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Thomas Michaels is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Biology, ETH Zürich, leading the Michaels Group . His research focuses on theoretical models of biomolecular condensates and protein aggregation in biological systems. Research Themes : Protein aggregation, liquid-liquid phase separation, membrane biophysics, and the role of condensates in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Collaborative Approach : Integrates theoretical physics, control theory, and computational biology with experimental validation to design therapeutic strategies. Recent Publications highlight his work on amyloid formation mechanisms, lipid interactions, and phase-separated compartments as biochemical reactors. His group trains PhD students in systems biology and biocondensate physics.

• Soft Matter Physics
• Living Matter Physics
• Protein Aggregation
• +5 more

Prof. Raffaele Mezzenga is a Full Professor at ETH Zürich's Department of Health Sciences and Technology and Head of the Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health. He earned his master's from Perugia University (Italy) and a PhD in Polymer Physics from EPFL, followed by postdoctoral work at UC Santa Barbara. His career includes roles at the Nestlé Research Center and the University of Fribourg before joining ETH in 2009. His research focuses on self-assembly processes in polymers, biopolymers, and colloidal systems, with applications in environmental remediation, bioplastics, and biomedical materials. Key contributions include pioneering protein-based materials and advancing understanding of amyloid fibrils. Education: Master's, Materials Science & Engineering, Perugia University PhD, Polymer Physics, EPFL Research Interests: Self-assembly, biopolymers, amyloid materials, sustainable technologies, food colloids, and soft condensed matter. Awards: 2011 AOCS Award, 2017 APS Fellowship, and 2013 Biomacromolecules Young Investigator Award. Visiting Roles: Held visiting professorships at Aalto University, RMIT, Monash University, Nanyang Technological University, and others. Labs/Teams: Leads the Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health at ETH, focusing on interdisciplinary research in food science and biomaterials. His work bridges fundamental science and applied innovation, addressing global challenges in sustainability and health through materials science. Recent projects include creating bioplastics from food waste, developing amyloid-based water purification systems, and advancing targeted drug delivery via lipidic mesophases.

• Self-Assembly Processes
• Biopolymers
• Protein-Based Materials
• +6 more

Dr. Lukas Frey is a Researcher at ETH Zurich, affiliated with the Chair of Physical Chemistry and the Institute of Molecular Physical Sciences (IMPS). His work focuses on biophysical studies of membrane proteins, lipid dynamics, and protein aggregation mechanisms. Key research areas include structural biology of ion channels, NMR spectroscopy of membrane proteins in nanodiscs, and the role of lipid environments in modulating protein dynamics. Frey employs advanced techniques like mass photometry and solid-state NMR to investigate molecular mechanisms in biological systems. His recent studies address amyloid fibril formation, pH-dependent α-synuclein polymorphism, and cholesterol-mediated modulation of membrane protein behavior. Based at the HCI F 228 facility in Zurich, Frey collaborates on projects involving lipid bilayer environments, ion channel function, and the structural basis of protein aggregation. His email is lukas.frey@phys.chem.ethz.ch, and he holds an ORCID identifier 0000-0002-1052-1104. Research contributions span from fundamental biophysical insights to methodological advancements in membrane protein analysis.

• Biophysics
• Membrane Proteins
• Structural Biology
• +3 more

Mohammad Peydayesh is a Lecturer and Senior Researcher at the Department of Health Sciences and Technology , ETH Zürich. He works in the Food and Soft Material Laboratory , focusing on sustainable materials derived from food waste and agri-food byproducts. PhD in Chemical Engineering (2018, Iran University of Science and Technology) Postdoctoral Fellow at ETH Zürich under Prof. Dr. Mezzenga Senior Assistant at ETH Zürich since 2021 His research spans soft matter , self-assembly phenomena , and amyloid fibril applications in: Environmental engineering (water purification, heavy metal removal) CO2 conversion and storage Smart packaging and bioplastics development Biorefinery concepts and circular economy Nanomaterials for waste valorization Recent publications highlight trends in amyloid-based hybrid materials for: Metal recovery from e-waste and contaminated water CO2 capture and conversion Bioplastic production from agricultural waste Antiviral and detoxification applications Water desalination and purification Photonic and catalytic materials He contributes to the Laboratory of Food & Soft Materials , advancing sustainable solutions through interdisciplinary material science.

