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Arwen PearsonView profile

Professor

• Structural Biology
• Biophysics
• X-ray Crystallography
• +6 more

Prof. Dr. Arwen Pearson serves as Group Leader of the Nanostructure and Solid State Physics Research Group at the University of Hamburg's Institute for Nanostructure and Solid State Physics within the Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences. She holds a professorship in Experimental Biophysics at the Hamburg Centre for Ultrafast Imaging. Her research spans structural biology and biophysics with emphasis on X-ray crystallography , structural enzymology , and time-resolved serial synchrotron methods . Pearson investigates protein dynamics including molecular breathing phenomena, allosteric communication in enzymes, and antibiotic resistance mechanisms. Her work integrates structural, kinetic, and thermodynamic approaches to study enzyme function under physiological conditions. Recent publications reveal strong focus on Time-resolved crystallography techniques for capturing biochemical movies Antibiotic resistance enzyme mechanisms SARS-CoV-2 protease inhibition Fluorescent protein photodynamics Protein crystallization methodologies Her team develops innovative methods like the HARE (hit-and-return) and LAMA (liquid application) approaches to simplify time-resolved studies. Scientific leadership includes: Professor of Experimental Biophysics at University of Hamburg (since 2014) Group leader within Hamburg Centre for Ultrafast Imaging Senior author on high-impact publications in Science, JACS, and Nature journals Pearson mentors junior research groups (Schulz, Mehrabi, Thorn) focusing on infection research, antibiotic resistance, and protein dynamics. Her team utilizes advanced facilities including PETRA-III synchrotron and European XFEL.

Rainer HaagView profile

Professor

• Nanocarriers
• Multivalent nanoparticles
• Functional dendritic architectures
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Rainer Haag is a Professor of Organic Chemistry at the Institut für Chemie und Biochemie within the Fachbereich Biologie, Chemie, Pharmazie at Freie Universität Berlin. His research focuses on nanocarriers, functional dendritic architectures, and antifouling surfaces with applications in drug delivery and biomedical engineering. He leads a prominent research group in the UniCat Excellence Cluster, contributing to projects like multivalent nanoparticles and polymer-supported catalysis. Research Interests Haag's work spans nanomaterials design, catalytic systems, and biomaterials. Key areas include: Design of pH-responsive microgels for cell encapsulation Development of dendritic polyglycerol-based polymers for biosensors Stabilization of metal nanoparticles using core-multishell architectures Enantioselective catalysis using immobilized metal complexes Publications & Patents With over 200 peer-reviewed articles, Haag has authored influential studies on graphene-based nanomaterials, dendronylated proteins, and catalytic nanoparticle systems. He holds patents for: Immobilized transition metal catalysts for asymmetric hydrogenation Microgel systems for controlled cell release Nanoparticle stabilization using dendritic templates Lab & Collaborations His group collaborates with BioSupraMol, a DFG-funded core facility for analytical chemistry. Research facilities include state-of-the-art labs for polymer synthesis, catalytic testing, and nanomaterial characterization.

Vittorio ScardaciView profile

Lecturer

• Physical Chemistry
• Nanotechnology
• Carbon Nanomaterials
• +3 more

Vittorio Scardaci is a Lecturer in Physical Chemistry at the Department of Chemistry, University of Catania. With a PhD in Engineering from the University of Cambridge (2009), his career spans academic research and industrial R&D at Hewlett-Packard Ireland (2008-2013) before returning to academia in 2018. His work focuses on carbon nanomaterials , plasmonic nanoparticles , and photonic composites , with over 50 peer-reviewed publications (h-index 27) and 2 patents. His recent research includes graphene oxide reduction , metallic nanowire networks , and ultrafast laser applications . Publications highlight plasmonic sensing , nanoparticle aggregation , and photonic device integration of nanomaterials. He is co-inventor of transparent conductive films and optical saturable absorbers . Scardaci's work intersects material synthesis , optical characterization , and applied device fabrication . He collaborates with international institutions and contributes to projects in nanostructured materials for sensors and photonic systems . His expertise spans chemical processing , nanotube-polymer composites , and laser-materials interaction .

