-protein hybrids place them on a central role in the future advances in biomedicine. The level of complexity and accompanying flexibility of these systems can be exploited to meet demands in a variety of applications such as targeted and time adjusted drug delivery, biosensing and tissue repair, provided that the regulatory roles of mineral hosts are explored and translated into material design. In this regard, this project proposes a novel approach to study the role of associated mineralogy in properties and applications of mineral-protein hybrids. By combining chemistry and nanoscience with material engineering, the project will improve hybrid biomaterial design by developing a holistic approach towards regulation of the mineral-protein interactions, which translates into material characteristics and output. Acquired knowledge is necessary to accelerate treatment and diagnosis development for disorders related to major societal challenges such as accessible vaccination programs. Our approach is based on applying the fundamentals of crystallization and biomineralization to make a conceptual model for design principles of mineral-protein hybrid materials. A unique combination of experimental techniques that couples in-situ monitoring with complementary characterization methods will enable understanding the key regulators in design of mineral-protein hybrids towards chosen applications.
1. Cao, J., et al., Artificial Bioaugmentation of Biomacromolecules and Living Organisms for Biomedical Applications. ACS Nano, 2021. 15(3): p. 3900-3926.
2. Liu, Z., X. Xu, and R. Tang, Improvement of Biological Organisms Using Functional Material Shells. Advanced Functional Materials, 2016. 26(12): p. 1862-1880.
3. Chen, W., et al., Overcoming Multiple Drug Resistance by Spatial–Temporal Synchronization of Epirubicin and Pooled siRNAs. Small, 2015. 11(15): p. 1775-1781.
4. Song, Z., et al., Intracellular delivery of biomineralized monoclonal antibodies to combat viral infection. Chemical Communications, 2016. 52(9): p. 1879-1882.