We are pleased to announce that a researcher from the IBCH PAS has been included on the list of winners of the MINIATURA 10 competition organised by the National Science Centre.

Funding has been awarded to a project led by Dr. Anna Wychowaniec from the Department of Biopolymer Chemistry, entitled ‘Microwave-assisted solid-phase synthesis of cationic γ-modified PNAs targeted at Pseudomonas aeruginosa.’

The aim of the Miniatura project is to develop methods for the synthesis and characterisation of new, positively charged peptide nucleic acids (γ-PNA/GPNA), which, compared to classical PNAs, may exhibit more favourable physicochemical properties and constitute a promising platform for the development of antisense therapies against multidrug-resistant bacteria.

The project will enable the optimisation of the preparation of modified PNAs and the assessment of the impact of the modifications and protective groups used on synthesis yield and the properties of the resulting compounds. The results obtained will form the basis for a larger research project covering the assessment of internalisation, antibacterial activity and potential synergy with antibiotics.

We offer our heartfelt congratulations and wish you every success in the future!