The research focus of Biobased Materials is genetically controlled structure formation at biological materials interfaces. We aim at fundamentally understanding the evolution and function of key enzymes and structural biopolymers, which contribute to pattern formation in biological materials and interfaces in natural systems. Based on this, we develop novel biotechnological concepts with relevance for interdisciplinary applications, including fundamental biomedicine (surface coatings, small molecule inhibitors etc.) up to ecologically relevant materials interactions (e.g. biofilms, biocenoses).
Methods of Biobased Materials comprise broad expertise in biotechnology, biochemistry and molecular biology. A speciality of our group is multiscale Cryo electron microscopy, simulation and modelling of dynamic, excitable systems, classical protistology and developmental biology of invertebrates up to cooperations with marine stations.
