Genetically encoded 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) functionality for fabrication of protein-based conductive polymers

Abstract

Conductive polymers are an important class of materials because of their unique electronic and optical properties. Unlike inorg. conductors, conductive polymers are easily functionalized and processed, and therefore, are widely utilized at the interface with biol. (e.g. biosensors, cell culture, neural probes, drug delivery). By linking conductive polymers and proteins via genetically incorporated monomer units, we are developing protein-based conductive materials. Because the size and sequence of proteins are precisely controlled by gene expression, we can fine tune the design of the materials such as the no. of monomer units in a protein and the chem. environment around the monomer. In the presentation, we will demonstrate genetic incorporation of a non-canonical amino acid (designated EDOT-Lys) bearing the 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) group, which is subsequently polymd. to form conductive polymers. E. coli expressing mutants of M. mazei pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetase (mmPylRS) revealed strong fluorescence from GFP as an indication of successful incorporation of EDOT-Lys. We will also present polymn. of the unstructured protein XTEN and small peptides through their pendant EDOT groups.