• Biomaterials
• Functional Polymer Materials
• Soft Interface
• +7 more

Naoya Takeda is a Professor at Waseda University's School of Advanced Science and Engineering , Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience. He holds a Doctor of Engineering from The University of Tokyo and an MBA in Technology Management from Waseda University. His research focuses on biomaterials , functional polymers , and regenerative medicine with emphasis on cell culture substrates and separation techniques. Doctor of Engineering, The University of Tokyo (1998) Master of Business Administration in Technology Management, Waseda University Bachelor of Engineering, The University of Tokyo (1993) Takeda's work explores stimuli-responsive materials for biomedical applications, including thermoresponsive hydrogels , photoresponsive fiber scaffolds , and microfluidic cell manipulation systems . His team develops 3D cell culture platforms and temperature-controlled separation materials to advance regenerative therapies. His recent publications highlight trends in biomaterials engineering with applications in intestinal tissue modeling , muscle regeneration , and smart cell culture substrates . The studies employ electrospinning, ATRP polymerization, and microfluidics to create functional nanobioscience solutions. Waseda University Teaching Award (2022, 2018, 2017, 2014) Highlight Paper Awards (2021, 2019, 2017) Best Poster Award at Bio4Apps (2017) Shorai Foundation Grant (2009) Takeda collaborates with Tokyo Women's Medical University (part-time lecturer) and Tokyo Medical and Dental University on biomedical device development . His work bridges materials science and clinical applications through interdisciplinary projects in cell sheet engineering and intelligent biointerfaces .

Martin BastmeyerView profile

Professor

• Cell Biology
• Neurobiology
• Biophotonics
• +4 more

Prof. Dr. Martin Bastmeyer is a Full Professor and Head of the Department for Cell- and Neurobiology at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). He holds leadership roles including former Dean of the Faculty for Chemistry and Biosciences at KIT and spokesperson for the Helmholtz Society's BioInterfaces Programme. His research focuses on cell-neurobiology, mechanobiology, and advanced biomaterials, particularly 3D microscaffolds for cell studies. Education: Diploma in Biology (1984), PhD in Cell Biology (1989), Habilitation in Cell- and Neurobiology (1996) Research interests include cell-matrix interactions, stem cell engineering, and biophotonics applications. He pioneered studies on neural adhesion molecules and 3D-printed biomaterials for tissue engineering. Key achievements include developing mechano-responsive hydrogels and elucidating molecular mechanisms in cardiac maturation. Awards include the Erwin-Schrödinger-Prize (2016) for interdisciplinary research. His work bridges material science and biology through innovative microfabrication techniques and functional cell niches. Awards: BRIDGE Fellowship (2018), Heisenberg Fellowship (1998–2001) Prof. Bastmeyer leads interdisciplinary teams in KIT's BioInterfaces and Karlsruhe School of Optics & Photonics (KSOP), advancing biofunctional materials and cell-mechanics research. His labs utilize cutting-edge imaging and microengineering to study cellular responses to mechanical cues and environmental stimuli.

Louis CucciaView profile

Professor

• Chiral crystals
• Mirror symmetry breaking
• Chiral amplification
• +1 more

Louis Cuccia is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Concordia University, serving as Graduate Program Director. He holds a PhD from McGill University and teaches courses including Introductory Organic Chemistry I (Chem-221) and Advanced Organic Chemistry IV - Structure & Stereochemistry (Chem-325), with plans to introduce a new course on Supramolecular Materials exploring biological hierarchical structures as inspiration for advanced materials. Education: PhD in Chemistry, McGill University His research focuses on chiral crystals, mirror symmetry breaking, chiral amplification, and supramolecular chemistry. His work spans mechanochemical synthesis of organic compounds, chiral crystallization mechanisms, triboelectric nanogenerators, and biomimetic materials. Recent publications highlight innovations in solvent-free reactions, chiral induction, and applications of supramolecular principles to nanotechnology and energy devices. The 15 most recent articles (2019–2025) demonstrate expertise in mechanochemistry, supramolecular assembly, and chiral materials. Key themes include triboelectric energy harvesting, chiral amplification through grinding/abrasion, and design of bioinspired materials. Collaborative work extends to pedagogical tools for nanogenerator education and fundamental studies of molecular interactions at interfaces. Professional activities include leading the Cuccia Research Group , though specific scientific awards or grants are not detailed in available information. His teaching integrates current literature on bioinspired materials, polymer science, and nanomechanics.

