Dr. Anne-Kathrin Classen

Host PI

Institution: Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg

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Dr. Kenta Yamamoto

Institution: Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine

Main research topics: Microbiome, high fat diet, 16S rRNA, chronic wound healing

Joint Research Projects:

We aim to elucidate how microbiome influences chronic inflammation and healing using network analysis. In mouse and human research, it is clear that microbiome is associated with disease, chronic inflammation and healing. However, because their relationships are too complex, the details remain unclear. We will apply network analysis to clarify it for a simpler model, Drosophila, in collaboration with Dr. Anne-Kathrin Classen, a specialist in signaling pathways and their imaging, One is to directly identify the bacteria associated with chronic inflammation and recovery in Drosophila. We will also examine how to create a mathematical model of the relationship between inflammation and the microbiome. We will try to establish bioinformatics technology to analyze the treatment and mechanism by applying the results and methods obtained here.

Prof. Dr. Birgit Esser

Host PI

Institution: Institute for Organic Chemistry, University of Freiburg

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Dr. Florian Glöcklhofer

Institution: Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, White City Campus

Main research topics: Conjugated macrocycles for battery electrodes and organic electronics & synthetic methods for aromatic organic compounds

Joint Research Projects:

Organic materials are a promising alternative to materials based on cobalt and other heavy metals for batteries. Potential advantages of organic materials include recyclability, structural diversity, flexibility, and compatibility with sodium and other abundant metals (replacing the less abundant lithium). However, limited electronic properties and insufficient chemical stability under fast-charge/discharge conditions still impede broad application of organic materials in batteries. This collaboration will explore a special type of organic materials, so-called conjugated macrocycles, for application in batteries. In particular, the collaboration will address the challenges of achieving high stability and capacity of the organic materials. It will further investigate new molecular design ideas for conjugated macrocycles to be used in batteries.

Additional information:

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/people/f.glocklhofer
https://www.gloecklhofer-research.com/

Prof. Dr. Anna Fischer

Host PI

Institution: Institute for Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Freiburg

Dr. María Belén Camarada

Institution: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

Main research topics: Nanoparticles, Electrochemistry, Molecular simulation, Green hydrogen, Catalysts

Joint Research Projects:

The environmental problems caused mainly by the greenhouse effect and global warming, added to the
decrease in fossil fuel reserves, make it necessary to search for new environmentally friendly energy
sources. In this area, hydrogen-based fuels are a promising alternative, even more, when obtained through
the hydrolysis of water operated with renewable energy sources, a fuel identified as green hydrogen. Proton
exchange membrane electrolytic (PEM) cells are already implemented commercially to produce hydrogen.
However, their massification is affected by the metals used for the manufacture, with low abundance,
challenging extracting processes, and high commercial value. In this project, it is proposed to design new
nanocatalysts based on metals with higher abundance, supported on nature-inspired materials with high
conduction, to improve the water-splitting process and increase the availability of this technology to
produce green hydrogen.

Dr. Valérie Hilgers

Host PI

Institution: Max-PIanck-Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg

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Pei Qin (Sabrina) Ng

Institution: The University of Adelaide, South Australia

Main research topics: RNA modifications in the neuronal development of Drosophila melanogaster

Joint Research Projects:

RNA modifications in nervous system development and function
Messenger RNA modifications regulate various aspects of mRNA functionality. For example, methylation of individual adenosine bases (m6A) modulates gene expression and developmental patterns. The Rising Star Pei Qin Ng has a passion for RNA modifications; she would like to apply her experimental and computational expertise on closing the gap in our understanding of RNA modifications in gene regulation in the brain. The nervous system is a hotspot of diversity and complexity; no other tissue produces more different kinds of messenger RNAs. In the Hilgers lab, we are particularly interested in how neuron-specific RNA species are regulated, and how they ensure the survival and function of brain cells. Almost nothing is currently known about RNA modifications in this context. In this project, we will analyse long-read RNA-sequencing data to identify brain-specific m6A patterns in the animal model Drosophila melanogaster. We will conduct functional genetics and in vivo mutagenesis studies to determine the role of neuron-specific RNA modifications in the proper regulation of gene expression in the brain.

