Our research topics

• Micro- and Nanoplastics
  

  Micro- and Nanoplastics

  Our research group specializes in synthesizing and characterizing micro- and nanoplastic particles, focusing on developing highly controlled and reproducible methodologies. We engineer particles with precise control over size, shape, and composition to serve as reference materials for analytical method development. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is central to our analytical approach.
  Our research encompasses four key areas: the development of standardized reference materials for plastic particle analysis, the advancement of highly sensitive detection methods for micro- and nanoplastics in complex matrices, the investigation of micro- and nanoplastic interactions with human cells, and the exploration of environmental implications (e.g., fate, degradation products, etc.). This multifaceted approach combines materials science, analytical chemistry, biology and environmental toxicology to address crucial questions in the emerging field of micro- and nanoplastic research.

   

  Projects:

  Nanoplastic Analytics

  Nanoplastic-cell interactions: Spectroscopic analysis and potential toxicity

  Tracking micro- & nanoplastic-induced cellular toxicity using label-free Raman microscopy

   

• (Nano)materials and Cells
  

  (Nano)materials and Cells

  Our research explores the complex interactions between engineered (nano)materials and biological systems. We investigate these dynamics across diverse biological environments, and our interdisciplinary approach encompasses several key areas, such as (nano)material behavior in complex environments and cellular uptake to trafficking mechanisms. Our work aims to understand how (nano)materials characteristics—such as size, surface charge, stability, and mechanical properties—affect their biological interactions and therapeutic efficacy. This knowledge drives the development of smart, stimuli-responsive nanomaterials for targeted applications and as cell substrates to direct cell behavior. Understanding these fundamental interactions advances nanomedicine, reduces systemic toxicity, and optimizes therapeutic delivery systems through improved material design.

   

  Projects:

  Engineering Core-Shell Nanomaterials

  Exploring Cell Density Effects on Nanoparticle Uptake Using Bioprinted Gradients 

  AirTox Monitor: online measurement approach to monitor particles on cells

  Smart surfaces for tissue engineering

   

• (Targeted) Delivery Systems
  

  (Targeted) Delivery Systems

   

  Advancing (targeted) delivery (nano)material systems for biomedical applications revolutionizes drug administration by enhancing precision and efficacy. These projects focus on designing innovative delivery systems that navigate the gastrointestinal environment, ensuring controlled and efficient drug release. Additionally, we are exploring and testing inhalative nanocarriers to deliver therapeutic agents directly to the respiratory system, offering localized treatment with reduced systemic exposure. Our work investigates the behavior of delivery systems in simulated artificial fluids, such as gastrointestinal and lysosomal fluids, to generate critical insights that guide and accelerate their optimization. By leveraging cutting-edge materials and technologies, these systems aim to optimize therapeutic outcomes while minimizing side effects, paving the way for more effective and patient-friendly treatments using various application routes.

   

  Projects:

  In Vitro Lung Co-Culture Model for Evaluating Therapeutic Treatments and Inflammatory Responses 

  Nanoencapsulation for Enhanced Oral Bioavailability of Vitamins

   

• Advanced 3D Tissue Models
  

  Advanced 3D Tissue Models

  Understanding how novel (nano)materials interact with biological systems is essential for unlocking their full potential. While traditional 2D cell monocultures have been the cornerstone of safety assessments, they fall short in replicating the intricate biological processes within the human body. By leveraging cutting-edge in vitro technologies, advanced 3D cell models offer a more accurate and predictive framework for assessing the potential health impacts of (nano)materials and exploring new directions for (nano)carriers in a medical context. These projects pioneers developing sophisticated 3D culture systems that mimic the body’s key physiological barriers—the lung, intestine, and skin—that are reliable, relevant, and predictive.

   

  Projects:

  Making Lung Models More Relevant for Safety Testing

  Development of a Chronic Wound Skin Equivalent for Nanocarrier Testing

  Investigation of combustion-derived particles' effects on human intestine tissue in-vitro

   

• Novel Tools for Material Analysis
  

  Novel Tools for Material Analysis

  Our research addresses the complex challenges of analyzing (nano)materials in diverse environments, from biological matrices to consumer products. We employ and develop cutting-edge analytical techniques, combining established methods like light and X-ray scattering with innovative approaches such as lock-in thermography and Taylor dispersion analysis. Our work encompasses several key areas, such as nanoparticle dosimetry through computational particokinetic modeling, extraction, detection methods for regulatory compliance in consumer products, and advanced spectroscopic techniques, including surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). We specialize in developing methodologies to characterize nanoparticle behavior in complex environments. Our interdisciplinary approach integrates mathematical modeling, instrumental analytics, and experimental validation to provide a comprehensive understanding of nanoparticle characteristics and interactions. This multifaceted strategy enables accurate nanoparticle detection, quantification, and characterization across diverse applications and regulatory frameworks.

