Small size matters:
Biological nano-grappling hooks
for various attachment purposes
Christine Moissl-Eichinger and Alexandra Perras
Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 2, A-8036 Graz, www.medunigraz.at
INTRODUCTION
Nano-Biotechnology – an emerging field
Market
Nanobiotechnology
Nano-Materials
Nano-Coatings
Synthetic Biology
Nano-Tools
Nano-Adhesives
Carbon-Nanotubes
Nano-Surfaces
Year
2010
2009
2010
2013
2009
2010
2012
2012
US $ (billion)
1.930
903
330
270
261
26
24
18
year
2015
2015
2015
2018
2015
2015
2016
2017
US $ (billion)
2.970
1.962
1.790
1.180
681
120
53
62
Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 2, A-8036 Graz, www.medunigraz.at
INTRODUCTION
Unique biological nano-filaments – hami
The biological source:
Uncultivated „Candidatus Altiarchaeon hamiconexum“
Sippenauer Moor
Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 2, A-8036 Graz, www.medunigraz.at
DESCRIPTION OF THE
INVENTION
Unique biological nano-filaments – hami
Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 2, A-8036 Graz, www.medunigraz.at
DESCRIPTION OF THE
INVENTION
Unique biological nano-filaments – hami
Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 2, A-8036 Graz, www.medunigraz.at
DESCRIPTION OF THE
INVENTION
Unique biological nano-filaments – hami
Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 2, A-8036 Graz, www.medunigraz.at
DESCRIPTION OF THE
INVENTION
Unique biological nano-filaments – hami
Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 2, A-8036 Graz, www.medunigraz.at
DESCRIPTION OF THE
INVENTION
Unique biological nano-filaments – hami
Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 2, A-8036 Graz, www.medunigraz.at
DESCRIPTION OF THE
INVENTION
Unique biological nano-filaments – hami
Architecture of a hamus
filament:
 Three filaments Each filament is formed
by a major protein
species: the hamin
protein
Self-assembly
mechanism
Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 2, A-8036 Graz, www.medunigraz.at
DESCRIPTION OF THE
INVENTION
The hamin protein
Molecular weight:
 120 kDa on SDS page
 7 glycosylation sites
 97 kDa based on gene sequence
Length:
 987 aminoacids
Self assembly mechanism:
 Hamin proteins assemble to hamus
barbed wire-structure with a nanograppling hook
Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 2, A-8036 Graz, www.medunigraz.at
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION –
DEVELOPMENT STATUS
Expression studies
 Corresponding protein sequence is
identified
• Baculovirus system : SF9 cells
 Overexpression
 Protein is secreted into the medium!
• Pichia System
Expression is currently tested
Advantages:
 Cost-effectiv system
 „easy“ in production
Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 2, A-8036 Graz, www.medunigraz.at
COMPARISON WITH
EXISTING SOLUTIONS
 Hamus filaments are unique in
nature
 Extremely stabile structure but
flexible
 Biodegradable
 Cost-effective in production
Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 2, A-8036 Graz, www.medunigraz.at
MARKET POTENTIAL
 Diverse applicability of nanograppling hooks :
• Nano-velcro
• Nano-glues
• Drug delivery systems
 Nanotechnology
 Chemistry
 Medicine
• Nano-space
• Nano-robots
• etc.
Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 2, A-8036 Graz, www.medunigraz.at
RISKS AND BOTTLENECKS

Early stage of technology

Protein can be produced –however proof of self-assembly is
missing

Unknown production costs

Resources for development are needed
Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 2, A-8036 Graz, www.medunigraz.at
NEED OF RESOURCES
 Financial resources for (joint) research projects for
further development and validation
 Partner for further developing and marketing of a product
Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 2, A-8036 Graz, www.medunigraz.at
FURTHER DETAILS
IP STATUS
 Priority date: 8.5.2015
 Patent : EP15166985.0
FREEDOM-TO-OPERATE
 given
Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 2, A-8036 Graz, www.medunigraz.at
Thank you for your attention!
Zentrum für medizinische
Grundlagenforschung Graz
Deutsche
Forschungsgemeinschaft
Universität
Regensburg
Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 2, A-8036 Graz, www.medunigraz.at