Master’s Project:
Nonspecific adsorption of proteins to surfaces has broad technological and biological relevance. In biotechnology and pharmaceutical formulations, protein adsorption to interfaces can lead to protein loss, aggregation, and reduced stability of biologic drugs. In biological systems, interactions of proteins with cellular membranes and biomaterials play important roles in processes ranging from immune recognition to pathological protein aggregation. This master project will investigate how small molecules modulate nonspecific protein adsorption to model surfaces. The project will focus on understanding whether small molecules alter adsorption by changing protein–surface encounter kinetics, interfacial residence times, or surface-induced conformational transitions.
Contact: Dr. Makasewicz ([email protected])
Master’s project:
Many viruses begin infection by binding to heparan sulfate proteoglycans and sialic acids on the surface of host cells. This project aims to exploit that shared mechanism. By designing molecules that mimic these glycans, we can build antivirals that not only block viral attachment but also irreversibly disrupt the virus itself, acting as virucidal agents. Because the targets are common to many viruses, this strategy opens a route to broad-spectrum antivirals.
The project spans from organic synthesis and characterization of candidate molecules to their biological evaluation against viruses. The long-term goal is to develop a lead compound that can be translated into an orally available drug.
Contact: Dr. Francesco Vicentini ([email protected])