Development of advanced corrosion-resistant coatings with synthetic biology-inspired protein technologies

The purpose of this research is to further develop existing technology using engineered functional amyloid proteins for corrosion resistance by developing a coating which provides both adhesion to substrate and corrosion resistance. Pathogenic amyloid proteins have been attributed a role in certain diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease. However, the research undertaken here involves non-pathogenic functional bacterial amyloids, using coelicolor hydrophobic aerial proteins (chaplins or Chp) produced by Streptomyces for improving corrosion resistance. Chaplins have been proven conceptually to provide corrosion resistance properties on metals and, also provide strong adhesive properties in a multi-composite systems. The composition, application and curing of the better bonding chaplin composite will now be optimised for development of a better performing functional coating, which includes inclusion of small metabolites or natural products acting as corrosion inhibitors. This would then allow for benchmarking against existing corrosion-resistant coatings. Upon determining the most relevant formulae, samples will be analysed by using microscopic techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy, while corrosion will be tested using immersion tests, weathering via salt-spray and in-situ scanning vibrating electrode.