Synthesis, purification, characterization and biophysical studies of natural peptides extracted from the wasp Polybia paulista

• Grant number: 24/20106-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2025
• End date: March 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biophysics - Molecular Biophysics
• Principal Investigator: Eduardo Festozo Vicente
• Grantee: Ana Carolina Batista
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências e Engenharia. Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Tupã. Tupã , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Microbial resistance is a growing problem, resulting from the indiscriminate use of antibiotics, which compromises the effective treatment of bacterial and fungal infections. This project aims to optimize the antimicrobial action of peptides derived from the Polybia paulista wasp, focusing on increasing efficacy against pathogens without causing hemolytic effects, ensuring greater safety for animal cells. To achieve this, peptides will be synthesized using the solid-phase method, incorporating amino acids such as His, Lys, and non-standard amino acids (Dap) at specific positions in the MP2 peptide sequence. These modifications aim to enhance selectivity, reduce toxicity, and increase the stability of the peptides against proteolytic degradation. The main parameters to be investigated include antibacterial, antifungal activity, and hemotoxicity assessment. It is expected that the modified peptides will present selective action against resistant pathogens without inducing damage to host cells. Additionally, membrane permeabilization will be tested, providing a solid foundation for the development of new safe and effective therapies to combat microbial resistance. This study aims to contribute significantly to the search for therapeutic alternatives in the face of the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance.