Project 9 - Engineering Cytochrome Biowires to Advance Sustainable Biotechnology

Applying for Summer 2025

School/Institute: School of Biological Sciences, UEA

Introduction: Cytochrome biowires are proteins spanned by chains of close-packed redox active heme cofactors. In biology these molecules transfer electrons across distances that range from a few nanometres to several microns. We are researching how to equip cytochrome biowires with unique properties. We envisage our advances will deliver a new era of sustainable molecules for use in next-generation electronic circuitry and photocatalysis. This project will help us realise that vision.

Objectives: Working within a supportive team you will learn how to prepare and characterise newly designed proteins. The project will provide experience of culturing bacteria and protein purification using affinity chromatography. Then gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, UV-vis absorbance spectroscopy and dynamic electrochemistry will be used to study properties of the purified protein(s). There will be opportunities to assist with site-specific mutagenesis to create new proteins and protein crystallisation to allow structural resolution of new proteins. The project is highly suitable for those studying biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology and natural sciences.

Further information: Our research is available at: https://www.juleab-lab.co.uk/