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Physical models of enzymes engineered for biofuel cells: 2010 Pingry School S.M.A.R.T. Team Project
Author(s) -
Hata Tommie Shintaro,
Banta Scott,
Campbell Elliot,
Herman Tim,
Ha Caryn,
Kong Edward,
Ma Florence,
Ober Doug,
Picard MaiLee,
Sukhin David,
Sun Dylan,
Vollbrechthausen Ricardo,
Wang Connie,
Xiao Ed,
O'Mara Deirdre
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.24.1_supplement.908.1
Subject(s) - computer science , engineering management , engineering
The 2010 Pingry School S.M.A.R.T. Team (Students Modeling A Research Topic) has been working with the Banta laboratory at Columbia University to design and produce accurate, three‐dimensional physical models of alcohol dehydrogenase AdhD and other enzymes with applications for use in a biofuel cell. Features being engineered into these enzymes include (1) self‐assembly into hydrogels, (2) alternate cofactor use, and (3) broader substrate specificity. Discussions with the Banta laboratory allowed the students to use RP‐RasMol to design models of enzymes studied in the lab to highlight their structural and functional characteristics. These designs were used to direct rapid prototyping machines to build physical models of these enzymes. Along with Jmol tutorials created on the Team website ( www.pingrysmartteam.com ) and in Proteopedia ( www.proteopedia.org ), these physical models serve as “communication tools” used to enhance the understanding of these enzymes and their applications among the scientific and academic community. By contributing this new tool to the Banta laboratory research team, the students have the unique opportunity to experience and participate in the activities of a research laboratory. This work is supported by a grant awarded to Tim Herman by the NIH NCRR SEPA program and the HHMI Precollege Science Education Program.