Organisation of Porphyrin by Proteins
Under the correct conditions it is possible for many proteins to form fibres. Each protein domain that can aggregate in this way can be appended to a cytochrome domain. Thus, when the fibre is formed, one creates an organised array of cytochromes. Each cytochrome can then bind to a haem group or other electron transfer molecule.
Ultimately, we hope to be able to control electron transfer along these synthetic fibres to form the scientific basis for novel classes of components in bioelectronic devices.
The research in the this area of the groups work is therefore split into two sections:
- Understanding the biophysical structure of fibrils and therefore, the spatiotemporal proximity of porphyrins to each other in aggregated structures.
- Understanding the electrochemistry of porphyrins to inform the requirements for the structure of the macromolecular aggregate.