The Biomolecular Chemistry group is open for academic/industrial collaboration on custom synthesis projects involving small molecules (carbohydrates, lipids, peptides, bioconjugates, pharmaceuticals etc.). We are well-acquainted with operating in multidisciplinary research networks and have successfully collaborated with many distinguished research teams from different disciplines over the years. Our state-of-the-art research infrastructures at the University of Helsinki coupled with our considerable track record in synthesis of complex biomolecules ensures that we can efficiently approach the design and synthesis of distinct molecular families on milligram to multigram scale and perform the optimization of desired properties through structural modification with precision and scientific rigor without compromising on quality. Our team meets the highest standards required for publication, funding agencies and translational success and we are used to operating with full discretion and clear communication in the projects we choose to join.
The Biomolecular Chemistry group specializes in advanced NMR-spectroscopic structural characterization of complex organic substrates and collaborates with research teams working on small molecules, natural products, pharmaceuticals, development and validation of reaction technologies and beyond. We use a wide array of 1D and 2D-NMR techniques coupled with quantum mechanical spectral analysis tools to provide comprehensive assessment of the NMR-fingerprint of substrates (accurate chemical shifts, coupling constants). Moreover, we routinely perform conformational characterization of complex biomolecules and have devised/utilized NMR-based techniques for elucidating molecular recognition events and studying chemical and biological processes in the past. The importance of high-level structural characterization data on substrates and biomolecules cannot be overstated and our characterization workflow exceeds the strictest demands set by academic journals and the professional community as a whole. Whether you are working with the structural characterization of complex natural products or challenging synthetic intermediates, or require more tailored NMR-characterization solutions, do not hesitate to contact us for collaboration opportunities.
Figure. Representative examples of NMR-based structural and conformational characterization studies performed in our team. On top: excerpt of the structural characterization of anomeric mixtures of carbohydrates utilizing quantum mechanical spectral analysis and 2D-NMR-techniques. On bottom: excerpt of the conformational characterization of cis/trans-mixtures of auristatin drugs (polypeptides). The NMR-instrument in the Figure was created with Biorender.
Surfaces and interfaces control many essential processes in nature (e.g. wetting and adhesion) and play a key role in development of technological solutions ranging from coatings and membranes to functional thin films and biomaterials. Because interfacial properties are governed by molecular-scale organization, even subtle structural changes can strongly impact macroscopic behavior thereby making well-defined model systems essential for generating fundamental understanding of baseline features and setting the stage for the design of tailored solutions for diverse applications. The Biomolecular Chemistry group specializes in investigating properties of bio/artificial films through the use of Langmuir trough techniques. We can study the phase behavior, intermolecular interactions and mechanical response of films under accurately controlled experimental conditions. We are capable of assessing the link between structure, organization and function through the use of surface potential measurements, custom experimental techniques and imaging/visualization of film structure (Brewster angle microscopy and fluorescence microscopy). Coupled with our expertise in custom synthesis, we can systematically modify molecular structures (e.g. head group and tail architecture, charge and functional motifs) to tune interfacial packing, stability and responsiveness thus making us a well-respected collaboration partner when it comes to the rational design of artificial or bio-based interfacial molecular solutions or materials.
Figure. Representative examples of biophysical profiling studies performed with the Langmuir trough. On top: Excerpt of surface pressure and surface potential isotherms and Brewster angle microscopy images of lipid films as a function of mean molecular area. The combined insights enable identification of phase transitions and conformations adopted by lipids in thin films and how structural modifications affect these properties. On bottom: results from surface scattering studies performed at the ESRF and Soleil synchrotrons showcasing the behavior of distinct lipid classes.