Abstract

The Schneebeli lab focuses on next-generation sequence-defined nanomaterials inspired by proteins. We integrate new synthetic chemistry with computer-aided design to achieve novel three-dimensional structures with well-defined cavities and tunable functions for targeted drug delivery and precision manufacturing of peptide/protein-polymer conjugates. In this seminar, I am going to discuss the basic design philosophy and provide examples for the scalable synthesis of these unimolecular nanomaterials, including some of the largest covalent and robust nanocages, sequence-defined dendrimers, and potent antimicrobial peptides designed with machine-learning. Our materials are designed to ultimately serve as (1) selective artificial receptors (artificial antibodies) for glycosides and extracellular receptors on cancer cells to advance targeted cancer therapy as well as (2) as artificial enzymes for selective, post-synthetic polymer functionalization, setting the stage for our investigations into new selective methods to form well-defined peptide/protein-polymer conjugates in a site-selective manner to chemically stabilize and enhance the pharmacokinetic properties of peptide and protein-based biopharmaceuticals.

Biography

Severin, hailing from Zurich, Switzerland, holds a B.A. Degree in Chemistry from the University of Zurich and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Columbia University. During his tenure as an IIN Postdoctoral Fellow at Northwestern University, he worked with Sir Fraser Stoddart focusing on the synthesis and computational modeling of cutting-edge supramolecular tools and molecular machines. In 2022, Dr. Schneebeli joined Purdue University as an Associate Professor, contributing to both the Departments of Industrial & Molecular Pharmaceutics (IMPH) and Chemistry. Prior to his appointment at Purdue, he launched his independent academic journey at the University of Vermont’s Chemistry Department, serving as both a faculty member and the Director of the Materials Science Program. Dr. Schneebeli’s research acumen spans organic synthesis, supramolecular chemistry, and multiscale computer modeling, with a particular recent emphasis on enhancing protein biotechnology. His work is instrumental in the development of novel approaches for the formulation and delivery of peptide and protein drugs. His contributions to the field have been recognized with several prestigious awards, including a 2018 ARO Young Investigator Award, a 2019 NSF CAREER Award, a 2020 Thieme Chemistry Journals Award, and a 2022 ESI MIRA Award from the NIH.