PSP · Peptide Sensing Platforms for proteins and antibodies detection

The present fellowship proposal aims to give the applicant a strong expertise in peptide folding and peptide based sensors. This objective will be reached through a scientific project focused on the development and optimization of a novel, rapid, point-of-care method for the simultaneous detection of multiple diagnostic proteins. The approach, which will utilize electrochemistry to monitor the binding-induced folding of peptide/polypeptide used as recognition elements, will be rapid, specific, convenient and, critically, selective enough to be employed directly in blood serum and -we propose- whole blood.Through a multidisciplinary and complementary approach the fellow will be trained in protein and peptide folding, a field fundamental to develop the proposed biosensor platform. Training on peptide labeling with redox tags and on formation of peptide films on different sensor surfaces will be also exploited during the fellowship in order to achieve the final research objectives. Outgoing and return host institutions have both the required expertise for these training and scientific objectives. In particular, the outgoing host, Prof. Plaxco lab at UCSB, USA, has a unique strong expertise on both peptide/protein folding and electrochemical sensors. The outcome of the fellowship will be crucial for the applicant’s future career and will not only strengthen his scientific knowledge but also his communication and didactic know-how. Moreover, the peptide sensors developed could be of strong impact for the scientific excellence of European Community.""