   

  Projects:

  In vitro particle dosimetry

  Microscopy in life and material sciences

  Nanoparticle analytics at the bionano interface

  Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy for the detection of nanoplastics

  Volatile organic compound (VOC) biomarkers for detection of air pollution-induced lung inflammation

• Completed BioNanomaterials Projects
  Completed BioNanomaterials Projects

  

  3D Tissue Models to Assess Hazards (Lung / Intestine / Skin)

  Tissue-based 3D cell culture models mimic physiological and barrier properties of human skin, lung or…

   

  Read more

  

  Adhesion in Cytoskeleton Dynamics

  Adhesion in Cytoskeleton Dynamics

   

  Read more

  

  Bio-inspired Agrochemicals

  We use the agricultural legume crop Medicago sativa (alfalfa) to characterize the efficiency and biological…

   

  Read more

  

  Bioinspired Hyaluronic Acid-coated Gold Nanoparticles to Target Lung Cancer Cells

  Hyaluronic acid coated gold nanoparticles with Doxorubicin

   

  Read more

  

  Biomedical Nanoparticles

  Enzyme-containing nanoparticles as reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers are promising drug candidates…

   

  Read more

  

  Bioprinting of Tissue / Spheorids

  3D bioprinting as an innovative approach for tissue engineering.

   

  Read more

  

  Colloidal Stability

  Colloidal Stability

   

  Read more

  

  Dosimetry

  Dosimetry

   

  Read more

  

  Extraction and Detection of Nanoparticles

  Extraction and Detection of Nanoparticles

   

  Read more

  

  Hazard Assessment of Aerosolized Nanomaterials

  Aerosolisation approaches for a direct and controlled exposure of nanomaterials on the cell surface

   

  Read more

  

  Hybrid Nanomaterials

  Design and fabrication of multifunctional nanocomposites.

   

  Read more

  

  Incorporation of nanoparticles to tune the properties of epoxy polymeric materials.

  Nanoparticles can be incorporated into polymeric materials to form a composite with unique properties.

   

  Read more

  

  Lock-in Thermography

  Lock-in Thermography

   

  Read more

  

  Mechanoresponsive Cell Substrates

  Mechanoresponsive Cell Substrates

   

  Read more

  

  Nanoparticle Functionalization

  Novel functionalization strategies for tailoring properties (optical, magnetic, heat …) of nanoparticles…

   

  Read more

  

  Nanoparticle Synthesis

  Synthetic strategies to fabricate a wide variety of nanoparticles with tight control of size, composition…

   

  Read more

  

  Nanoparticles and Cell Mechanics

  Nanoparticles and Cell Mechanics

   

  Read more

  

  Nanoparticles for Wood Preservation

  Nanoparticles are promising wood protecting agents. We investigate key parameters to improve their impregnation…

   

  Read more

  

  Particle Stability and Stimuli-Responsiveness

  Surface and intrinsic properties of nanomaterials can be exploited to trigger receptor-mediated uptake…

   

  Read more

  

  Particle-Protein Interactions

  We modify the surface chemistry of nanomaterials and characterize the evolution of the protein corona…

   

  Read more

  

  Plastic Micro- and Nanoparticles

  Preparation and characterization of micro- and nano-sized plastic particles for human hazard assessments.

   

  Read more

  

  Plastic Micro- and Nanoparticles in Analytically Complex Environments

  Develop standardized methods for the detection of plastic micro- and nanoparticles

   

  Read more

  

  Self-Assembled Nanoparticles

  Enhancement of applicability, versatility and physicochemical properties of nanoparticles through their…

   

  Read more

  

  Soil Plant Analytics

  Soil Plant Analytics

   

  Read more

  

  Stimulation of cellular endocytosis for sensing and enhancing nanoparticle uptake

  With the development of nanotechnology, nanoparticles ...

   

  Read more

  

  Taylor Dispersion Analysis

  Taylor Dispersion Analysis

   

  Read more

  

  Trafficking of Nanomaterials

  Uptake, intracellular trafficking, and exocytosis are processes that affect cytotoxicity, cell behavior,…

   

  Read more

  

  Understanding the Velvet Worm Slime Curing Mechanism

  Understanding the Velvet Worm Slime Curing Mechanism

   

  Read more

  

  “from-surface” cellular uptake of nanoparticles

  Study and engineer the “from-surface” cellular uptake of nanoparticles.

   

  Read more