Tailoring proteins as efficient binders for health and environmental applications

Molecular binders play important roles in biology and biotechnology. They are widely used in health, biomaterials and environmental sectors. Protein-based binders have attracted significant interest due to their desirable features like biocompatibility and their potential to be engineered for binding broad range molecule. While protein engineering is a powerful tool, it has not yet been fully exploited to improve functionalities of proteins as binders. Herein, this thesis explores tailoring proteins to suit a variety of different applications including the recovery of small molecules for environmental and diagnostic applications, removal of large and toxic molecules, or neutralization of viruses.