By merging molecular biology, bioinformatics, and genetics with state-of-the-art engineering and physical sciences, GEMSEC designs and synthesizes short peptides (GEPIs) tailored for selective and specific binding to solids that possess assembly properties on functional nanoscale substrates. Grounded in genome-based design, molecular recognition, and self-assembly principles gained from biology, GEPIs are material synthesizers, molecular erectors, and assemblers for diverse applications in nanotechnology and medicine, ranging from cell-free tissue engineering to bioelectronics.