Enzyme-Based Nanocomposites: Using Nature to Ward Off Emerging Threats

Nature is unparalleled in its structural and functional diversity. We have taken cues from nature to design nanostructures that are functionalized with biological molecules, complete with tailored selectivities and biocatalytic activities. Herein we highlight our recent efforts to exploit the interface of biology with materials science, with a particular focus on enzyme-nanomaterial composites with a wide range of activities that endow surfaces with self-cleaning properties. In particular, surfaces have been generated with tailored activity against pathogens (e.g., MRSA). Various enzymes have been used, including cell wall lytic enzymes that selectively target pathogens in a manner that is extremely difficult for the pathogen to gain resistance.  We have also developed approaches to identify novel cell lytic enzymes.  As an example, we will discuss the identification and characterization of a lytic enzyme that is active against bacillus anthracis.  Such activity provides a safe and potentially broadly applicable route to eliminating pathogenic microorganisms from common surfaces.