Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNAs) and modified PNAs-based strategies for advanced diagnostic and therapeutic applications

The present PhD thesis mainly focused on the development of peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) and modified PNA–based probes for applications in sensing devices and in functionalized nanostructures. Part of the research activity was in the frame of the TeachInParma program, based on findings of the European Project ULTRAPLACAD, and part of an ongoing MSCA-RISE project Nano-Oligomed. The research has been carried out in three different lines, all related to exploiting new possibilities in PNAs chemistry and their applications: i) synthesis of PNAs and modified PNAs, ii) hybridization and sensing studies; iii) combination of PNAs with inorganic nanocarriers for cellular experiments.