• Colloid Science
• Biophysics
• Nanotechnology
• +5 more

Peter van Oostrum is a Privatdozent (Priv.Doz.Dr.) at the Institute of Colloid and Biointerface Science , Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU). His research integrates advanced optical techniques and biophysical modeling to study colloidal systems. Projects : Led key initiatives like AI-supported Holographic Environmental Water Monitoring (2025–2029) and Self-folding particle chains (2015–2020), funded by Austrian Science Fund, City of Vienna, and European Commission. Research Focus : Self-assembly of colloids, holographic microscopy, microfluidics, and force-modulated multivalent binding in bacterial systems. His work bridges nanotechnology, biophysics, and environmental monitoring. Publications : 32 peer-reviewed works, emphasizing colloidal interactions, inverse patchy particles, and holographic cytometry applications. Community Services : Active reviewer for journals like Physical Review Letters , Chemistry of Materials , and Soft Matter . Theses Supervised : Guided Bernhard Pichler’s diploma thesis on polymer-functionalized nanopores (2020).

Krishna KumarView profile

Professor

• Bioorganic Chemistry
• Chemical Biology
• Medicinal Chemistry
• +7 more

Professor Krishna Kumar serves as the Robinson Professor of Chemistry at Tufts University, with additional appointments as Professor of Biomedical Engineering and as a Graduate Biomedical Sciences Member in Genetics, Molecular and Cellular Biology. He previously chaired the Chemistry Department from 2006-2009 and again from 2012-2018, and is also a Member of the Cancer Center at Tufts Medical Center. Dr. Kumar's educational background includes a PhD from Brown University (1996) and a BSc (Honours) from St. Stephen's College, University of Delhi (1991). His academic journey has positioned him at the forefront of chemical biology research. His research focuses on the interface of chemistry, biology, and medicine, with particular emphasis on using chemical methods to interrogate biological mechanisms and designing novel molecules for therapeutic applications. Current research directions include G protein-coupled receptors, cell-surface interactions, antibiotic resistance, therapeutic molecule design for Type 2 diabetes, cancer, NASH, Alzheimer's & Parkinson's disease, and peptide penetration through biological barriers. The Kumar laboratory has developed innovative approaches including mirror image phage display for antibiotic discovery, non-stick cell surfaces for anti-metastatic properties, and strategies for understanding the origin of life. Their work spans organic chemistry, biophysics, cell biology, imaging, and medicinal chemistry, reflecting a highly interdisciplinary approach to fundamental biological questions and their medical applications. Dr. Kumar has mentored numerous graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and undergraduate researchers who have gone on to successful careers in academia, industry, and medicine. His research group continues to push boundaries in chemical biology with both fundamental discoveries and translational applications.

Ivan MinevView profile

Professor

• Bioelectronic Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering
• Neural Interfaces
• +4 more

Professor Ivan Minev is a Professor of 'Electronic Tissue Technologies' at the Else Kröner Fresenius Center for Digital Health, part of the Medical Faculty at Technische Universität Dresden since 2023. He also heads a research department at the Leibniz Institute for Polymer Research Dresden. Previously, he held a visiting professorship in Intelligent Healthcare Technologies at the Automatic Control and Systems Engineering Department, University of Sheffield (2019–2023). He earned his PhD in 'Soft Neural Interfaces' from the University of Cambridge in 2012. His research focuses on bioelectronic interfaces, combining 3D printing and soft conductive materials to create implantable, wearable, and cell culture devices. His work aims to record biopotentials from neural, muscular, and cellular systems, leveraging machine learning and signal processing to extract diagnostic biomarkers or control signals for neuroprostheses. Collaborations with Sheffield’s School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (SoEEE) aim to analyze experimental datasets for advanced data interpretation. Research interests include multi-modal neuromodulation, bioelectronic implants, and the development of hydrogels and 3D printing technologies for biomedical applications. He leads the ERC-funded IntegraBrain project, exploring multi-modal sensor-actuator networks for neural communication and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. Key honors include the Volkswagen Foundation Freigeist Fellowship (2017–2021) and an ERC Starting Grant (2019–2024). His work bridges materials science, biomedical engineering, and clinical applications, with grants totaling over €2.4 million.

