Molecular recognition is a key function in biological systems: One molecule uniquely fits inside a complementary binding site on another molecule—like a lock and key—to catalyze a reaction, activate a switch, or send a chemical message. Unfortunately, currently available recognition molecules, such as antibodies, for use in research do not work as well as they should. To tackle this problem, and to improve research methods overall, two Los Alamos teams are developing the next generation of biological research tools by creating high-affinity binding proteins that are defined by their genetic codes, so they can be reproduced reliably and sustainably.

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