Anzhela Galstyan

Prof. Dr. Anzhela Galstyan is a Junior Professor at the University of Duisburg-Essen, Faculty of Chemistry, and leads the research group on Photoactive Nanomaterials. She is affiliated with the Center for Molecular Biomedicine (ZMB) and contributes to the research program in Molecular and Chemical Cell Biology. Her work bridges environmental and biomedical applications of nanomaterials, particularly through light-activated systems.

• Junior Professor, University of Duisburg-Essen (since 12/2021)
• Independent Research Group Leader, CeNTech & Center for Soft Nanoscience, WWU Münster (2016–2021)
• Postdoctoral Researcher, European Institute for Molecular Imaging, Münster (2013–2016)

Education:

• Ph.D. in Bioinorganic Chemistry, Technical University of Dortmund and Max-Planck Institute for Molecular Physiology (2010)
• Master of Science, Yerevan State University, Armenia (2005)
• Bachelor of Science with Honors, Yerevan State University, Armenia (2002)

Her research focuses on the design of photoactive nanomaterials for antimicrobial applications, water disinfection, and sustainable catalysis. She explores phthalocyanine-based photosensitizers, electrospun nanofibers, and diatom-derived green adsorbents. Her work emphasizes mechanistic understanding of photodynamic processes and material-biological interactions.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on light-responsive systems for environmental and health applications. Key themes include the development of singlet oxygen-generating materials, functionalization of natural biosilica (diatoms), and advanced imaging of active sites in photoactive membranes. Her interdisciplinary approach combines synthetic chemistry, materials science, and photobiology.

She actively participates in public science communication, including events like Pint of Science, and leads a dynamic research team at her laboratory in Essen. Her group develops innovative solutions for water purification and antibacterial technologies, often using sustainable and biocompatible materials.

Scientific Contributions:

• Developed photoactive nanomaterials for visible-light-driven water disinfection
• Innovated in the use of fossil diatoms as green nano-adsorbents
• Visualized active sites in electrospun membranes using fluorescence lifetime imaging
• Explored plant-derived photosensitizers for eco-friendly disinfection

She has secured independent research funding and leads a growing team focused on next-generation photoactive materials. Her lab integrates synthesis, characterization, and biological testing, aiming to translate fundamental discoveries into practical applications in environmental and biomedical fields.