Prof. Dr. Henning Jessen

Host PI

Institution: Institute for Organic Chemistry, University of Freiburg

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Dr. Mo Sun

Institution: Myongsoo Lee Research Group, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University Shanghai

Main research topics: Non-equilibrium Self-assembly of DNA Modified Aromatic Segments

Joint Research Projects:

Nature chooses non-equilibrium as the fundamental pattern of the working module. The self-assembly in Nature usually holds an energetically uphill process requiring a continuous consumption of energy to maintain assembly in the functional state. The proposed project is the combination of DNA based enzymatic reaction network (ERN) and aromatic amphiphilic self-assembly together, in which that ERN is a powerful tool to precisely control the non-equilibrium process and self-assembly of the aromatic parts will contribute on the emergent functions.

PD Dr. Ulrich Maurer

Host PI

Institution: Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, University of Freiburg

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Bernhard Röck

Institution: University of Cologne

Main research topics: cell death caused inflammation, optogenetics

Joint Research Projects:

In the lasts decades an immense effort has been undertaken to dissect different regulated forms of cell death pathways in order to understand the underlying mechanism of diseases either causing excessive cell death in the case of autoimmune diseases or reduced cell death in the context of cancer to be able to find effective treatments. However, researchers have so far struggled to find satisfying answers why there are so many different forms of regulated cell death other than a backup mechanism if one pathway is blocked. 

Moreover, only recently could be shown that cell death pathways are tightly interconnected, enabling e.g. the switch from one to another cell death pathway or even the simultaneous activation of several cell death pathways, which could be indicative for an additional layer of cell death regulation. In this project we are aiming to understand in what particular context one or another pathway or even several pathways are activated at the same time, how they are connected and also evaluate downstream consequences using optogenetics tools.

Dr. Pappas Charalampos

Host PI

Institution: Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg

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Dr. Shikha Dhiman

Institution: Eindhoven University of Technology (NL), and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS)

Main research topics: Functional and Bioinspired Materials

Dr. Prabhu Dhasaiyan

Institution: Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Center for Self – Assembly and Complexity (CSC), Department of Chemistry, POSTECH Campus, Pohang – South Korea

Main research topics: Systems Chemistry, Life-like materials, Peptide assemblies, Dissipative assemblies

Joint Research Projects:

Chemically activated peptide libraries | Shikha Dhiman
Unprecedented features of living systems are attributed to complex non-equilibrium networking. The formation and degradation of chemical bonds drive the functions at different length scales and the subsequent responses. Nature’s strategy to utilize high-energy bonds such as phosphodiesters, present in adenosine triphosphates, drive these otherwise non-spontaneous chemical pathways. Amino acids and peptides are the crucial components that either drive these reactions as enzymes or undergo transformations such as actin filaments. Peptide assemblies are mostly studied in their thermodynamically stable form, which is contrasting to natural systems where functioning moieties are synthesized out-of-equilibrium. With this collaboration, we aim to use high-energy phosphodiester bonds to manifest, control and impact the fabrication of chemically activated peptide libraries. 20 natural amino acids will be exposed to a chemical environment that allows them to undergo covalent and non-covalent reactions into peptides and their assemblies. The understanding of pathways, mechanisms and kinetics would pave the path to unravel the complex evolution in the biological realm.

Adaptive Peptide Chemical Networks | Prabhu Dhasaiyan
The overall aim of our joint study is to develop spontaneous peptide chemical networks capable of dissipative adaptation and active communication. Dissipative adaptation will be achieved through the use of chemical (fuelling – from reactive gases) and mechanical energy (audible sound). Exposure to stimuli and counter-stimuli will empower chemical networks with learning capabilities. We are also foreseeing to achieve transient gradients in hydrogels and adaptive features in soft or polymeric gels using sound. Thus, our study can pave new opportunities for the creation of novel life-like materials and systems.