Alexander A. ShestopalovView profile

Associate Professor

• Surface Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Nanostructured Materials
• +3 more

Alexander A. Shestopalov is an Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Rochester's Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, and a Scientist at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics. He holds a PhD in Physical Chemistry from Duke University (2009) and earlier degrees from Moscow State University and the Zelinsky Institute. His research focuses on interfacial engineering, nanostructured materials, and advanced manufacturing techniques. Education: PhD (2009, Duke University), PhD (2004, Zelinsky Institute), M.S. (2002, Moscow State University). Professional roles include Director of Graduate Studies in Chemical Engineering and secondary appointments in Materials Science and Chemistry. Research interests emphasize materials and surface chemistry combined with manufacturing innovations, such as monomolecular deposition, polymeric materials for micro/nano devices, and anisotropic colloids. Experimental methods include organic chemistry, patterning techniques, and advanced material characterization. Recent publications (2020–2023) highlight work on silicon nitride membranes for biomedical applications, laser-induced damage mechanisms, and shape-memory polymer technologies. Awards include the Hobbs Endowment (2009) and Burroughs Welcome Fellowship (2007). Teaching includes Thermodynamics II, Surface Analysis, and Biointerfaces. Collaborators include Professors McGrath, Anthamatten, and Rothberg. Advised over 15 graduate and postdoctoral researchers since 2010.

Chun-Long ChenView profile

Researcher

• Peptoid Chemistry
• Biomimetic Materials
• Nanomaterials
• +4 more

Dr. Chun-Long Chen is a senior research scientist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) with over 80 publications and three U.S. patents. His work bridges synthetic chemistry and materials science to develop sequence-defined synthetic polymers that mimic natural proteins, focusing on biomimetic mineralization and porous materials for clean energy . Education: PhD in Physical Inorganic Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University (2005) BS in Chemistry, Nanchang University (2000) Affiliations: Materials Research Society American Chemical Society His research interests include peptoid synthesis and self-assembly , biomimetic mineralization , in situ AFM imaging , and chemical biology . The 15 most recent articles highlight trends in nanoparticle assembly , 2D nanomaterials , and biomimetic design for energy and biomedical applications. Scientific Awards: DARPA Fold F(x) Program Award (2014, Co-PI) LDRD Award (2013, PI) Young Investigator Award (2010, ICCBMT) Best Poster Award (2010, ACCGE-West) Nanyue Award (2005, Guangdong Province) Kaisi Fellowship (2004, Sun Yat-Sen University) Samsung Award (2003, Sun Yat-Sen University) Dupont Award (2002, Sun Yat-Sen University) Dr. Chen's work involves collaborations with institutions like University of Washington and Sun Yat-Sen University , with grants from programs such as the LDRD and DARPA . His publications emphasize nanostructure control via peptoid engineering and interdisciplinary approaches to materials design.

Adrian LapthornView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Protein Structure and Function
• Enzymes of the Shikimate pathway
• Structure aided drug discovery
• +5 more

Dr. Adrian Lapthorn is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Chemistry at the University of Glasgow. His research focuses on using protein crystallography to elucidate protein structure with the aim of answering important questions on protein function and mechanism, with a specific interest in protein-protein interactions. His primary research areas include: Protein Structure and Function Enzymes of the Shikimate pathway Structure aided drug discovery Protein Crystallography Plant Glutathione S-transferases Dr. Lapthorn's research spans structural biology, biophysics, and nanotechnology, with particular emphasis on developing novel techniques for protein interface characterization and understanding enzyme mechanisms. His work has evolved from traditional crystallography to incorporate advanced optical methods for studying protein structure and dynamics. A significant portion of his recent work involves chiral plasmonic fields for protein analysis, mitochondrial enzymes, and superchiral detection methods for biomolecules. His notable scientific contributions include publications on: Human mitochondrial glutathione transferases (2024) Multiplexed biosensing of proteins and virions (2023) Superchiral near fields for virus structure detection (2020) Biomacromolecular charge chirality detection (2020) Probing protein-protein interactions with chiral plasmonic nanostructures (2019) Dr. Lapthorn has also contributed to educational initiatives, including the "Maths Support for Science" project (2017), demonstrating his commitment to STEM education alongside his research activities.

