Biomaterials - Biomimetics 

In the design of biomaterials, the team is studying, for example, how certain intrinsic characteristics of proteins that form pores in membranes can be used to create biocompatible and biodegradable materials, such as biosensors or nanoreactors.

Environment

Regarding environmental issues, we are studying—for example, in collaboration with the Agro BioTech Faculty in Gembloux—enzymes involved in the metabolism of aphids and stink bugs with the aim of developing low-toxicity, environmentally friendly bioinsecticides.

Therapeutic Chemistry

In drug design, the laboratory contributes its expertise by studying, in particular, intrinsically disordered proteins and their protein-protein interactions involved in mitosis or gene splicing—cellular processes essential for the survival of cancer cells. Inhibiting these proteins or their interactions would therefore constitute a prime anti-cancer strategy. This research is conducted in collaboration with GIGA at ULg. In collaboration with the Department of Biology (URBM) at UNAMUR, the laboratory is also studying the mechanisms of copper resistance developed by certain bacteria to evade the bactericidal effects of this metal.

Biotechnology

Developing effective techniques for the renaturation of membrane proteins is a major challenge in biotechnology. Indeed, membrane proteins are difficult to overexpress and stabilize. Yet they are of paramount importance in various applications: therapeutic targets, biosensors, etc. In this context, the CPB is working to implement a renaturation method based on a detergent and a cosolvent.

The characterization of protein structure and properties is therefore at the heart of all these projects, which lie at the intersection of biology, physics, and chemistry.