Prof. Dr. Lars Pastewka

Host PI

Institution: Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg

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Dr. Mahdieh Ebrahimi

Institution: Imperial College London

Main research topics: Bio-inspired engineering of composite materials using microstructures

Dr. Domna-Maria Kaimaki

Institution: Imperial College London

Main research topics: adhesion. Contact mechanics, complex interfaces, biotribology, biomimetics, nanoscience

Joint Research Projects:

Adhesives need to be versatile to maintain their function irrespective of the surfaces they are in contact with. While this requirement remains difficult for human-made adhesives, nature exhibits a myriad of systems with strong and reversible adhesion. As an example, insects can stubbornly stick to surfaces; even upside down, during a storm or a heatwave but also unstick swiftly when it comes to escaping a predator. Looking into the structure of their adhesive organs, their footpads, previous research has shown that they are often smooth and layered, consisting of materials of different stiffnesses. Having an adhesive with a stiffness gradient has been hypothesised to be a superior design for conforming and adhering to surfaces with roughness at different lengthscales. Prof Pastewka and Dr Kaimaki are thus, planning to combine their respective expertise in simulation methods and mechanical characterisation of soft materials across scales to explore this hypothesis for technical adhesives.

Prof. Dr. Bastian Rapp

Host PI

Institution: Laboratory of Process Technology | NeptunLab, University of Freiburg

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Stathis Efstathios

Institution: RWTH Aachen

Main research topics: Alumina-spinel/Alumina-magnesia ceramics, Monitoring Elastic Modulus evolution by means of Resonance Frequency and Damping analysis, Micro-structural analysis and correlation to resulting mechanical properties

Junaid Ahmad Qayyum

Institution: University of Edinburgh, UK

Main research topics: 3D printing of composites, Rapid Tooling

Joint Research Projects:

Junaid Ahmad Abdul Qayyum is interested in pushing boundaries of 3D printing technology to process next generation continuous fibber composites. His research would focus on investigation and development of 3D printed continuous fibre components for high end applications. Often the 3D printed composites require post-processing to consolidate their properties and enhance their performance capabilities. Junaid also aims to post process the 3D printed composites using novel processes and enhance their functional performance. This approach can not only be used for the end parts, but also for development of a bespoke mould to manufacture highly customized parts, like biomedical implants. Using continuous carbon fibre advance composites in 3D printing could further open new avenues of manufacturing robust and high-performance components. Furthermore, tool path planning would be incorporated to impart tailored 3D printing route for a superior part manufacturing.

Prof. Dr. Winfried Römer

Host PI

Institution: Faculty of Biology and BIOSS, University of Freiburg

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Zulmary Manjarres-Farías

Institution: Pontifical catholic University of Chile/ Fundación Ciencia & Vida (Science for Life Foundation)

Main research topics: Microbiota and Gut-brain axis in neurodegenerative diseases

Joint Research Projects:

The importance of T cells and the microbiota in the development of neurodegenerative diseases is clear. In this context, dysbiosis is an element that not only breaks tolerance in its respective niches but is also an important source in the activation of local cells, including the immune system. Importantly, intestinal alterations occur very early in the development of pathologies, such as Parkinson’s disease. However, the contribution of the adaptive immune system and its interaction with microbiota/pathogens has not only been little studied but also constitutes a promising therapeutic target. This collaboration will allow the evaluation of the impact of lectins as bacterial virulence factors on the response of specific T cells for neo-antigens derived from alpha-synuclein in peripheral blood samples from control patients and those with Parkinson’s disease. The potential results obtained during this internship represent a translational contribution that seeks to demonstrate in humans the findings initially found in a preclinical model of alpha-synuclein overexpression.

Prof. Dr. Jürgen Rühe

Host PI

Institution: IMTEK – Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg

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Dr. Fatemeh Mohandes

Institution: Department of Chemistry, University of Kashan, Iran / Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran

Main research topics: Nanochemistry, Metal-organic Compounds, Hydroxyapatite, Biomaterials, Tissue Engineering

Dor Tillinger

Institution: Penn State University

Main research topics: Hydrogels, Microfluidics, Droplet-based 3D printing

Elena Vazquez

Institution: Penn State Univesity – Stuckeman Center for Design Computing

Main research topics: Smart materials, adaptive architecture, performance-based design

Joint Research Projects:

A droplet-based printing approach for scaled fabrication of multi-material hydrogel systems (with Dor Tillinger)
Previous research has demonstrated the fabrication of multi-material hydrogel systems through the assembly of lipid-encased droplets of hydrogels. Decorating the droplets with phospholipids offers the ability to keep internal contents compartmentalized, allowing placement of various hydrogel types adjacent to one another. This provides an additional design parameter of droplet patterning. However, this fabrication method has limited scalability and complexity. Here we propose to develop a droplet-based printing approach to scale up the customizable assembly of varying lipid-encased droplets. Additional complexity can be achieved through C,H insertion crosslinking – the addition of a reactive chemical group that enables polymer crosslinking through exposure of UV light or temperature stimuli. C,H insertion crosslinking can achieve different ink properties, modified fluidic channels, and printing supports for more complex geometry. This technology would be applied to advance the production of multifunctional lab-on-chip devices, sensors, actuators, and surface architectures.

