Pol B, a Family B DNA Polymerase, in Thermococcus kodakarensis is Important for DNA Repair, but not DNA Replication.

Thermococcus kodakarensis possesses two DNA polymerases, Pol B and Pol D. We generated a T. kodakarensis strain (DPB1) in which polB was completely deleted and a derivative of DPB1 in which polB was overexpressed; neither of the generated strains exhibited any growth delay, indicating that the lack or overexpression of Pol B in T.

Fabrication of Robust Protein Films Using Nanoimprint Lithography.

A nanoimprint-lithography-based fabrication method to generate stable protein films is described. The process is environmentally friendly and generalizable with respect to the protein building blocks. These non-fouling surfaces are readily patternable, incorporate intrinsic protein charge into the film, and able to control cellular adhesion.

Fabrication of functional nanofibers through post-nanoparticle functionalization.

A facile method is developed to functionalize nanofiber surfaces with nanoparticles (NPs) through dithiocarbamate chemistry. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and quantum dots (QDs) are immobilized on the nanofiber surface. These surfaces provide scaffolds for further supramolecular functionalization, as demonstrated through the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) pairing of QD-decorated fibers and fluorescent proteins.

Effect of nano-scale curvature on the intrinsic blood coagulation system.

The intrinsic coagulation activity of silica nanoparticles strongly depends on their surface curvature. Nanoparticles with higher surface curvature do not denature blood coagulation factor XII on its surface, providing a coagulation 'silent' surface, while nanoparticles with lower surface curvature show denaturation and concomitant coagulation.