1. Proteins Containing Non-natural Amino Acids as Building Blocks for Novel Materials Kristi L. Kiick, University of Delaware, DMR-0239744 Protein and peptides offer many opportunities for the production of advanced materials for nanotechnology applications, as their structure can be exactly controlled and manipulated. The aim of this DMR project is to design and synthesize peptide- and protein-based materials on which the presentation of electroactive moieties can be well controlled (see figure on the right). Exerting this level of control over the placement and interaction of electroactive groups has potential use in the design of flexible light emitting devices for display applications. In this project, we have demonstrated the synthesis of the molecules shown, and have verified their helicity experimentally. Furthermore, the luminescence behavior of the molecules has also been shown to vary controllably as a function of the designed placement and number of the side chains. Specifically, two or three side chains placed close together (a,b) show the most significant interactions, which are reduced upon increasing the distance (c) or orientation (d) of the side chains. Controlling electronic behavior as a function of electroactive group placement offers great potential for the production of advanced electroactive materials. The impact of additional variations in group placement and identity will also be studied in efforts to produce new devices. Light-emitting polymer film ITO (Indium tin oxide) Glass substrate + - + + + -- - -+ Metal Cathode (Au, Al, Si, Mg) Red – a, b Blue/green – c, d Altering photoluminescence via controlling placement of electroactive groups on peptides. The differences in intensity and spectral shape confirm that the electroactive sidechains are interacting in structures (a) and (b). The novel peptides and proteins produced in this work may serve as light-emitting elements in luminescent devices. Schematics of the helical molecules under investigation in this work; the placement of the groups along the helix controls the electronic properties of the molecules. (a) (b) (c)(d)

2. The successful outreach program, “The Science of Art”, expanded in late 2004/early 2005 to include the efforts of Prof. Kiick and four graduate students in the MSE department. Students at Haddon Township High School (NJ) were introduced, in two separate sessions held at the high school, to the materials concepts involved in metal working and in ceramics and glaze formulation. The students learned the science behind controlling the properties of the metals used in their artwork, and also produced their own ceramic glazes for desired artistic effects. Proteins Containing Non-natural Amino Acids as Building Blocks for Novel Materials Kristi L. Kiick, University of Delaware, DMR-0239744 Education: This National Science Foundation funded project continues to stimulate collaboration between biosynthetic and organic synthetic groups at the University of Delaware, and fosters a highly interdisciplinary learning environment, encompassing both biosynthetic methods and electroactive polymer design, for the graduate students currently involved in this project. Additionally, the Kiick laboratories have hosted several undergraduate research students in the laboratories during the summer and semesters, and these students have gained exposure to the use of artificial proteins in materials applications. Outreach: Outreach at the secondary school level continues in two types of activities. First, one high school student has continued to conduct research in the Kiick labs, in the area of polysaccharide-polymer block copolymer synthesis. This student was awarded an honorable mention in the prestigious Davidson Fellowship competition in 2005. Outreach program participants Onur Kas, Prof. Kiick, Matt Lamm, Danielle Rockwood, and Tuna Yucel. (a) Kas and Lamm at the high school. (b) Magnified image (200x) of metal oxide surface prepared.