Structural characterization of self-assembled protein–polysaccharide nanostructures using small-angle scattering

by Aristeidis Papagiannopoulos (Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation)

Monday 22 Jun 2026, 14:30 → 15:30 Europe/Berlin

PH HS 3 (Physics Department)

Protein–polysaccharide nano-assemblies constitute a versatile class of soft nanomaterials with significant potential in biomedical and food-related applications. Their structural complexity, hierarchical organization, and responsiveness to environmental stimuli require characterization techniques capable of probing nanoscale organization in solution. This talk will focus on the structural characterization of self-assembled protein–polysaccharide nanostructures using small-angle scattering methods in combination with complementary physicochemical techniques. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship between intermolecular interactions, morphology, and colloidal stability in systems formed through electrostatic self-organization and mild thermal processing, without the use of toxic solvents or chemical crosslinking. Representative examples will include BSA/chondroitin sulfate nanoparticles, trypsin-based nanoparticles, and hyaluronic acid-decorated vesicles. The presented results highlight the utility of scattering approaches for the rational design and optimization of multifunctional biopolymer nanomaterials.