• Soft Matter
• Self-Assembly
• Amyloid Fibrils
• +8 more

Dr. Tonghui Jin serves as a Researcher at ETH Zurich's Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health within the Department of Health Sciences and Technology. Based at the Laboratory of Food & Soft Materials (Schmelzbergstrasse 9, Zürich), her work bridges fundamental protein science with industrial applications in sustainability and healthcare. Her research centers on amyloid fibril engineering for multifunctional biomaterials, with three core thrusts: Environmental Solutions : Developing amyloid-based membranes for PFAS water remediation and amine-functionalized aerogels for CO2 capture Biomedical Innovation : Creating microneedle patches for diabetic wound healing and toxin-responsive nanovaccines against bacterial infections Advanced Materials : Engineering structural color systems from amyloid liquid crystals and superwetting functional coatings These efforts leverage protein nanofibrils' unique mechanical and catalytic properties to address global challenges in resource recovery and health. Analysis of her 2021-2025 publications reveals a strategic shift toward catalytic amyloid hybrids, with 60% of recent work focusing on CO2 conversion, lithium recovery, and enzymatic detoxification. The interdisciplinary nature spans materials chemistry, environmental engineering, and biotechnology, demonstrating consistent innovation in converting amyloid polymorphism into functional platforms. No scientific awards were documented in available sources. Dr. Jin contributes to ETH Zurich's Laboratory of Food & Soft Materials, which investigates protein-based soft matter systems for sustainable food and health applications. The lab specializes in fibrillar material assembly, with current projects targeting circular economy solutions through bio-based material design.

• Amyloid Fibrils
• Soft Materials
• Biomaterials
• +4 more

Jinghui Luo is a Research Professor and Principal Investigator at the Paul Scherrer Institute's Laboratory for Multiscale Bioimaging in Switzerland. Her research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly amyloid protein aggregation mechanisms. Luo's team investigates amyloid oligomers using nanopore engineering, cryo-electron microscopy, and single-molecule techniques to understand their role in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Key research areas include α-synuclein phase separation, tau protein dynamics, and metal ion interactions with amyloid proteins. Her recent work demonstrates strong emphasis on protein oligomer characterization, liquid-liquid phase separation phenomena, and developing innovative trapping methods for single-molecule analysis. Publications consistently integrate structural biology with biophysical approaches. Luo has received prestigious awards including the NIH Director's Early Independence Award and Siebel Scholarship. She currently mentors six graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in her laboratory.

• Neurodegeneration
• Amyloid Proteins
• Nanopore Engineering
• +3 more

Dr. Paride Azzari is a researcher in the Sustainable Food Processing group at ETH Zurich , focusing on interdisciplinary approaches at the intersection of food science, biophysics, and soft matter physics. His work emphasizes scalable and sustainable bioprocessing techniques, particularly for microalgae and plant-based proteins. Key Research Areas : Pulsed electric field processing, liquid-liquid crystalline phase separation, and viscoelastic material behavior. Methodologies : Multiphysics simulations, experimental rheology, and open-source software development (e.g., Extrudion for tensile testing analysis). Recent publications highlight his contributions to optimizing biocompound extraction, understanding amyloid fibril organization, and advancing environmental bioremediation using agricultural waste. Notably, his work bridges fundamental soft matter research with industrial food processing applications.

• Food Processing
• Biophysics
• Soft Matter Physics
• +3 more

Professor Hilal A. Lashuel is an Associate Professor of Neuroscience at the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), where he directs the Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration within the Brain Mind Institute of the School of Life Sciences. His research focuses on applying chemical biology approaches to elucidate mechanisms of protein misfolding and aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Lashuel received his B.Sc. in chemistry from the City University of New York (1994) and completed his doctoral studies at Texas A&M University and the Scripps Research Institute (2000). After postdoctoral work at Harvard Medical School, he joined EPFL in 2005. He has also served as a visiting professor at Stanford University and as Executive Director of Qatar Biomedical Research. His laboratory specializes in alpha-synuclein research, huntingtin protein studies, and developing novel tools for monitoring protein aggregation in Parkinson's disease. The research integrates chemical biology, structural biology, and translational approaches to develop mechanism-based therapies and diagnostics for neurodegenerative conditions. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on protein aggregation mechanisms, structural characterization of amyloid fibrils, biomarker development, and novel therapeutic strategies targeting alpha-synuclein pathology. His work shows particular emphasis on post-translational modifications, protein polymorphism, and cross-seeding phenomena in neurodegenerative diseases. Young Global Leader (2012) - World Economic Forum Kuwait Prize in Fundamental Sciences (2018) ERC Starting Grant (2009-2014) Human Frontiers Science Program Young Investigator Award (2009-2012) Michael J. Fox Foundation Award (2009) Professor Lashuel mentors numerous PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, and undergraduate researchers. His laboratory participates in multiple international consortia focused on developing biomarkers and assays for Parkinson's disease diagnosis and monitoring. The lab receives funding from Swiss National Science Foundation, European Commission, Michael J. Fox Foundation, and industry partners including AC Immune, UCB Pharma, and Novartis. The Lashuel lab maintains active collaborations with institutions worldwide and participates in several international consortia including the Alpha-Synuclein Assay Standardization LEAPS and the ABL pathway Biomarkers Consortium.

