In thisframework, we focused our research activity (in collaboration with the AMEgroup – Dept. of Chemical Sciences , University of Naples) on the developmentof artificial metalloenzymes. In particular, the studies carried outin this field have allowed the construction of artificial peptide-based metalloproteins,with features approaching that of the parent natural enzymes.

This activity aims at finding optimalsolutions for the final application of these new biocatalysts as innovativecomponents of diagnostic tools, and in biosensors technology.

Theseartificial enzymes could have a wide range of applications, because theyrepresent analogues, with low molecular weight of natural and mutatedmetalloproteins, and are therefore proposed as particularly advantageousalternatives to products of expression or extraction.  They can be used “as is” or in covalentassociation with small molecules and biomolecules such as antibodies, antigens,enzymes, receptors, nucleic acids, peptides and proteins.

Thefinal aim of this research activity is to explore their potential inbiocatalytic and biosensing applications, evaluating the performances of these artificial enzymes upon immobilization ontoproteins or solid supports.