Work

Protein-based custom-designed molecular nanotraps for biomedical applications

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The development of highly selective nanoscaled platforms for molecular recognition has gained significant attention in nanomedicine. Recently, we pioneered a versatile methodology for fabricating custom-designed molecular nanotraps using naturally derived polymers, by relying on protein building blocks and employing the molecular imprinting technique to confer selectivity toward specific molecular targets. With a portfolio of protein-based units that includes cross-linkable silk fibroin and gelatin, the approach enables tailored nanostructures capable of efficient and selective recognition towards molecular targets of clinical relevance. Envisaged applications span from targeting relevant biomarkers for therapeutics, diagnostics, and in situ sensing to building high-complexity order meta-biomaterials.

Source: Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology

DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.17.47

Authors: Devid Maniglio, Alice Marinangeli, Alessandra Maria Bossi

Institutions: University of Trento, University of Verona

Language: English

Topic: Analytical chemistry methods development

Subfield: Analytical Chemistry

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: European Commission, NextGenerationEU

Awards: G3843951933, G920992873, G972786147