The Structural Biotechnology laboratory is interested in structural and functional characterization of proteins involved in different mechanisms of bacterial virulence. We study in particular surface-exposed proteins, including membrane transporters, channels and enzymes, with a direct role in pathogenic processes.
We integrate biochemical and biophysical approaches for the characterization of proteins and protein complexes, including X-ray protein crystallography for determination of atomic resolution structures.

The laboratory is also involved in protein engineering projects that aim for the design and characterization of proteins with novel functions or improved capabilities. We develop for instance antibody fragments as active effectors for detection, quantification, immobilization, stabilization of other protein partners and these can ultimately be used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Alternative biological drugs
Avian antibodies have been largely used for oral passive immunotherapies against microbial and viral infections. IgY immunoglobulin (counterpart of mammalian IgG) is naturally concentrated in the hen egg-yolk and this represents a cheap and scalable source of antibodies. Avian antibodies have unique biochemical and biophysical features resulting from the phyllogenetic distance that separates birds from mammals. Moreover, the simplicity of the avian immunoglobulin system makes the construction of combinatorial phage-display libraries relatively easy compared to humans or mice, thus quickly providing a broad spectrum of potentially therapeutic antibodies.
With the advances in avian transgenesis, birds are currently considered the source for biopharmaceuticals of the future. The Structural Biotechnology laboratory aims to develop and refine novel avian antibody approaches that are likely to become alternatives to combat bacterial infectious diseases, ultimately replacing or complementing antibiotics.