BioMolEng Lab
Biomolecular Engineering Lab
The Biomolecular Engineering Lab focuses on the investigation and engineering of biomolecules and biomaterials by using molecular modeling simulations.
Molecular modelling provides a virtual microscope, which allows us to investigate the properties of biomolecules in a way which is not possible in laboratory experiments. We use computational simulations to study the structure and properties of proteins and other relevant biomolecules in order to predict their structure when inaccessible with experiments, to investigate key biophysical properties, or to understand the molecular mechanisms of diseases.
Molecular modelling allows us also to rationally design new or improved biomolecules. We develop bioinformatics tools to guide atomistic design of new biomolecular structures and functions, limiting the cost- and time-consuming laboratory trial-and-error procedures. By using computer algorithms we engineer biomolecules to achieve novel or improved feature such as peptides that self-assemble in organized structures or enzymes with improved thermal stability. Experiments in collaborating laboratories are used to validate our designs and computational methods and to highlight areas for improvement in the computational methods.
Research interests
Current research activities include:
- Investigation and engineering of extracellular matrix proteins
- Characterization and design of enzymes
- Investigation of the molecular mechanisms of diseases
- Design of biomaterials for nanobiotechnological applications
Team
| Faculties | |
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Assistant Professor Tel.: +39-02-2399-3515 |
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Associate Professor Tel.: +39-02-2399-3375 |
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Associate Professor Tel.: +39-02-2399-3336 |
| Postdocs | |
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Research Fellow Tel.: +39-02-2399-3327
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| PhD Students | |
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Francesca Donnaloja, MSc PhD Candidate Tel.: +39-02-2399-4729
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Lorenzo Sori, MSc PhD Candidate Tel.: ---
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| Master Students | |
| Cedric Bourdarias, BSc | |
| Alumni | |
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2018 Archimede Torretta, Msc Davide Ripamonti, Msc Sara Palladino, Msc Cecilia Brambilla Pisoni, Msc 2017 Irene Cristiani, Msc 2016 Flavia Bonalumi, Msc Francesca Marchese, Msc Ludovica Spero, Msc 2015 Massimo Bagnani, Msc 2014 Alejandro Pando, Msc Vincenzo Colangelo, Msc |
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Collaborations
Collaborations
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA Collaborations on: Multi-scale modeling of collagen Contacts | Prof. MJ Buehler |
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Yokohama National University, Japan Collaborations on: Synthesis and characterization of peptidic Self-Assembled Monolayers Contacts | Prof. J Fukuda |
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Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel Collaborations on: In silico protein design Contacts | Prof. SJ Fleishman |
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ETH Zurich, Switzerland Collaborations on: Effect of age-induced glycation on collagen mechanics Contacts | Prof. J Snedeker |
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Italian Institute of Technology, Italy Collaborations on: Crystallography and enzyme experimental characterization Contacts | Prof. E Parisini |
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Università Bicocca, Italy Collaborations on:Synthesis and characterization of brush-like mechanoresponsive molecules Contacts | Prof. L Cipolla |
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Politecnico di Milano Collaborations on: Characterization of amyloid fibrils and halogenated biomolecules Contacts | Prof. P MetrangoloThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
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Università dell'Insubria Collaborations on: Enzyme characterization Contacts | • Prof. L PollegioniThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
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