Functionalization of surfaces using S-layer proteins

The project aims at the technical exploitation of recrystallized S-layers. Surfaces functionalized with monolayers of crystalline S-proteins are expected to have a high potential in diagnostic applications (immuno assays, Lab-on-chip), development of quantum structures, or calibration standards for scanning probe microscopy (SPM). By coating materials such as silicon, glass, or synthetic polymers with S-layer proteins, a highly ordered, nanostructured interface is intruduced at the material surface. This allows a reproducible binding of molecules to the surface in defined orientation and dense packing order, which is a prerequisit for the controlled assembly of supramolecular structures (e.g. biochemical layers in microbiosensors, or arrays of metal dots). It is the main objective of this project, to identify potential products in the above mentioned technological fields and develope first prototypes.