Main research areas
The members of the research centre develop novel materials and coatings that specifically influence biological systems in vivo (in the living organism) and in vitro (in an artificial environment). In the medium term, for example, new implant or cell culture surfaces, diagnostic systems, tissue models and degradable metal alloys and plastics for medical technology applications are being developed.
With further expertise in the fields of tumour cell biology, cellular test systems, immune cell therapies and biosensor technology, new starting points for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are being identified, leading to increased interdisciplinary cooperation. Material scientists work closely with cell biologists and immunologists to develop innovative solutions for biomedical challenges. These synergies make it possible to tackle complex issues and open up new perspectives in application-oriented biomedical research.
The members of the research centre develop novel materials and coatings that specifically influence biological systems in vivo (in the living organism) and in vitro (in an artificial environment). In the medium term, for example, new implant or cell culture surfaces, diagnostic systems, tissue models and degradable metal alloys and plastics for medical technology applications are being developed.
With further expertise in the fields of tumour cell biology, cellular test systems, immune cell therapies and biosensor technology, new starting points for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are being identified, leading to increased interdisciplinary cooperation. Material scientists work closely with cell biologists and immunologists to develop innovative solutions for biomedical challenges. These synergies make it possible to tackle complex issues and open up new perspectives in application-oriented biomedical research.
Biomaterials
Biosensor technology
Immune cell therapies
Intelligent surfaces
Tissue Engineering
Tumour cell biology
Cellular test systems
Biosensor technology
Biosensor technology covers interdisciplinary, application-orientated issues from areas such as pharmaceutical screening, patient-related diagnostics and water analysis. The focus here is on the characterisation of biomolecular interactions and the quantification of biomarkers for diagnostics or trace substances in water.
The main areas of research include various optical transduction technologies, biological recognition structures, surface chemistry and assay development.
Fields of work
- Reflectometry & TIRF
- Immunoassays & receptor-based assays
- Characterisation of biomolecular interactions
- Diagnostics and drug screening
![[Translate to English:] Prof. Dr. Günther Proll](/fileadmin/_processed_/2/6/csm_Proll_ba93438a1d.webp "[Translate to English:]")
Tumour cell biology
Molecular neurooncology is concerned with research into the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of tumours of the central nervous system, such as glioblastomas. The focus here is on genetic and epigenetic changes, signal transduction pathways and molecular biomarkers that are relevant for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of brain tumours.
Important fields of research in this area are the characterisation of oncogenic mutations, the investigation of the tumour microenvironment including the blood-brain barrier, the mechanisms of resistance to therapies and the development of targeted molecular therapeutic approaches. This includes research into new drugs, immunotherapeutic strategies and personalised approaches based on molecular tumour profiling.
Fields of work
- Genetic and epigenetic analyses
- Signal transduction pathways and tumour microenvironment
- Modelling of the blood-brain barrier
- Therapeutic approaches and biomarker development
Contact Person
Vice-Dean, Programme Director Master Biomedical Sciences
Cellular test systems
Project: In vitro human stem cell-based blood-brain-barrier platform to study drug delivery and neurological diseases
The ‘3D-hiPSC-BHS’ project is developing an innovative in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Artificially produced human stem cells are used to cultivate different brain cell types in a 3D nanofibre transwell system. This model will be used to investigate drug permeability through the BBB, analyse the effects on brain cells and research the molecular mechanisms underlying the destruction of the BBB in neurological diseases.
Project duration 01.01.2025-31.12.2026
Funding: Carl Zeiss Foundation Research Start Programme
Contact person
![[Translate to English:]](/fileadmin/_processed_/c/4/csm_Ercan_Herbst_1a9ebf1df6.webp "[Translate to English:]")
Team
There is a capable team behind every research project. Find out more about the professors and staff in the Smart Biomaterials and Biosystems research area.
