This research project is based on the following hypothesis: It is possible to design or identify composites (a mixture of synthetical and natural products) that perform as a direct restraining from the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite's enzymes, using the process of protein crystallization and the analysis based on its structure, as well as the selection and evaluation strategies of natural products (primarily) and synthetical products.

The specific objectives are the following:

• To generate a sample of natural products of tropical plants, fungi, and other organisms that could be used to look for bioactive components against the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite.

• To carry out testings with natural and synthetical products, and identify, purify and evaluate in this way, composites that demonstrate to have a high inhibitory capacity against the parasite's enzymes.

• To develop crystals of high quality which allow to study the proteins` structure in an environment with a different gravity, through out the process of protein crystallization, molecular biology, molecular pharmacology, and monitoring techniques.

• To use Structural and biological information to improve the effectiveness and the detail of candidate medicines, through the design based in complex structures of proteins.

• To create a candidate medicine for the treatment in humans of the Chagas disease

• To use the biodiversity of the rain forest in a sustainable manner, promoting in this way, its conservation.

More Information:

• The ChagaSpace Project
      • The Crystallization Process
• Participating Institutions
• General Proposal
• Specific Proposals
• Implementation Plan
• Last Reports