20.109(F08):Module 3

Module 3
Instructors: Angela Belcher, Natalie Kuldell and  Agi Stachowiak

TA:Luis Alvarez

“Invention” is a wonderful word, derived from words meaning “scheme” and “a finding out.” Inventors draw on materials provided by the natural world, refining and combining them in insightful ways, to make something useful. In this experimental module we will invent materials by manipulating biological systems, namely the bacteriophage M13. We will use a very slightly modified phage to build Iridium nanowires and then we'll let the phage themselves do the building, making an electrochromic device that's both fun and potentially useful. Drawing on the rich stockroom of biological elements and a good but incomplete understanding of their behavior, we’ll hope to invent some novel materials with real-world applications.



Day 1: Phage growth for materials Day 2: Phage nanowires Day 3: Journal Club II Day 4: Phage by design Day 5: Phage by design, pt 2/TEM Day 6: ECD assembly Day 7: Oral presentations notes from The Grafting Parlour

Notes for Teaching Faculty
TA notes, mod 3