Britta Trappmann

Prof. Dr. Britta Trappmann is a newly appointed Professor for Complex 3D Cellular Systems at TU Dortmund University since April 2023. Her position is affiliated with the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and the Dortmund Life Science Center (DOLCE). She holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Cambridge (2011) and a diploma in Chemistry from TU Dortmund (2007). Her research focuses on 3D tissue models, artificial blood vessel development, cell-ECM interactions, and biomaterial design.

Professional Journey:

• 2016-2023: Group Leader at Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine (Münster)
• 2013-2016: Postdoc at Boston University & Harvard Wyss Institute (USA)
• 2012-2013: Postdoc at University of Pennsylvania (USA)

Research Highlights:

• Pioneering work on biomimetic hydrogels mimicking ECM properties
• Development of tunable materials for studying vascular formation
• Investigations into mechanotransduction mechanisms in endothelial cells
• Creation of ex utero embryo-trophoblast co-culture systems

Publications Trends: Recent work emphasizes hydrogel-based models for angiogenesis and mechanobiology. Key themes include ECM design principles, force-regulated signaling pathways, and biomaterials enabling controlled cell behavior. Over 20 scientific articles published since 2010 span materials science, cell biology, and biomedical engineering disciplines.

Lab & Collaborations: Leads the Complex 3D Cellular Systems group at TU Dortmund, focusing on interdisciplinary research combining chemistry, engineering, and biology. Active collaborations with Max Planck Institutes and institutions in the U.S. on regenerative medicine applications.