1. Genetically Engineered Materials Science & Engineering Center Mehment Sarikaya, University of Washington, DMR 0520567 Universal Biofunctionalization of Surface-Bound GEPIs via ‘Click’ Chemistry GEPIs have established their utility for facile surface modification of inorganic substrates and surfaces. As a tool for biofunctionalization GEPIs could have a major impact on biomaterial and biosensor applications by facilitating biocompatible surface modification without the need for elaborate bioconjugate chemistries. Towards this end, we have developed a universal strategy for the modification of GEPIs with bioactive molecules via a two-step ‘click chemistry’ coupling reaction (Kolb, 2001). The ‘click’ process involves the incorporation of an alkyne functionality into the surface-bound GEPI, followed by subsequent conjugation of azide-containing biomolecue via an azide alkyne Huisgen cycloaddition. We can achieve diverse biofunctionality on solid surfaces modified with the GEPI-based molecular linker, with applications in bionanotechnology and biomedical applications. Tailoring biofunctionality onto surface-bound GEPIs via ‘click’ conjugation chemistry. To validate this approach, the peptide-based molecular linker is pre-adsorbed onto a bare inorganic surface (Au SPR chip), followed by alkyne incorporation and subsequent conjugation of a ‘clickable’ azide-bearing carbohydrate. The conjugated glycan exhibits strong binding to carbohydrate-specific proteins, which generates strong surface plasmon resonance response. RESEARCH Cheng, Hnilova, So, Tamerler, Sarikaya & Ratner, in prep., 2011 * Supported by NSF via GEMSEC, MRSEC at UW For more information, visit GEMSEC at: http://www.GEMSEC.washington.edu