3D Protein Folding Tool
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology provides new opportunities to improve conceptual understanding of complex and conceptual topics in chemistry and biology through developing interactive educational tool. Understanding how the primary structure of amino acid sequence dictates the higher order protein structures is important and of interests to structural biology and biochemistry. Visualizing how amino acid side chain chemistry influences protein folding using traditional two-dimensional representations can be difficult. The objective of this research was to develop a 3D-printed educational tool that demonstrates how amino acid side chain chemistry affects protein folding in higher order structures. Amino acid side chains were printed for biological pH conditions, and a clamp and snap-joint mechanism were designed to attach the side chains to a flexible tube representing the protein backbone. The side chains were printed in different colors to represent their polarity and charge. The design was done while keeping in mind the importance of size, dimensional accuracy, structural strength, adaptability, and modularity needed in a practical educational tool. The resulting modular model provides a hands-on method for demonstrating the influence of amino acid side chain chemistry on protein structure and highlights the potential of 3D printing to enhance interactive STEM education.