The rich surface of quantum dots (QDs) makes these nanocrystals accessible to numerous chemical modifications to impart biological functionality. My work takes advantage of this to controllably drive and tune self-assembly of hybrid bio-nanocomposites that structurally and functionally mimic endogenous biological macromolecules implicated in neuroinflammatory diseases. Thus far, I've been able to generate mimetics for different oligomeric states of amyloid, relevant to studying Alzheimer's Disease, and SARS-CoV-2 virions, used to study NeuroCOVID.
Future extensions of this work include the development of biomimetic nano-assemblies with shape parameters resembling other neurotoxic assemblies - such as fibrillar and annular protein aggregates involved in other neurodegenerative disorders.
Future extensions of this work include the development of biomimetic nano-assemblies with shape parameters resembling other neurotoxic assemblies - such as fibrillar and annular protein aggregates involved in other neurodegenerative disorders.