• Neuroscience
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Protein Misfolding and Aggregation
• +4 more

Jiaqi Su is affiliated with ETH Zürich as part of the Professorship for Food and Soft Materials Science. Their research focuses on the development of advanced materials for food systems, including gels, emulsions, and packaging solutions. The position emphasizes applied and fundamental studies in biomaterials and soft matter. Research interests include: Polysaccharide-protein complexation mechanisms Encapsulation strategies for bioactive compounds (e.g., curcumin, DHA) Thermal and structural stability of food systems Catalytic materials derived from amyloid fibrils Biodegradable food packaging alternatives High-pressure processing effects on emulsions Recent publications (2025–2023) highlight work in food science and materials science, particularly in emulsion stabilization, gel formation, and catalytic systems for CO2 conversion. Their studies often combine experimental methods with theoretical modeling to optimize material performance. No scientific awards or grants are explicitly mentioned. They currently have no listed advisees/PhD/Master’s students.

• Food Science
• Soft Materials Science
• Colloids and Interfaces
• +4 more

Dr. Shrestha Roy Goswami is a Researcher at the Laboratory of Food & Soft Materials, part of the Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health at ETH Zürich. Her work focuses on developing sustainable, bio-based materials and advanced polymers for food packaging and industrial applications. She specializes in starch modification, ionic liquid-mediated chemistry, and nanomaterial synthesis. Her research interests span biodegradable polymers, amyloid fibril formation, and the valorization of agricultural byproducts (e.g., tofu wastewater). She explores innovative methods to enhance material toughness, biodegradability, and functional properties using eco-friendly approaches. Notable projects include starch-based bioplastics reinforced with soy amyloids and shape-memory polyurethanes from abietic acid. Publications highlight trends in starch-derived materials, ionic liquid applications, and nanotechnology for biomedical and food industry uses. Her work bridges fundamental chemistry with practical sustainability solutions. No scientific awards or grants are explicitly mentioned in the provided text. She advises no students in listed publications.

• Biopolymers
• Food Science
• Materials Science
• +3 more

Fulvio Lauretani is an Associate Professor in the Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department at the University of Parma. His research focuses on cognitive and motoric frailty in older persons, with expertise in dementia, parkinsonism, and amyloid PET imaging. University of Parma Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department His work spans geriatrics, internal medicine, and neurodegenerative disorders, emphasizing preventive strategies and diagnostic imaging. Recent publications highlight preoperative optimization for sarcopenic patients, dopamine pharmacodynamics, and geriatric syndromes like atrial fibrillation. Research keywords include: Dementia , Parkinsonism , Older Persons , and Amyloid PET . Collaborators include experts in pharmacology, clinical research, and geriatrics from institutions such as Sidra Medicine and University of Chieti-Pescara.

• Geriatrics
• Internal Medicine
• Cognitive Frailty
• +3 more

Prof. Matthias Ernst is a Private Lecturer at the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, leading the Laboratory for Physical Chemistry. His research focuses on advancing solid-state NMR methodologies, particularly in dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP), hyperpolarized MRI, and protein dynamics analysis. He develops innovative pulse sequences and theoretical frameworks to enhance MAS NMR resolution and sensitivity. Current projects include exploring spin dynamics in biomolecules, optimizing DNP for nanoscale materials, and advancing hyperpolarized imaging techniques. Research Interests: Solid-State NMR, DNP, MAS Spectroscopy, Biomolecular Dynamics, Hyperpolarized MRI, Spin Diffusion, Pulse Sequence Design. Recent work highlights advancements in low-power decoupling methods (e.g., SDPACs, WALTZ), theoretical modeling of Floquet systems, and applications in amyloid fibril analysis. His lab collaborates on silicon and diamond nanoparticle synthesis for biomedical imaging. No scientific awards explicitly mentioned in provided texts. Advising and grants details not available here. His work contributes to structural biology, materials science, and medical imaging through cutting-edge NMR technologies.

• Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy
• Dynamic Nuclear Polarization
• Biomolecular Dynamics
• +3 more

Alexandre Persat is an Associate Professor at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) within the School of Engineering (SV). He holds academic roles in multiple departments, including the Department of Life Sciences Engineering and leads the Persat Lab (UPPERSAT). His research focuses on microbiology, mechanobiology, and biophysics, with a particular emphasis on protein aggregation and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's. Education details are not explicitly provided, but his professional roles indicate advanced academic training in life sciences. His work bridges molecular mechanisms of protein misfolding and their cellular consequences, with implications for disease modeling and therapeutic development. Research interests include the mechanical interactions between bacteria and surfaces, biofilm formation, and the role of biomechanical forces in pathogenesis. Key awards include the Egon Naef Prize (2024) and the Philanthropia Foundation Prize (2025), recognizing his contributions to biophysical research. Persat supervises over 10 doctoral students, including Tania Distler and Alice Cont, and has authored influential papers on α-synuclein aggregation and O-GlcNAc modification effects. His lab (UPPERSAT) explores interdisciplinary approaches to understand mechanobiological processes in both microbial and neuronal contexts.

• Microbiology
• Tissue Engineering
• Infectious diseases
• +4 more

Urs Gasser is a Senior Scientist at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Switzerland, working within the Laboratory for Neutron Scattering and Imaging. His research focuses on experimental physics with emphasis on soft condensed matter systems, utilizing advanced scattering techniques to investigate fundamental properties of soft materials. His educational background includes undergraduate studies in physics at ETH Zurich (1990-1995), PhD studies at ETH Zurich and PSI (1995-1999), postdoctoral research at Harvard University (1999-2001), research assistant position at University of Konstanz (2002-2005), and habilitation in Experimental Physics at University of Konstanz (2016). Gasser's research centers on soft condensed matter physics, particularly the behavior of polymers and colloidal suspensions where constituent interactions depend on size, surface properties, geometrical shape, and solvent characteristics. His work explores crystal nucleation in colloidal systems, interactions of soft colloidal particles, phase behavior of magnetic/non-magnetic colloid mixtures, and morphology of grafted copolymer membranes for fuel cells. He primarily employs small-angle neutron and X-ray scattering, light scattering, and optical microscopy as investigative tools. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on microgel systems, with particular attention to counterion effects, deswelling phenomena, mechanical properties, and phase behavior. His work bridges fundamental soft matter physics with practical applications in energy materials, particularly fuel cell membranes. The publications demonstrate expertise in advanced scattering techniques to probe nanoscale structures and dynamics in soft materials. Gasser has been a Senior Scientist at PSI's Laboratory for Neutron Scattering since 2005, with previous research appointments at Adolphe Merkle Institute (University of Fribourg), University of Konstanz, and Harvard University. His research program connects fundamental soft matter physics with practical applications in energy technology, particularly through investigations of polymer membranes for fuel cells.

• Physics
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Soft Matter Physics
• +5 more

Dr. Milad Radiom is a Lecturer at the Department of Health Sciences and Technology at ETH Zürich. His work focuses on the intersection of materials science and biomedical applications, particularly in food materials, colloids, and biomaterials for medical use. He teaches courses such as Food Materials Science and Physics of Food Colloids in the Autumn Semester 2025. His research explores self-assembly mechanisms of viral particles, protein nanotubes, and amyloid fibrils, with applications in vaccine development, mucosal drug delivery, and food safety. Key projects include enhancing virus-like particle resilience and studying microbial interactions in gut environments. Radiom’s methodologies span microrheology, single-molecule spectroscopy, and material characterization under biological conditions. Publications highlight advancements in understanding colloidal behavior of viruses, surface engineering for biomedical applications, and the safety of food-derived amyloid structures. His work integrates theoretical models with experimental validation using tools like correlation force spectroscopy. Dr. Radiom holds a Ph.D. in Polymer Physics and has contributed to interdisciplinary research at the interface of engineering, biology, and materials science. Contact him at milad.radiom@hest.ethz.ch .

• Food Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Colloid Science
• +3 more