Exploring the solution and surface chemistry of peptides and proteins

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

From the macroscopic down to the microscopic individual composition of molecules, biological structures are extremely well-ordered and, as a result, exhibit some very interesting properties. We propose to harness these properties through controlled mimicry of biological systems at a molecular level. We are poised to explain the complex determinants of molecular self-assembly and how these influence factors like solution and surface properties and behaviours, as well as to develop novel technological tools for evaluation of these molecules from the fundamental point of view. During this grant cycle, my team will combine synthetic and analytical experiments to comprehensively address major knowledge gaps and establish a new basis for understanding how chemical modifications influence biomolecular interactions. We will achieve this through exploration of chemical modifications of proteins and peptides and their structure, function and properties in solution and on surfaces. We also want to understand how to manipulate and exploit system properties for various applications. The proposed program will make major advances in: 1) development of chemical tools for controlling peptide properties, 2) identification of novel protein-based platforms with potential biosensor applications, and 3) establishing technologies and analytical methodologies for new discoveries to be made in peptide and protein sciences. Collectively, these efforts will merge solution and surface data to explain fundamental mechanisms governing peptide and protein interactions and properties that to date have gone unresolved. The extension of these innovations will lead to new ways to theoretically and experimentally study biomolecules across species, such as eukaryotes and bacteria. The development of chemical strategies to manipulate biomolecules at molecular and macromolecular scales will lead to much more controlled biomaterial and biosensor technologies to address environmental, biomedical and industrial challenges. They will also be used by scientists in the field and laboratory settings, for example for accurately measuring concentrations and fates of molecules, or fabricating biomaterials with desired properties. Alongside our established electrochemical and MS analytical tools, these discoveries are economically relevant to Canadian environment and health sectors, and their commercialization and implementation will lead to tangible societal benefits and create employment opportunities. This work will train HQP, at multiple levels, in robust scientific investigations, and the applications of novel approaches to address previously intractable science questions.