What is Biomolecular chemistry?
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| Biomolecular chemistry |
Recent advances in molecular genetics, combinatorial chemistry and the development of semi-synthetic enzymes and catalytic antibodies provide unique opportunities for new applications. An attractive opportunity is to use DNA templates to produce polymers having controlled molecular sizes and reasonably located functional groups and chain folding schemes. Such materials are difficult, if not impossible, to obtain by modern methods of synthetic polymerization. This potential ability to control folding of macromolecular chains will result in materials with improved strength and elasticity, as well as other desirable properties. The use of technology to include “unnatural” amino acids and carbohydrates will significantly expand the amount of materials available. For example, it will be possible to precisely change the design of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic characteristics of the surface of materials.
Another area of research where biological chemistry can have a significant impact is related to the development of high-strength materials. For example, some forms of silk, such as a dragline spider, were synthesized in the laboratory using DNA templates, and it was found that they are stronger than steel, as strong as Kevlar®, but much more elastic. Thus, it may be possible to develop materials based on naturally occurring biopolymers for use as light reinforcement for superior composites. However, there is no understanding of the parameters of such materials at the molecular level. Therefore, a vigorous research program in the field is highly desirable. An additional advantage is the development of new synthetic routes for the production of protective clothing, composites and materials, which have a greater potential for compatibility with substances in living systems. An intriguing prospect in this area is the possibility of combining naturally occurring segments with synthetic polymer segments to produce hybrid materials that will synergistically include the beneficial properties of both systems. There are opportunities for property-oriented synthesis of new materials that can be adapted to naval applications.
Research at the intersection of biology and chemistry will lead to a better understanding of the factors that control bioadhesion and, ultimately, bio-corrosion, two areas of serious concern to the Navy. The adhesion of marine organisms to marine structures leads to pollution, and it is known
methods of dealing with this problem are increasingly limited to environmental problems. Biogenetic synthesis can be used to include appropriate functional groups that can be designed to migrate to the surface of the protective coating, thereby controlling the formation of marine biofilms. A mechanistic understanding of bioadhesion is essential for controlling pollution and biocorrosion and is a critical contribution to this material design work. Continuing research on bioadhesion mechanisms is an area of opportunity.
It is expected that another area in which research at the intersection of chemistry and biology will have an impact is the development of physical methods for rapid genetic analysis. Combinatorial synthesis makes available arrays of materials for numerous applications, including coatings and films. However, the development of appropriate processes for the synthesis of molecular arrays and physical methods for measuring and analyzing surface properties are lagging behind. Consequently, concerted efforts both in the study of synthetic methods and in studies aimed at using the characteristics of the atomic level proposed by new forms of microscopy — scanning tunneling microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and near-field optical microscopy — are timely. These methods will lead to new, reliable and fast analytical methods.
New biomaterials are needed in areas such as wound healing, bone replacement and the controlled delivery of biologically active species. Biomolecular chemistry can have a significant impact on the availability of biocompatible materials. It is important to know that modern biomaterials were not designed for such use, but were empirically selected from materials designed for non-biological use. In some cases, this empirical approach has led to serious immunogenic complications. Understanding the basics of biological effectiveness at the molecular level will make it easier to incorporate biocompatible segments into synthetic systems for medical use.