Protein Crystals and Biosensors

Protein Crystals and Biosensors

Submitted by Seymour de Picciotto of the Wittrup and Griffith Laboratories at the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research

MIT Department of Biological Engineering, Koch Institute at MIT, MIT Department of Chemical Engineering

My research focuses on the development of biosensors. These are very important tool that can help us understand the communication between cancer cells and their environment among many other applications. In order to develop design criteria for the reliable development of these sensors, we are investigating the interactions of fluorophores with their surroundings. One of the approaches we are using is the one depicted in this image; X-ray crystallography.

This image represents multiple attempts at crystallizing a protein. Solving the structure of a protein is a very important problem in biology as it allows us to understand its function. For me this image symbolizes my experience in scientific research. It takes a lot of patience, courage, determination and belief to see it through.

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