Opportunities at the Intersection of Nanoscience, Biology and Computation

Research capabilities in nanoscience, molecular biology and computation have advanced to the point where it is possible to define research activities in which the development of nano-bio systems will support major DOE science goals. Specifically, we identify two major long term research goals which can motivate research at the intersection of nanoscience and biology: 1) Development of biological-systems-control for bioremediation, carbon dioxide sequestration and tailored biomaterials fabrication. 2) Development of artificial nanosystems with biomimetic functionality but without biological fragility. Basic research in support of these goals can be focused by identifying immediate research challenges involving the integration of physical nanostructures and biological nanostructures (i.e. proteins, with a strong emphasis on membrane-bound proteins) in a program of closely correlated theoretical and experimental research.