Aggregation and Self-Assembly of Amyloid Systems and Functionalized Peptides near Surfaces and Interfaces: Towards Mechanisms and Smart Materials (B01)

• Subject Area: Physical Chemistry of Molecules, Liquids and Interfaces, Biophysical Chemistry ; Analytical Chemistry ; Solid State and Surface Chemistry, Material Synthesis ; Preparatory and Physical Chemistry of Polymers
• Term: from 2011 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 189853844

Nanoparticles have specific surfaces that may interact with biomolecules. Recently, we have discovered that metal nanoparticles can accelerate amyloid peptide aggregation and fibrillation. In the present project, we want to further shed light into these phenomena and investigate the formation and the dynamics of the biopolymer corona near interfaces. We have used and will employ nanoscale imaging techniques like TEM, REM, and AFM. Complementing spectroscopic tools such as IR- and NMR-spectroscopy can provide novel and unique insights on the structure and dynamics of interfaces. In addition, we want to investigate the aggregation of amyloids into fibrils that are immobilized at magnetic bead surfaces. Finally, we want to study whether the interaction and aggregation of amyloids near solid and soft interfaces are different. Molecular dynamics simulations will be employed to unravel the molecular interaction mechanisms and structure formation of peptides at surfaces.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 102: Polymers under Multiple Constraints: Restricted and Controlled Molecular Order and Mobility
• Major Instrumentation: PMA 50 Module
• Applicant Institution: Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Bernd Abel