Abstract
This work explores the application of filamentous bacteriophages (bacterial viruses) in different scientific fields including materials science and drug development.
In the first part of this thesis, we investigate the application of “phage display” to select short aptamers against very different molecules. Using this technique, we have selected a peptide that can inhibit a the bacterial enzyme DXS in-vitro. Such a peptide represent a starting point for the development of a new antibiotic.
Again, using phage display, we screened a library of circular peptides against CB8, a macrocyclic molecule known to form complexes with N-terminal aromatic amino acids. With this study, we show, for the first time, that CB8 can form complexes with cyclic peptides.
Aside from phage display, we address the use of a genetically modified virus capsid as a promising building block for the realization of liquid crystals. We have successfully applied genetic engineering of the major coat protein (p8) of M13 to modify the chemo-physical properties of the bulk material.
Finally, we report the results of an extensive antibacterial activity test performed on several new aminoglycoside antibiotics produced using different approaches, including the “aptameric protective groups” technology developed in our group.
In the first part of this thesis, we investigate the application of “phage display” to select short aptamers against very different molecules. Using this technique, we have selected a peptide that can inhibit a the bacterial enzyme DXS in-vitro. Such a peptide represent a starting point for the development of a new antibiotic.
Again, using phage display, we screened a library of circular peptides against CB8, a macrocyclic molecule known to form complexes with N-terminal aromatic amino acids. With this study, we show, for the first time, that CB8 can form complexes with cyclic peptides.
Aside from phage display, we address the use of a genetically modified virus capsid as a promising building block for the realization of liquid crystals. We have successfully applied genetic engineering of the major coat protein (p8) of M13 to modify the chemo-physical properties of the bulk material.
Finally, we report the results of an extensive antibacterial activity test performed on several new aminoglycoside antibiotics produced using different approaches, including the “aptameric protective groups” technology developed in our group.
| Original language | English |
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| Qualification | Doctor of Philosophy |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Supervisors/Advisors |
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| Award date | 7-Jun-2016 |
| Place of Publication | [Groningen] |
| Publisher | |
| Print ISBNs | 978-90-367-8944-8 |
| Electronic ISBNs | 978-90-367-8943-1 |
| Publication status | Published - 2016 |