Peptides as Recognition and Sensing Elements

The project deals with the design and development of artificial receptors for monitoring of drugs used for the HIV †œAnti-Retroviral Therapy†� (ART). Efavirenz, a RT-inhibitor, and its analogues were synthesised to screen with several techniques (surface plasmon resonance, NMR, fluorescence and UV spectroscopy) the new receptors obtained from different approaches. One exploits computational tools to model peptides with high affinity for small molecules. These designed peptides will then be incorporated in polymeric matrix for biosensor purposes. Molecularly imprinted polymers with efavirenz-binding properties were performed during my experience at Queen Mary University of London. Another approach is based on miniaturized receptors obtained from the reduction of the known sequence of a natural receptor as human serum albumin.