Research

Some non-coded α-amino acids (Cα-tetrasubstituted α-amino acids) characterise the family of peptaibols, naturally occurring peptides which alter the permeability of biological membranes. 
We are interested in the synthesis in solution and in solid phase of peptides containing these amino acids. We perform conformational analysis on peptides using FT-IT, CD, and 1D and 2D NMR techniques in order to elucidate the 3D-structure and its relationship with function.
To this aim we prepare analogues of natural peptides incorporating spectroscopic probes. Potentially bioactive peptides are designed and synthesised, for exploring their antibiotic activity and their capability to interact with biological membranes.
 

• Synthesis and conformational studies of antimicrobial and antitumoral peptides
• New peptide-functionalized, antibacterial cotton fibers, for biomedical applications
• Preparation of analogues of peptaibols, containing probes for studies on membranes

The exquisite complexity of biological systems is nowadays object of major interest for peptide chemists. Nature during millions of years, has elaborated complex architectures built from the assembly of smaller components at the molecular level. Time, mutations and selection have been important allies in helping Nature in its process of constructing proteins of a greater and greater variety and specificity starting from simple amino acids.
The desire of chemists to understand molecules and their functions has been the driving force behind the elucidation of many protein structures and now extends to ongoing attempts to adopt Nature’s rules and to imitate Nature itself. Pure scientific, social and economic interests intermingle in the common effort to synthesise artificial protein-like molecules with the ultimate goal, among others, of designing catalysts, drugs and compounds of medical and therapeutic importance. After careful observation of Nature, the design of models and attempts to synthesise them are the first obligatory steps in this direction.

 C.P. - Lausanne