Biomolecule design - UHasselt

Within the Biomolecule Design research domain IMO-IMOMEC aims for the biological and chemical modification of biomolecules, inspired by strategies found in nature. This is mainly done by manipulating the biological machinery of living cells aiming to site-specifically introduce chemical functionalities not found in biological systems. At present focus lies on the ‘click’ reaction chemistry between alkynes and azides. Methods to modify peptides include in vitro/ in vivo techniques, native chemical ligation, post-translational modification methods and amber suppression techniques. By changing peptides at the amino acid level, new functionalities can be added to the peptide in a site-specific and genetically encoded way. This unique chemical functional group(s) can not only lead to new biological properties but can also be used as a unique anchor point for the covalent immobilization on solid substrates like diamond and conjugated polymers to create bioactive hybrid materials.

Many applications, including IMO-IMOMEC core competences like biosensing systems and biomedical implants rely on hybrid materials composed of a biological and a chemical component. In order to have an optimal biological activity of the hybrid material, the biomolecule should be coupled in a stable, covalent, and oriented (site-specific) way.

This platform towards well-designed modification of biomolecules not only finds its application in the core activities of the institute but can also easily converted to other applications including bio-imaging, new bio-inspired material, peptide/polymer hybrids, proteomic analysis, improving biocompatibility of biomedical implants, targeted drug delivery systems, ...