Biomaterials - man-made or man-modified compounds based on biological macromolecules (especially proteins, nucleic acids, and/or carbohydrates) with improved or novel characteristics developed with the aid of molecular biology and/or biochemistry.

1. Biotech "Biggies"

		enzymes / catalysts to make reactions work faster.
		antibodies / immunoconjugates to treat diseases.
		catalytic polymers to make reactions work faster.
		biocompatible polymers for medical use, tissue engineering.
		vaccines and adjuvants to immunize against disease.
		ribozymes - catalytic RNAs.

2. Some Strategies for Altering Protein / Nucleic Acids

		rational design - computer modeling of a macromolecule and tinkering with structure via mutagenesis. - computer modeling to dock a small molecule into an active site.
		chimera / hybrid production - swap / join medium to large fragments from multiple sources. - DNA shuffling / blending smaller fragments at finer levels (via recombination, template switching, or digestion / ligation) to make new genes.
		molecular evolution - "random" acquistion of desired trait (via error prone, blind mutagenesis, or selection-pressure). - stabilization of a protein by addition of cross-links or clamps to make a more rigid structure.

Return to College Education and Training