What if one bite
is deadly?
Meet the
Death Cap Mushroom
90% of mushroom deaths
are caused by α-amanitin, one of the most lethal mushroom toxins known to science. In Germany, the death cap mushroom contains the highest concentration of α-aminitin. Half of a mushroom is enough to kill a human.
Polymerase II Inhibition
α-amanitin effectively inhibits the activity of RNA Polymerase II, resulting in a reduced synthesis of messenger RNA and therefore protein production.
Usually unnoticed
The death cap mushroom is often mistaken for edible varieties, making it extremely dangerous.
No treatment
Up to now, there is no highly specific antidote that targets the α-amanitin.
10 people and 1 mission
iGEM Hamburg 2025
Creating DeathCapTrap
Creating DeathCapTrap, a modular nanobody-based antidote against α-amanitin, the toxin from Amanita phalloides. Our goal: neutralizing the toxin in the bloodstream and protecting liver cells from within.
Future Problems
By combining in silico-designed nanobodies with delivery through lipid nanoparticles, we aim to develop a life-saving therapy today and a flexible platform for fighting intracellular toxins tomorrow.Nanobodies
Targeted binding
Nanobodies, like bigger antibodies, bind specifically to the antigen, providing a highly selective tool for therapeutics.
In silico design
Our nanobody is designed using cutting edge in silico methods, allowing to design therapeutic instruments with ease.
Lipid nanoparticles
Lipid nanoparticles
With the design of state-of-the-art lipid nanoparticles, we aim to deliver our highly specific nanobodies to the liver, the main target organ of α-amanitin. By packaging the designed nanobodies, it starts to be a promising therapeutic option.