Abordagens Inovadoras ao Conceito de Ligand Fishing: Descoberta de Moléculas Naturais Bioativas para um Bem-Estar Aumentado

The primary objective of this project is to develop and optimize a ligand fishing methodology capable of isolating bioactive compounds from natural extracts with high specificity and efficiency. This innovative approach addresses the limitations of traditional purification methods, providing a streamlined and targeted solution for identifying compounds with significant potential. To achieve this overarching goal, the project is structured around several specific objectives: 1) “Design and Construction of Functionalized Matrices” - The first step in the ligand fishing workflow is the development of robust and chemically stable matrices functionalized with target enzymes. These matrices will be tailored to maximize specificity and binding strength for target ligands, employing innovative materials like magnetic particles and polymeric membranes. The goal is to ensure that the matrices are compatible with complex natural extracts while maintaining durability and reproducibility. 2) “Optimization of the Ligand Fishing Process” - A critical objective is to refine the ligand fishing methodology to achieve consistent and reproducible results. This involves systematically optimizing experimental parameters, The goal is to maximize the efficiency of ligand binding and capture under diverse conditions. 3) “Validation of the Ligand Fishing Workflow” - Ensuring the robustness and reproducibility of the ligand fishing process is a key priority. The methodology will be validated using well-characterized model compounds, enabling the evaluation of enzyme specificity, ligand capture efficiency, and recovery methods. Quantitative analyses of recovery rates and statistical reproducibility will establish baseline metrics, providing a reliable foundation for future applications in natural extracts. 4) “Application to Natural Extracts” - Building on the optimized workflow, the project aims to apply the ligand fishing methodology to diverse natural extracts, including those derived from marine and terrestrial sources. The objective is to isolate and characterize bioactive compounds with potential applications in cosmeceuticals. Furthermore, biological testing will evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and enzyme inhibition properties of the captured compounds, identifying candidates for further development. 5) “Scaling Up the Methodology” - To ensure the industrial applicability of the ligand fishing process, the project includes a focus on scalability. Protocols will be developed to adapt the methodology to larger processing volumes without compromising efficiency or reproducibility. This objective addresses operational challenges and aims to bridge the gap between laboratory research and commercial applications. Achieving these objectives will not only enhance the discovery and isolation of bioactive compounds but also pave the way for their practical use in industry. This work has the potential to significantly impact the field, providing innovative tools to unlock the potential of natural resources while addressing global demands for sustainable and effective bioactive products.