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Investigating the Design and Engineering of Nanobodies for Advanced Biomedical Applications

Project

Project Details

Program
BioEngineering
Field of Study
Nanobody; Bioengineering; Protein Chemistry; Biochemistry
Division
Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering
Faculty Lab Link
https://www.kaust.edu.sa/en/study/faculty/magnus-rueping
Center Affiliation
KAUST Catalysis Center

Project Description

This project focuses on the engineering and design of nanobodies, the smallest functional antibody fragments derived from camelid heavy-chain-only antibodies. Due to their small size, stability, and solubility, nanobodies are ideal for economical antigen capture in diagnostics, therapeutics, and biosensing. Moreover, the project also explores latest advancements in nanobody generation methods, and epitope prediction aided by computational techniques. Project-duration will be 3-6 month, details of arrival/departure dates to be discussed.

About the Researcher

Magnus Rueping
Professor, Chemistry
Physical Science and Engineering Division

Affiliations

Education Profile

  • Postdoctoral fellow, Harvard University
  • Ph.D., ETH Zurich
  • B.Sc./M.Sc., Technical University of Berlin

Research Interests

Professor Rueping's research interests include organocatalysis, metal catalysis and biocatalysis; new reaction methodology and technology; smart materials, photochemistry and flow chemistry.

Selected Publications

  • H.-H. Liao, A. Chatupheeraphat, C.-C. Hsiao, I. Atodiresei, M. Rueping. ""Asymmetric BrA¸nsted Acid Catalyzed Synthesis of Triarylmethanes - Construction of Communesin- and Spiroindoline Scaffolds."" Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 54, 15540-15544
  • M. Nakajima, E. Fava, S. Loescher, Z. Jiang, M. Rueping. ""Photoredox-Catalyzed Reductive Coupling of Aldehydes, Ketones, and Imines with Visible Light."" Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 54, 8828-8832
  • D. C. Fabry, M. A. Ronge, J. Zoller, M. Rueping. ""C-H Functionalization of Phenols Using Combined Ruthenium and Photoredox Catalysis: In Situ Generation of the Oxidant."" Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 54, 2801-2805
  • S. Raja, M. Nakajima, I. Atodiresei, M. Rueping. ""Combined Experimental and Computational Study for the First Catalytic Asymmetric 4p-Elektrocyclization of N-Heterocycles."" Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 54, 2762-2765
  • M. Leiendecker, C.-C. Hsiao, L. Guo, N. Alandini, M. Rueping. ""Metal-Catalyzed Dealkoxylative Caryl-Csp3 Cross-Coupling - Replacement of Aromatic Methoxy Groups Employing a Functionalized Nucleophile"" Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 53, 12912-12915

Desired Project Deliverables

Students shall extend their general knowledge and skills in molecular biology and protein biochemistry. An emphasis will be put on expression, purification and characterization techniques. Students will be taught to work independently on projects, yet strengthening their critical sense to develop new ideas. In the course of the internship students shall demonstrate this understanding during oral presentations and one final written report.

Recommended Student Background

A background in biochemistry is preferred, but students with backgrounds in chemistry, biotechnology or biology
The ideal candidates should have some experience or interest in conducting standard biochemistry experiments
Experience with or interest in learning laboratory skills associated with mass spectrometry is beneficial
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3-6 months
Internship period
100+
Research Projects
3.5/4
Cumulative GPA
310
Interns a Year