Single-molecule techniques for the discovery and monitoring of amyloid growth and interactive processes

Diseases such as Parkinson's ad Alzheimer's represent ever growing concerns for our aging society. Such diseases are related to the formation and toxic effects of proteinaceous nanoscaled aggregates known as amyloids. Currently very little is known about the molecular process leading to the toxic effects and on a molecularly designed way to counteract it. Some single-molecule investigation techniques such as the atomic force microscope are proving useful towards the elucidation of some of the molecular processes possibly involved in such diseases and might prove similarly helpful in delucidating the origins of the toxic effects. In the future, these single-molecule techniques and the development of parallel biosensing instruments might also help towards the testing and development of drugs against such diseases. Research and ongoing activity of a nanobiotechnology group at the University of Bologna will be presented towards the possible involvement in collaborative research.