In particular, the project will focus on understanding the phenomenon of protein self-assembly, which is related to the onset of many ageing related disorders. The obtained knowledge of protein interaction and self-assembly will help to develop pharmacological approaches against disorders such as diabetes and neurodegeneration.

The Nano-Scope project will be carried out in close cooperation with researchers led by Francesco Simone Ruggeri at Wageningen University & Research. There, a cutting-edge nano-chemical imaging tool combining Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Infrared spectroscopy (IR) will be installed and further developed to study proteins one molecule at a time — far beyond the limits of traditional imaging. Researchers led by Ioana Ilie will contribute with computational modelling to interpret the imaging and spectroscopic results.

The NWO funding of € 1.2 million supports purchasing the imaging device and will enable the appointment of a PhD candidate as well as a postdoctoral researcher. The project also features cooperation with the companies Bruker Nano Surfaces & Metrology (AFM-IR technology development), Digital Surf (software development for AFM-IR), Novo Nordisk (drug development for diabetes treatment)  and Discoveric bio group (antibody-based therapy for Alzheimer’s disease).

See also

• Research Ioana Ilie
• Research Francesco Simone Ruggeri
• Six research projects awarded funding within the Open Technology Program