Antimicrobial, anticancer peptides and peptide/chitosan conjugates characterization by AFM (Atomic force microscopy)

Abstract

This collaborative work will evaluate known and designed mastoparan peptides and peptide/chitosan conjugates for the treatment of microbial and cancer diseases. Specifically, the following steps will be carried on: 1. Characterization of the peptide's and conjugates' cytotoxic activity toward different bacteria strains with clinical impact and human normal and cancer cells, particularly breast cancer and derived metastases to lungs, bones, liver and brain; 2. Characterization of the mechanism of action underlying the antimicrobial and anticancer activities as well as the identification of selectivity determinants for each compound. By achieving these specific goals we expect to deliver novel antimicrobial and anticancer drug alternatives that are more selective than conventional drugs. Techniques such as Zeta-Potential coupled with atomic force microscopy field (AFM) will be used to provide detailed molecular information on the biophysical, morphological and biomechanical properties of the target interaction. This collaborative work will expand the biological in vitro evaluation and characterization of compounds involved that in projects funded by FAPESP. (AU)