Class of 2004
david.masica@gmail.com | B.A. Physics, Oakland University
Research
My work is focused on the design of proteins for tailored interactions with inorganic crystalline solids such as silica, mica, gold, or hydroxyapatite. While detailed knowledge of interfacial biophysics is paramount to the realization of novel biomaterials, progress is hindered by a lack of experimental tools able to resolve atomic detail at the protein-surface interface. Using a design approach partially circumvents this difficulty as it allows us to investigate how minor changes in atomic composition can affect binding. Our strategy uses computational methods to predict mutants that bear an altered affinity and/or specificity, with respect to the wild type and other controls, for the substrate of interest; we then verify the results experimentally. In turn, experimental results guide further the development of an algorithm capable of capturing interfacial biophysical phenomena, as well as become a useful aid in applications oriented fields.
Publications
Daily, M.D., D. Masica, A. Sivasubramanian, S. Somarouthu, and J.J. Gray. (2005) CAPRI rounds 3-5 reveal promising successes and future challenges for RosettaDock. Proteins 60:181-186.
Venkateswaran, U.D., D.L. Masica, G.U. Sumanasekara, C.A. Furtado, U.J. Kim, and P.C. Eklund. (2003) Diameter dependent wall deformations during the compression of a carbon nanotube bundle. Phys. Rev. B 68:241406(R).
Venkateswaran, U.D., M.-È. Gosselin, B. Postek, D.L. Masica, G. Chen, R. Gupta, and P.C. Eklund. (2003) Radial and tangential vibrational modes of HiPCO-derived carbon nanotubes under pressure. Phys. Status Solidi B 235:364.
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