3D Printed Proteins3D Printed Proteins

DESN 204 @ Mira Costa CollegeCommunity Project, Fall 2013

For S. Bailey, Professor of Biological Sciences By K. Stevenson

DESN 204 @ Mira Costa CollegeCommunity Project, Fall 2013

For S. Bailey, Professor of Biological Sciences By K. Stevenson

The Request3D Print Proteins: “...two versions of the same enzyme, one with reactant/substrate bound, one without...”

The purpose was to create an aid for students in Bio 204 to be able to “...make clear the shape change that occurs...”. A tangible visual aid to help students that struggle visualizing the differences in molecular shape.

The Idea

The idea came from: 3d-print-your-favorite-protein

The Challenge

How to convert a proprietary file type into a file type that a 3D printer can recognize and print.

Test the file conversion method.

Test the Process

Downloaded a test protein file from the website: 1FKA

Installed 2 software applications

Convert .pdb > .wrl > .stl

Print the 1FKA protein on the Z-Corp 3D printer

The Result

Test Print #2Open & Closed form of Hexokinase protein selected. Used in the 1st step of Glycolosis

Converted the files

Printed on the Stratasys Dimension with ABS to make sure the proteins would be more durable

The details from the Z-Corp were amazing but one good drop and the structure would break

Print Result #2Support material removed

Print Result #2 cont.Post Acetone treatment to smooth the surface. It worked really well.

Final Print....Professor Bailey requested the proteins printed larger to aid in being able to reach specific areas for painting the proteins to highlight active regions on the protein.

Scaling 2X

Delayed due to broken motor on the Dimension. TBD for the repair to be completed.

Final Print.... cont.One of the proteins completed 1/2 way. Interesting to see the honeycomb structure and size difference between 1X & 2X

Final Print.... cont.Once the Dimension is working again, I will print the proteins, do the Acetone treatment and deliver to Professor Bailey to have some of her students do the painting.

Leaving a Legacy

In order to continue to foster more community and seeing the opportunity for more 3D Protein printing for the Biology Department, I am leaving an S.O.E.

A document that defines in general terms the Sequence of Events to produce a 3D Printed protein

The End....

of the presentation but not the end of the story.