Chemical Biology
Chemical biology expertise at Leicester covers a broad range of synthetic capabilities and physical measurement methodologies, including:
Synthetic capabilities:
- Novel small molecule libraries - Generation of bespoke small molecule libraries for emerging approaches such as the development of proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) and protein-protein interaction inhibitors
- Small and large-scale synthesis of peptides, peptoids, PNA and peptidomimetics. Solid- phase peptide synthesis using an automated microwave peptide synthesiser
- Custom DNA oligonucleotide synthesis
- Computer modelling for small molecule ligand design
- Fluorescent labelling of small molecule ligands and peptides Novel design of transition metal luminescent probes for imaging in cells
- Novel contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Physical measurement:
- Customised spectroscopy strategies for new assay methodologies
- Design of fluorescence and label-free based biosensors
- Label-free imaging and sensing
- Micro fluidic strategies: including digital droplet single cell analysis, or single molecule quantification
- Optical manipulation of live cells
- Biological force measurements: mechanochemical cell and single molecule biology
- Raman and fluorescence confocal microspectroscopy
- Computer modelling: quantum mechanical ab initio calculations and classical molecular modelling