• Nanostructure Physics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Biophysics
• +3 more

Ornella Cavalleri is an Associate Professor at the University of Genoa's Department of Physics for Life Sciences, Environment and Cultural Heritage. She holds roles in academic governance, including President of the Joint Commission of Teachers and Students, and Director of the Graduate School. Her research focuses on bio-organic nanostructures, nanosystems physics, and protein aggregation, with a particular emphasis on biomedical applications like boron neutron capture therapy for glioblastoma. She leads the OptMatLab research group and teaches courses in physics, biophysics, and medical physics across undergraduate and graduate programs in Pharmacy, Dental Surgery, Biology, and Physics. Her educational contributions include courses such as FISICA CON ELEMENTI DI FISICA MEDICA (Medical Physics Elements) and BIOFISICA (Biophysics) for Pharmacy and Physics degree programs. Cavalleri’s work integrates advanced microscopy techniques (AFM, SEM, XPS) with spectroscopic ellipsometry to investigate biomaterial interfaces, nanolithography, and molecular interactions. Key research themes include developing biomimetic vesicles for targeted cancer therapy and studying protein-DNA interactions at nanoscale interfaces. Recent publications highlight advancements in boron-loaded bio-vesicles for glioblastoma treatment, AFM-based nanolithography for biosensor design, and osteointegration of porous niobium oxides. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges physics, biology, and engineering, with applications in oncology, biomaterials, and diagnostic tools. Despite no explicitly listed awards, her extensive publication record reflects significant contributions to nanomedicine and biophysical instrumentation.

• Antigen discovery
• Vaccine delivery systems
• Molecular parasitology
• +5 more

Professor Peter Smooker is a faculty member at RMIT University's School of Science, specializing in vaccine development, molecular microbiology, and protein expression. He leads the Biotechnology Laboratory and oversees the Master of Biotechnology program, training postdoctoral researchers, PhD candidates, and master’s students. His research focuses on therapeutic proteins, vaccine delivery systems, and combating bacterial and parasitic infections. He has secured over $1M in grants from organizations like the Poultry CRC, ACIAR, and industry partners. Collaborations include partnerships with companies like Nocturne, BioDiem, and Bioproperties, as well as institutions like the Prince Henry's Institute and the Burnett Institute. Roles: Biotechnology Lab Head, Program Leader for Master of Biotechnology, Research Strength Leader (Infection and Disease) Key Projects: Development of Campylobacter vaccines, Vibrio detection systems, and SLN-based DNA vaccines Research Interests: Antigen discovery, molecular parasitology, recombinant protein systems, and nanoparticle vaccine delivery. His lab emphasizes a multicultural, collaborative environment, hosting visiting scientists and training students globally.

• Biophysics
• Nanoparticle Dynamics
• Optical Trapping
• +3 more

Yazgan Tuna is a Researcher at the Yale School of Medicine, focusing on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of biophysics, nanotechnology, and optical engineering. His work explores nanoparticle dynamics, microtubule mechanics, and polymer physics using advanced microscopy and force spectroscopy techniques. Expertise: Optical trapping, single-molecule biophysics, and nanoscale systems Key Projects: Electrostatic force clamping of nanoparticles, lipid bilayer-mediated delivery, and microtubule-associated protein imaging Collaborations: Works with prominent scientists like Joe Howard and Vahid Sandoghdar His research advances understanding of biological processes through innovative experimental methods, including simultaneous interference reflection and fluorescence microscopy for dynamic cellular structures.