Mission: The Biophysical Chemistry group at the Institute of Biochemistry of Leipzig University focuses on biomaterials approaches for engineering cellular microenvironments and new particle-based biosensors. We design new biomimetic extracellular microenvironments based on synthetic and naturally derived polymers to vary topology and mechanics of 3D networks and the mode of soluble signal presentation and transport.
Based on biophysical, biochemical and cell biological analyses, we support a systemic understanding of exogenous cell signals and the application of these materials in in vitro assays for biomedical studies and for fundamental studies of biofilm design in biotechnology. Furthermore, we apply hydrogel-microparticle based biosensors for the detection of anthropogenic analytes in different aqueous environments. A broad range of analytes including pesticides, xenohormones and antibiotics are targeted for cheap, on-site and highly sensitive readouts to be applied in environmental monitoring and food control.
Based on biophysical, biochemical and cell biological analyses, we support a systemic understanding of exogenous cell signals and the application of these materials in in vitro assays for biomedical studies and for fundamental studies of biofilm design in biotechnology. Furthermore, we apply hydrogel-microparticle based biosensors for the detection of anthropogenic analytes in different aqueous environments. A broad range of analytes including pesticides, xenohormones and antibiotics are targeted for cheap, on-site and highly sensitive readouts to be applied in environmental monitoring and food control.