Response to Vinicius’ Chalk Talk on IBD Peptide Nanofibers

Vinicius’ chalk talk this past Wednesday focused on the creation of peptide nanofibers that have the capability to serve as an inoculation for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). His research is focusing on the creation of an intranasal vaccine as opposed to an injected one. This is because the intranasal vaccine would consist of peptides that are more stable and are therefore easier to store, because targeting the mucosal membranes is more efficient, and in part because many patients would prefer to not use needles. One major challenge faced by researchers that underlies Vinicius’ primary research interest is that the mucosal barrier hinders the efficacy of any particle’s travel. In order to combat this, Vinicius is using nanofibers that have two halves that each interact with sialic acid (which is found in the human body) differently. One half binds to sialic acid and the other half cleaves it away, which is intended to create a gradient that continuously propels the nanofiber through the barrier. In order to analyze the nanofibers, Vinicius’ lab is using imaging, fluorescence, and AFM. Vinicius’ chalk talk was good and clearly explained his project well. I especially liked the diagram of the gradient the nanofiber is supposed to create, as it shows a complex mechanism well. Maybe something like that will make its way onto the poster!