Metal-Complexing Peptides-based Hydrogels for Preventing and Treating Oxidation

KEYWORDS

Hydrolysate, Peptide, Metal Complexation, Bacteria siderophore, Hydrogel

SUBJECT DETAILS

The PLASTER project aims to biosynthesize metal-complexing peptides-based hydrogels for preventing and treating oxidation and will be a fruitful collaboration between Université de Lorraine and University of Ottawa, Canada in a context of a structured collaboration. To reach this goal, we will first produce hydrogels matrix, based on protein hydrolysate containing metal-complexing peptides, whose gelation process is induced by metal complexation. Then, this hydrogel will be enriched with Cu2+-complexing metallophores produced and extracted from bacteria. Finally, the biofunction and bioactivity of this resulting biomaterials will be evaluated in terms of metal ion complexation and antioxidant properties on in vivo model (C. elegans).

CANDIDATE PROFILE

The successful candidate will ideally have trained as a biochemist/biotechnology engineer, with an interest in chemistry, particularly the study of peptide-metal interactions (coordination chemistry). With an experimental profile, the successful candidate will carry out various physico-chemical analyses. He/she will have good writing and communication skills in English. He/she should also be able to open up to the field of microbiology.

Application deadline: 20th of August 2024

Following the evaluation of the applications, the selected candidates will be auditioned (conditions of the audition given later).
Application file: the application file must include the following elements
- M1 and M2 grades
- CV
- Letter of motivation
- Letter(s) of recommendation from teachers and scientific supervisors
- Activity report on the research internship carried out in M2 described in English with a maximum of 2 pages, in order to demonstrate your ability to communicate on the progress of your research work.

The whole file should be sent to Laetitia Canabady-Rochelle, Patrick Billard and Chibuike Udenigwe.
laetitia.canabady-rochelle@univ-lorraine.fr
patrick.billard@univ-lorraine.fr
cudenigw@uottawa.ca