Research Areas

A major challenge in the study of protein dynamics is the visualization of changing conformations that are important for processes ranging from enzyme catalysis to signaling. In addition, protein dynamics studies are relevant for investigating the equilibrium of protein conformations causing diseases

We combine biophysical techniques (e.g. circular dichroismus spectroscopy, single molecule spectroscopy, calorimetry, fluorescence microscopy, atomic force microscopy) and molecular dynamics simulation studies to investigate the impact of mutations, posttranslational modifications or stress conditions (e.g. pH, drugs) on the protein dynamics.

Of particular interest is the conformational dynamics of proteins involved in autoimmune diseases (e.g. soluble beta2-glycoprotein and transmembrane protein alpha2b beta3).

We investigate several aspects related to nanoparticles (NPs). We focus on the synthesis, functionalization and characterization of NPs that are used as specific intracellular probes, tumor visualization and localized photothermal treatment, etc.

NPs can stimulate and/or suppress the immune response by binding to blood proteins. Although the compatibility of the NPs with the immune system is largely determined by their physico-chemical properties (e.g. size, shape, charge, surface groups), the effect of nanoparticle properties on the immune system is little explored. Using in vitro tools we predict and control the immunogenicity of NPs by adjusting their physical properties (e.g. size, surface charge) and targeting ligands (e.g. antibodies, proteins).

We also investigate the interaction of plastic NPs with proteins and cells using biophysical methods (e.g. calorimetry, dynamic light scattering, quartz crystal microbalance, microscopy, etc) towards development of methods to detect plastic NPs in the body.