Project: Amphiphilic peptidomimetics containing metallacarboranes as a design strategy for future antibiotics
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The rise of multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens poses a serious threat to global public health, underscoring the urgent need for new antimicrobial agents. This research aims to innovate in this field by exploring boron-based compounds to discover new classes of antibiotics. Our project focuses on creating novel materials by integrating cationic amphiphilic polypeptides with boron clusters (BCs), optimizing them for antimicrobial applications.
This study involves the synthesis and detailed characterization of these functionalized polypeptides and their conjugates with BCs. We will conduct a thorough investigation of their self-assembly behavior in solutions and perform a systematic analysis to understand how the architecture of these polymers affects their solubility, self-assembly, and antimicrobial activity. The effectiveness of these BC-conjugated polypeptides as potent antibiotics will be assessed through interactions with model lipid membranes and extensive biological testing in collaboration with international partners.
This research offers a unique opportunity for postdocs to contribute to a critical area of public health by developing innovative antimicrobial strategies and addressing the urgent challenge of MDR pathogens.
References:
[1] Fink, K., et al. Cobalt bis(dicarbollide) is a DNA-neutral pharmacophore. Dalton Trans., 2023, 52, 10338-10347.
[2] Uchman, M., et al. Classical Amphiphilic Behavior of Nonclassical Amphiphiles: A Comparison of Metallacarborane Self-Assembly with SDS Micellization. Angewandte Chemie 2015, 54, 14113-14117.
[3] Fink, K., and Uchman, M. Boron cluster compounds as new chemical leads for antimicrobial therapy, Coordination Chemistry Reviews, 2021, 431, 213684.
Salary: co-founding 1000 EUR/month is ensured
Co-founding resources: Soft Matter Group, Department of Physical and Macromolecular Chemistry
Department: Department of Physical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Science
Supervisor: Mariusz Uchman, Ph.D.
E-mail: uchman@natur.cuni.cz
Phone: +420 221 951 292
Position available from: January 1, 2025
Deadline date for applications: July 20, 2024
Applicants must submit required documents to: uchman@natur.cuni.cz (project supervisor) and in a copy to pavla.pouskova@natur.cuni.cz (International Department)
Deadline is closed