Hygroscopic actuation in additive manufacturing (with Elena Vazquez)
Hygroscopic structures in plants can act as sensors and actuators, adjusting to different environmental conditions while saving energy. Drawing inspiration from the bending behavior of pinecones, we will explore different means of hygroscopic actuation in additive manufacturing. The study will examine a variety of strategies such as differential swelling and shrinking of printing layers using additive manufacturing.

Prof. Dr. Prasad Shastri

Host PI

Institution: Institute for Macromolecular Chemistry, University of Freiburg

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Dr. Alexandru Chivu

Institution: University College London

Main research topics: Biomaterials, Nanotechnology, Regenerative Medicine

Dr. Partha Laskar

Institution: Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, UTRGV, Texas, USA

Main research topics: Biophysical Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Molecular Self-assembly, Biofunctional Materials, Translational Nanomedicine

Joint Research Projects:

Intracellular polymerization-induced self-assembly
The production of intelligent bio-functional synthetic polymers specially in in vitro condition is a promising though limited and less-explored field of research. Such a fundamentally new approach at the interface of synthetic biology and polymer chemistry will be able to produce solutions to many existing problems related to health, environment, and energy along with origin of life (generation of life from non-living materials). Thus, overarching aim of this collaborative project is to evaluate controlled polymerization techniques in in vitro condition more specifically intracellular and/or cell surface region of living cells (mammalian cells and microorganism) to induce cellular behaviour. The project will utilize bio-orthogonal triggers with the help of stimulus (biological, chemical or physical) to produce unnatural bio-functional polymers within living cells. Further, we aim to achieve fundamental understanding about the fate (cellular location) and impact (on cytoskeleton and cellular function) of these synthesized polymers including their polymerization-induced self-assembly behaviour within cells in search of alternative sustainable solution for biomedical applications.

Dr. Viacheslav Slesarenko

Host PI

Institution: Cluster of Excellence livMatS, University of Freiburg

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Dr. Edoardo Milana

Institution: German Aerospace Center

Main research topics: Soft Robotics; Emdodied Intelligence; Nonlinear Soft Actuators; Manufacturing; Modelling and control

Joint Research Projects:

The field of Soft Machines flourished during the last decade thanks to astonishing advances in soft materials and digital manufacturing methods. Many squishy and flexible machines have been developed and their benefits over traditional rigid counterparts are typically reported in terms of interaction safety, compliance and low-cost fabrication. Soft machines can be driven by elastic inflatable actuators, which exhibit a variety of motions according to their design. With this collaboration, we propose to team up inflatable actuators with mechanical metamaterials to achieve extended functionalities. By definition, a metamaterial is an artificial material (or structure) that exhibits special properties beyond the ones of its constituents. We aim at creating a novel family of inflatable actuators that simplify the control of soft machines. The developed new design and control principles will be paramount to enable next generation multifunctional soft machines with higher levels of embodied intelligence.

Prof. Dr. Thomas Speck

Host PI

Institution: Institute of Biology, University of Freiburg

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Fabian Meder

Institution: Italian Institute of Technology, Bioinspired Soft Robotics

Main research topics: Materials & surface science, plant-hybrid electronics and energy harvesters, bionano science, bioinspired soft robotics, biohybrid devices

Joint Research Projects:

Next to photosynthesis, living plants enable other energy conversion mechanisms. These are a result of their materials, their arrangement, and events like movements of leaves in wind, and hence not necessarily crucial for plants’ own physiology.
Together with the Botanical Garden Freiburg, we will take a detailed look into which plant structures and processes may allow generating electrical energy or sensing signals – and evaluate, if living plants could become components of high-tech devices for example as “green” energy sources for small electronics.