Max Fürst

Dr. Max Fürst is an Assistant Professor in the Biotechnology department at the Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen. His research focuses on enzyme engineering, biocatalysis, and protein stability with applications in pharmaceutical development and sustainable chemistry. With an active publication record extending to 2025, he maintains a strong research presence at the university.

Dr. Fürst's research interests center on enzyme engineering and biocatalysis, particularly in the areas of monooxygenase research, nucleoside analog production, and lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis. His work bridges computational approaches with experimental validation to create novel biocatalysts for pharmaceutical and industrial applications. He has made significant contributions to understanding how non-proteinogenic components can be incorporated into enzyme design.

His recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory toward developing sophisticated biocatalytic systems with applications in antibiotic development, sustainable chemical production, and antibody engineering. The research shows increasing integration of computational methods with experimental biochemistry to solve complex problems in enzyme design and function.

• NWO Veni Grant (2021)

Dr. Fürst has received competitive research funding including the prestigious NWO Veni Grant in 2021, which supported his early-career research. His work has attracted media attention, with coverage in both professional and popular outlets discussing his research on designer proteins and biocatalysis. His research contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in sustainable chemistry and health-related applications.

His laboratory work focuses on enzyme engineering approaches, with particular emphasis on monooxygenases, nucleoside phosphorylases, and systems for lipopolysaccharide modification. The research group employs a combination of computational modeling, protein engineering, and whole-cell biocatalysis approaches to develop novel enzymatic systems with industrial and pharmaceutical applications.