The next scientists presenting will be Dr Mohamed Elsawy from the University of Manchester and Prof Jamie Baker from University College London.
Date: 05-09-2025
Time: 1:00-2:00 pm
Venue: an online Zoom seminar
Registration link: arriving soon
Dr Mohamed Elsawy
Lecturer in Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Manchester
“Assembling peptides: A chemical toolbox for the design of antimicrobial nanomaterials”
The molecular engineering of bioinspired assembling peptides has been widely studied in the last two decades for the development of functional biomaterials [1]. In this context, our research focus on the rational design of libraries of assembling peptides, in which we consider and manipulate a variety of non-covalent interactions, to govern the thermodynamic stability and morphology of the resulting supramolecular nano-assemblies. In this talk, we will focus on how aromatic stacking, charge distribution and complementarity govern peptide β-sheet formation and lateral association, consequently affecting both nanofibre morphology and the mechanical properties of the resulting hydrogels [2,3]. We will also shed the light on how the nanoscopic properties of peptide hydrogels could affect their antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities against a range of pathogenic bacteria, the ESKAPE pathogens, which are commonly involved in topical and wound infections and possess multi-drug resistance against various antibiotics. This is a promising strategy for combating antimicrobial resistance in infected wounds, via utilising rationally designed peptide nanofibres that are capable of disrupting bacterial membranes.
[1] Elsawy M. (Editor), Peptide Bionanomaterials: From Design to Application. Springer, Cham. 2023 (ISBN 978-3-031-29360-3)
[2] Soliman M. et al., Small 2025; 2408213 (DOI: 10.1002/smll.202408213)
[3] Wychowaniec J. et al., Biomacromolecules 2020; 2670 (DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c00366)
Prof Jamie Baker
Professor of Chemistry, University College London
Title: "TBC"
Abstract: TBC
Date: 05-09-2025
Time: 1:00-2:00 pm
Venue: an online Zoom seminar
Registration link: arriving soon
Dr Mohamed Elsawy
Lecturer in Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Manchester
“Assembling peptides: A chemical toolbox for the design of antimicrobial nanomaterials”
The molecular engineering of bioinspired assembling peptides has been widely studied in the last two decades for the development of functional biomaterials [1]. In this context, our research focus on the rational design of libraries of assembling peptides, in which we consider and manipulate a variety of non-covalent interactions, to govern the thermodynamic stability and morphology of the resulting supramolecular nano-assemblies. In this talk, we will focus on how aromatic stacking, charge distribution and complementarity govern peptide β-sheet formation and lateral association, consequently affecting both nanofibre morphology and the mechanical properties of the resulting hydrogels [2,3]. We will also shed the light on how the nanoscopic properties of peptide hydrogels could affect their antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities against a range of pathogenic bacteria, the ESKAPE pathogens, which are commonly involved in topical and wound infections and possess multi-drug resistance against various antibiotics. This is a promising strategy for combating antimicrobial resistance in infected wounds, via utilising rationally designed peptide nanofibres that are capable of disrupting bacterial membranes.
[1] Elsawy M. (Editor), Peptide Bionanomaterials: From Design to Application. Springer, Cham. 2023 (ISBN 978-3-031-29360-3)
[2] Soliman M. et al., Small 2025; 2408213 (DOI: 10.1002/smll.202408213)
[3] Wychowaniec J. et al., Biomacromolecules 2020; 2670 (DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c00366)
Prof Jamie Baker
Professor of Chemistry, University College London
Title: "TBC"
Abstract: TBC
