From Chemical Architecture to Protein Surfaces (2007-2009)
Abstract
Proteins are essential molecules that define life, ageing, disease & death. They are polymers of amino acid building blocks which self-organize into highly flexible folded structures in water. In this program we are developing small molecules to structurally mimic small protein surfaces composed of peptide helices, strands, turns & their combinations. These new molecules will be shown to be structurally more stable, chemically more stable, more bioavailable, & cheaper to make than proteins, while exhibiting selected biological functions of proteins. The research has the potential to produce valuable new biological tools, drug & diagnostic leads, vaccines & nanomaterials that can significantly impact on science, medicine & industry.
